Bushra Griffith
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that combines noodles, sauces, and several cheeses. One of the most popular versions of this dish is lasagna with ricotta cheese. To make this variety of lasagna, you can use either béchamel sauce or ricotta for the filling. Ricotta is a creamy, grainy soft cheese that is similar to cottage cheese but without lumps. Adding an egg to the ricotta cheese mixture is a common practice as it helps bind the cheese and prevents it from oozing out of the layers when cut. The egg also adds richness and thickness to the filling. However, omitting the egg will not affect the taste, and the dish will only be slightly runnier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of egg | Binding the ricotta cheese mixture to prevent it from oozing out or becoming runny |
| Effect on taste | Negligible |
| Substitutes | Low-fat cottage cheese |
| Ricotta cheese mixture additions | Parsley, Parmesan, Mozzarella, oregano, basil, thyme, diced onions, garlic, olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
Lasagna with ricotta cheese and egg
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that combines noodles, sauces, and several cheeses. One popular version is lasagna with ricotta cheese, which has a lighter texture than béchamel sauce. To make this variety of lasagna, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Ricotta cheese: Use full-fat, soft, whole milk ricotta for the best taste and texture. It should have a velvety, mouth-coating texture and a creamy, somewhat grainy consistency.
- Egg: Adding an egg to the ricotta cheese mixture helps to bind the cheese, preventing it from oozing out or becoming runny when you cut into the baked lasagna. It also adds richness and thickness to the filling.
- Parmesan cheese: Ideally, use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or good-quality Italian grated Parmesan for savory umami flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture, whole cow's milk mozzarella is recommended for the ideal melty factor.
- Pasta sheets: Lasagna is typically made with wide, flat ribbon-shaped pasta sheets that are pre-cooked and then baked in the oven. However, some recipes use uncooked pasta sheets.
- Sauce: You can use a variety of sauces, such as meat sauce, beef ragu, Bolognese, or marinara sauce. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and use a ready-made jar of marinara sauce.
Here's a general method for assembling and baking the lasagna:
- Start by whisking an egg in a medium bowl with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings or herbs, such as parsley, basil, or thyme.
- Add the ricotta cheese to the egg mixture and combine until creamy and blended.
- Spread a layer of your chosen sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of pasta sheets over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture on top of the pasta sheets, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layers of sauce and ricotta, ending with a final layer of sauce.
- Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at a temperature between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-50 minutes. If your lasagna is assembled and chilled overnight, bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let the lasagna rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to thicken and settle.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, such as diced onions, garlic, or meat, to create your own unique lasagna with ricotta cheese and egg.
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Binding the ricotta cheese with egg
Lasagna is a classic dish that combines the hallmarks of Italian cuisine, including noodles, sauces, and cheese. One of the most popular versions of this dish is lasagna with ricotta cheese.
Ricotta cheese is a creamy and grainy soft cheese that is similar to cottage cheese but without the lumps. When making lasagna, it is important to use full-fat, soft, whole milk ricotta to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
To enhance the flavour of the ricotta, you can add salt and lemon juice. For a basic ricotta mixture, you will need 16 ounces of whole milk ricotta, one egg, and a couple of tablespoons of parsley. However, you can also experiment with different seasonings, such as freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, fresh basil, thyme, oregano, diced onions, and garlic cooked in olive oil.
Adding an egg to the ricotta cheese mixture is a crucial step in binding the cheese. The egg helps to thicken the mixture and prevent it from becoming runny, ensuring that the lasagna holds together when cut. It also adds richness and thickness to the ricotta, making it less likely to spill out from under the layers of baked lasagna.
To prepare the ricotta and egg mixture, simply whisk an egg in a medium bowl with salt and pepper. Then, add the ricotta, along with any desired seasonings, and whisk until creamy and blended. This mixture can then be spread onto the layers of pasta in your lasagna, creating a delicious and cohesive dish.
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Other ingredients in ricotta cheese mixture
Lasagna is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. The use of ricotta cheese is a popular choice for those seeking a creamy and indulgent texture. When combined with egg, the ricotta becomes more robust and less likely to ooze out of the layers, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing dish.
