Gluten-free lasagna: Easy and Delicious

Do you want to prepare this delicious lasagna dish for a celiac person? We indicate all the steps in a simple way. Discover its exquisite result.

It is true that pasta is one of the foods not suitable for celiacs in its traditional form, since most of them are made from wheat. However, you can prepare a gluten-free lasagna and get a dish as tasty as the classic version. 

Today you can find gluten-free pasta manufacturers that offer quality, tasty products with the same properties. You also have the option of preparing homemade lasagna plates, if you are one of those who like to make everything from scratch.

Otherwise, there are not many secrets and with a little patience everyone can prepare a delicious lasagna, worthy of the best Italian chefs. Find out below!

How to make a gluten-free lasagna?

The way to prepare a lasagna that does not contain gluten is to do without wheat, for which you have two alternatives. The first and simplest is to buy lasagna plates made with corn, almond, chickpea flour, among others. You can find these plates in specialized stores. Using them will help you shorten the entire process, as in other lasagna recipes .

The second possibility is to make the plates at home and, although this will take more work, you will get a superior flavor and the knowledge to then make other types of gluten-free pasta at home.

Below, we describe all the steps, one by one, to make this dish. To do this, you must also cook the bechamel sauce and the meat filling. Once you have these preparations ready, all that remains is to boil the pasta, assemble and gratin.

Preparation of pasta sheets at home

As we have mentioned, you have the possibility of making homemade gluten-free pasta , with which you will make your own plates and complete the entire process in an artisanal way. You need few ingredients, but it is important that you have one, especially psyllium.

This comes from the seeds of the Plantago genus of plants. It is very rich in soluble fiber, as it absorbs water and swells easily. In gluten-free recipes, it helps provide elasticity to the dough and prevents it from disintegrating.

Ingredients for the dough

• 300 grams of gluten-free flour (can be corn or any other variety suitable for making pasta).
• 1 teaspoon psyllium powder.
• 3 eggs.
• 1 teaspoon salt.

Elaboration

• In a large bowl, add the flour and psyllium and combine . Make a well in the center and gradually add the beaten eggs with a little salt. We mix until it becomes a compact paste.
• Work the dough on the counter, vigorously . The final result should be similar to soft plasticine. At that moment, make a ball, cover it with plastic and place it in the refrigerator. It has to be cold for at least an hour.
• After this time, you stretch the dough with the help of a floured rolling pin (with gluten-free flour) until you obtain a very thin sheet. With a sharp knife, cut 15 x 10 centimeter rectangles.
• Afterwards, you can boil the pasta in salted water and remove it when it is al dente.

Ingredients for Meat Sauce (or bolognese)

• 500 grams of minced beef.
• 1 large onion.
• 700 milliliters of crushed tomato.
• 2 carrots.
• 1 stick of celery.
• Olive oil.
• Salt.
• Oregano.
• A pinch of sugar (optional).

Ingredients for the Bechamel Sauce

• 25 grams of butter .
• 1/2 liter of milk.
• 30 grams of corn starch.
• Salt and pepper.
• Nutmeg.

Other ingredients

• 16 sheets of gluten-free lasagna.
• Grated cheese to gratin.
• Water.
• Salt.

Preparation of the bolognese

• Wash, peel and chop the onion into very small cubes. Place a large frying pan or casserole on the heat, add oil and sauté it. It has to be transparent.
• Meanwhile, clean, peel and cut the carrot into cubes. Do the same with the celery stick. If you wish, you can help yourself with a chopper. When the onion is ready, add the vegetables to the pan and sauté everything together.
• Next, add the meat and let it sauté until cooked well . It is important to stir from time to time, to have a homogeneous and complete cooking.
• Then add the tomato along with the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Season with salt and oregano. If you wish, also add a little sugar to correct the acidity of the tomato.
• Now, all you have to do is cover and let it simmer for at least an hour. If the sauce is too reduced (or dry), add a little water.
• After this time, remove from heat and reserve.

Preparation of the bechamel

• The next process to make this gluten-free lasagna is somewhat shorter and less elaborate. Start by heating the milk a little, so as not to incorporate it cold.
• On the other hand, put a saucepan on the heat and melt the butter.
• Next, add the cornstarch and mix well with a whisk to prevent lumps. Add the warm milk, stirring constantly, until the bechamel sauce is thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste and grate a little nutmeg.

Assembling the lasagna

• Once you have the bechamel and the meat, you are going to assemble the lasagna. If you prepare everything on the same day, you can do the cooking in parallel, depending on your skill and organization in the kitchen.
• If you have purchased gluten-free lasagna sheets, cook them following the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, place them on top of a clean, dry cloth to remove excess water.
• Next, spread a layer of bechamel sauce on the bottom of a tray and arrange 4 sheets of lasagna on top. Cover generously with the meat and a little more béchamel. Cover with 4 more sheets of pasta and repeat until you finish the plates. In the last place you must leave the bechamel.
• Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and put the lasagna in the oven, which should already be preheated to 200 degrees Celsius. Let it cook for 20 minutes and it will be ready to serve.

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As you already know, this dish requires prolonged cooking and its preparation can take time. Now, if you follow the instructions, it is quite easy to follow and the gluten-free lasagna will turn out wonderfully.

Now, keep in mind some practical recommendations that will help you during the process:

• With the indicated quantities you make a lasagna for about 4 people . If you want it to be a little more abundant, increase the number of plates used and mount one or more layers. But, you must consider that the filling will have to be less generous or you will need to cook a little more bolognese and bechamel.
• For the meat sauce you can use beef or combine with a little pork (half and half). In any case, it is advisable to buy it at a good butcher shop.
• You can cook the bolognese in advance, overnight. If this is the case, it is essential to store it in the refrigerator until it is time to use it to fill the lasagna.
• To prevent the pasta sheets from sticking, boil them in small batches.
• In the assembly process, it is a good idea to change the arrangement of the pasta plates. That way, it is more difficult for it to come apart when you cut it.
• In the case of cheese, use the one you like the most. The most traditional are parmesan, pecorino or provolone . Manchego or Emmental cheese provide a different flavor, but they are also good for melting. Again, we have to make sure that they do not contain gluten, as some processed foods could have residues.

Finally, and as always when cooking gluten-free recipes, it is important to be careful and avoid any risk of cross contamination .

It is for this reason that you must ensure that all utensils, cutlery and work surfaces are very clean. And if you have to make other dishes that do contain gluten, we are going to leave their preparation until after the lasagna.

Try this delicious lasagna suitable for celiacs

If you need to cook a gluten-free dish and want to look like a king, it is essential to make this recipe. We guarantee that the final result is something to dip your bread into.

Remember that it is essential to choose ingredients that are gluten-free and monitor possible contamination in the kitchen. For the rest, you just have to follow the indicated steps. With a little time and organization, success is in your hands.