Latest news with #Lasagne
BreakingNews.ie
16-07-2025
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Yasmin Khan's halloumi lasagne
'Lasagne is one of my ultimate comfort foods, and in the case of this particular lasagne, it's not hard to understand why,' says Yasmin Khan. 'Soft layers of pasta and béchamel are interspersed with a rich tomato sauce laden with hearty Mediterranean vegetables such as squash, courgette, pepper, and aubergine, and then topped with thin slices of halloumi cheese for an irresistible appeal. Advertisement 'I serve it with a crisp salad and some garlic bread. This freezes well, so it's great for batch-cooking.' Halloumi lasagne Yasmin Khan's halloumi lasagne (Jonathan Gregson/PA) Ingredients: (Serves 4-6) 550g peeled and deseeded butternut squash, cut into small pieces 450g courgettes, cut into small pieces 1 red pepper, cut into small pieces 2 medium aubergines, cut into small pieces Olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 4 fat garlic cloves, finely grated 500ml passata 1tsp balsamic vinegar 2tsp dried oregano 1 teaspoon sweet paprika ½tsp Aleppo pepper or other mild chilli flakes ¼tsp ground cinnamon 120ml water 12 lasagne sheets Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the béchamel sauce 75g butter 80g plain flour 700ml milk ¼tsp ground white pepper Pinch ground nutmeg 50g finely grated Parmesan cheese Salt Toppings 200g block halloumi, very thinly sliced 25g finely grated Parmesan cheese Yasmin Khan's halloumi lasagne (Jonathan Gregson/PA) Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas Mark 4. Combine the squash, courgettes, red pepper, and aubergines on a large baking sheet (use two sheets if needed), drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil, season with a generous pinch of salt, and mix well with your hands. Roast for 30 minutes, or until soft. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 12 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. stir in the passata, vinegar, oregano, paprika, chilli flakes, and cinnamon and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Advertisement 3. Add the roasted vegetables and season with ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add the water to loosen the mixture and mix well. 4. To make the béchamel, combine the butter and flour in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring to form a paste. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Add the milk, white pepper, and nutmeg and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce is thick and smooth. Stir in the 50g Parmesan and ¼ teaspoon salt. 5. Now begin layering. Spoon one-third of the vegetable mixture into a 2.6 litre glass baking dish and cover with one-third of the lasagne sheets in a single layer. Top with one-third of the béchamel. Repeat with two more layers each of vegetables, pasta, and béchamel. Top the lasagne with the halloumi and the 25g Parmesan. 6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes to allow the filling to settle before cutting the lasagne. Advertisement (Bloomsbury Publishing/PA) Sabzi: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes for Every Day by Yasmin Khan. Photography by Jonathan Gregson. Available now.
NDTV
28-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
What Is Continental Cuisine? Discover The Iconic Dishes That Make It So Popular
Continental cuisine is a term widely used to describe the culinary traditions of mainland Europe, especially Western and Northern Europe. It typically refers to the food cultures of countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Greece. Known for its focus on dairy, herbs, sauces, and a balanced use of spices, continental cuisine celebrates quality ingredients and timeless cooking techniques like roasting, grilling, baking, and sauteing. Unlike the bold and often spicy flavours of Asian or Latin American cuisines, continental fare is generally more subtle and refined. It prioritises taste through the layering of herbs and the richness of ingredients such as butter, cream, olive oil, and cheese. Meals are typically structured, beginning with a starter or soup, followed by a main course and dessert. Key Characteristics of Continental Cuisine: Continental cuisine places heavy emphasis on proteins like chicken, beef, pork, and seafood, accompanied by sides such as mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables, rice, or fresh salads. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, and basil are commonly used, while sauces such as bechamel, demi-glace, and hollandaise are staples. Bread and cheese often appear at the table, and wine is a popular pairing or cooking ingredient. Here Are 7 Popular Continental Dishes: Continental cuisine includes many world-famous and widely enjoyed dishes: 1. Coq au Vin (France) A traditional French dish where chicken is braised slowly in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon for a rich and flavourful meal. 2. Lasagne (Italy) A layered pasta bake featuring sheets of pasta, meat ragu, bechamel sauce, and cheese - a comforting staple of Italian home cooking. Want to make it at home? Try this lasagne recipe. 3. Paella (Spain) A colourful rice dish cooked with saffron, vegetables, and a mix of seafood or meats, often enjoyed as a celebratory meal. 4. Grilled Chicken with Herb Butter (Various) A simple yet elegant dish, often served with sauteed vegetables and mashed potatoes, found in many continental menus. 5. Quiche Lorraine (France) A savoury pie made with eggs, cream, cheese, and bacon, served warm or cold, perfect for brunch or lunch. 6. Spaghetti Carbonara (Italy) A creamy pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. It's rich, quick to prepare, and loved worldwide. Try this easy spaghetti carbonara recipe. 7. Ratatouille (France) A stewed vegetable medley of courgettes, aubergines, peppers, and tomatoes, flavoured with herbs - both hearty and healthy. 8. Tiramisu (Italy) A beloved dessert made of layered coffee-soaked sponge, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder - indulgent and elegant. Enjoy it at home with this tiramisu recipe. Continental cuisine has stood the test of time, influencing chefs and home cooks around the globe. Whether you're enjoying a flaky croissant at breakfast or a classic creme brulee for dessert, continental dishes offer a flavourful glimpse into Europe's rich and varied culinary traditions.