The ricotta cheese mixture can be enhanced with various ingredients to elevate the flavor and texture. Here are some suggestions for other ingredients to include in the ricotta cheese mixture:
- Herbs and Spices: Adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley can enhance the natural grainy flavor of the ricotta. Oregano is another herb that can infuse the ricotta with a distinct aroma and taste. Additionally, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese can be incorporated to amplify the savory notes.
- Vegetables: Diced onions and garlic, sautéed in olive oil, can be mixed into the ricotta cheese mixture. This combination adds a savory depth of flavor and a subtle crunch to the lasagna.
- Meat: For a heartier option, you can incorporate cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the ricotta cheese mixture. This creates a meat-filled layer within the lasagna, making it a satisfying main course.
- Cheeses: To make the lasagna even more decadent, extra cheese can be blended into the ricotta mixture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a punch of flavor, while shredded mozzarella contributes to the stretchiness and gooey texture of the dish.
- Lemon Juice and Salt: For a tangy twist, add a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the ricotta cheese mixture. This combination enhances the flavor of the ricotta and reduces its moisture content, resulting in a more concentrated cheese flavor.
These ingredients can be mixed and matched according to personal preference, allowing for a customizable lasagna that suits individual tastes and dietary needs.
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Preparing ricotta cheese for lasagna
Choosing the Right Ricotta Cheese
Start by selecting the right type of ricotta cheese. It is recommended to use whole milk ricotta cheese, as it has a creamy texture and a rich, mouth-coating consistency. Skim or low-fat ricotta cheese should be avoided, as they can affect the creaminess and overall taste of the lasagna.
Mixing with Other Cheeses
Ricotta cheese is often combined with other cheeses to create a more complex and flavourful mixture. The most common cheeses used in addition to ricotta are mozzarella and Parmesan. When mixing these cheeses, it is important to use good quality, whole-milk mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan for the best results. The cheeses should be shredded or grated and then stirred together in a large mixing bowl.
Adding Eggs
Eggs are a common ingredient in ricotta cheese mixtures for lasagna. They help to bind the cheese mixture, preventing it from oozing out of the lasagna when cut. To prepare the egg mixture, whisk one large egg in a medium bowl with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as parsley or garlic powder, to enhance the flavour. Once the egg mixture is well combined, it can be added to the cheese mixture and stirred together until blended.
Preparing the Filling
Once the ricotta cheese mixture is ready, it can be used as a filling for the lasagna. Simply spread the mixture onto the pasta sheets, ensuring it reaches the edges. If the filling is too thick or difficult to spread, let it come to room temperature before using. The ricotta cheese filling can also be used to stuff manicotti or jumbo pasta shells.
Baking the Lasagna
After assembling the lasagna with the ricotta cheese filling, it is time to bake it. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake at the recommended temperature for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly golden and the edges are crisp. Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before serving to let it set.
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Layering the lasagna
To layer your lasagna, you'll need cooked lasagna noodles, your meat sauce, and your ricotta mixture. You can also prepare some mozzarella slices and grated Parmesan cheese.
Start by spreading a liberal amount of sauce onto a 9"x13" baking dish. Then, lay out the first layer of noodles. You can choose to criss-cross the noodles, as some claim that this helps the lasagna hold together better.
Next, spread your ricotta mixture onto the noodles. You can add some mozzarella slices on top of the ricotta mixture, followed by more sauce. Sprinkle about a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
Repeat these layers until you reach your desired number. You can top the final layer with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 400°F, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the edges of the pasta are crisp and the cheese is golden.
Some recipes suggest baking the lasagna covered for 25 minutes, then uncovering and baking for another 25 minutes. Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Adding an egg to ricotta cheese helps to bind the cheese so that it doesn't ooze out of the lasagna when you cut into it.
A basic ricotta mixture calls for 16 ounces of whole milk ricotta, one egg, and a couple of tablespoons of parsley.
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese are all popular additions to ricotta lasagna.
You can experiment with different seasonings such as basil, thyme, oregano, garlic, and onions.
