Aunt Gina's Lasagna

Step 1

For the pasta dough:

Step 2

Place flour on a wooden board, make a well and break the eggs into it. If you prefer, you can mix it in a bowl with a fork or in an electric mixer with a dough hook.

Step 3

Slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs. There should be just enough moisture so the ingredients stick together to form a smooth, elastic ball but not enough to stick to the table or bowl. You may need to add a bit of water if the dough is too dry and crumbly, or a bit more flour if too wet and sticky.

Step 4

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it set for about 30 minutes.

Step 5

Use a sharp knife to cut off a chunk from the ball. Flatten the chunk of dough with the heel of your hand then roll it out to the desired thickness with a floured rolling pin.

Step 6

For the salsa marinara:

Step 7

Saute garlic, onion and red pepper in olive oil. Remove them from the oil before they brown.

Step 8

Add tomatoes and simmer for about 40 minutes. Stir often to avoid sticking, especially if the pot youre using does not have a heavy bottom.

Step 9

After 15 minutes add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 10

After another 30 minutes, check sauce for consistency; if too watery, leave lid off to reduce.

Step 11

For the lasagna:

Step 12

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 13

Brown ground meat in a fry pan then drain off the fat. Place salsa marinara in a sauce pan, stir in browned meat, and heat gently over a medium flame until its hot. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.

Step 14

Meanwhile, roll pasta dough to desired thickness and cut into 2 1/2-inch wide strips.

Step 15

Spoon hot meat sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 16

Place a single layer of lasagna strips into the baking dish, lengthwise. Layer with grated cheese and mozzarella, then top with meat sauce.

Step 17

Repeat these steps for the second layer but place lasagna strips widthwise. Alternating the direction of the pasta strips will keep your lasagna from falling apart when its cut.

Step 18

Repeat to make as many layers as you like. Finish by spooning more sauce on top and sprinkle with grated cheese.

Step 19

Bake for 45 minutes or until sauce and cheese are bubbling. Remove lasagna from the oven and let rest for 30 minutes before serving.