Kenny Logan's

Lasagne

Everyone considers lasagne a simple meal but actually it takes time and dedication to make a really tasty dish. This recipe combines the traditional Italian, by the inclusion of milk which gives a wonderful mellow rather than acidy tomato flavour, and the not so traditional Scottish with the use of a sharp cheddar.

Serves 6

2tblsp oil
1 large onion finely chopped
2 ribs celery finely chopped
1 carrot peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic crushed
750gms minced beef
150gms minced pork
Salt and Pepper
1tsp dried oregano
2 bay leaves
200mls whole milk
200mls red wine
1 can plum tomatoes
1tblsp tomato puree
Pinch sugar

1 box ready to cook lasagne sheets

75gms butter
75gms plain flour
900mls / 1 ½ pints warm milk
Salt and Pepper
125gms grated strong white cheddar

METHOD

Heat the oil in a heavy cast iron casserole and add the onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Cook gently for 5 mins until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the beef, pork and a good pinch of salt. Turn up the heat a little and brown the meat for a couple of minutes. Add the wine and let it bubble until it has reduced down, cooking off the alcohol. Add the milk to the pan, along with the oregano, bay leaves and a good grind of pepper and simmer until the milk is incorporated - about 5 mins. Chop the tomatoes roughly in the can using a sharp knife and slicing it down within the can. Tip the tomatoes into the pan and add ½ can water, the puree and sugar. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, very gently for 2 hours.

Heat the oven to 200C
Make the white sauce by melting the butter and flour together to form a smooth paste in a pan, then pour in the warm milk. Whisking all the time, bring gently to a simmer and a glossy smooth sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and beat in the cheese.

Layer the white sauce, meat sauce and pasta in an oven proof baking dish until it is used up, finishing with a white layer.

Place the baking dish on a tray and place in the oven for 3-40mins until the lasagne is golden and bubbling all over.

Allow to settle for 5mins before serving with a crisp well dressed salad.