Ofelia was the hairdresser in the town, Vryburg, in the North West Province of our country.
I hated hairdressers and still do but my Mother just love to go to the hairdresser.
Once a month we would take the 60 km to town for this monthly treat
To my mother's disappointment the latest hair trends did not impress me but Ofelia was an Italian lady and yes you have guest it the food was much more interesting.
I finished school and went to University to become a teacher but
In 1978 Ofelia's Lasagne a la Bolognaise became part of our family
In 1978 Ofelia's Lasagne a la Bolognaise became part of our family
Over the years we have learned to make our very own pasta and what is more satisfying to serve home made pasta to our guests.
To make the Lasagne a la Bolognaise is like talking to an old friend
Melt 15ml Butter in a pan, add 15 ml flour and mix to smooth paste. Gradually add 500 ml milk and stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Add 250 ml strong flavoured cheese, salt and pepper to taste
Bolognaise sauce
Saute 1 finely chopped onion in 45 ml olive oil until golden brown with 2 medium carrots chopped and chopped fresh celery. Add seasoning to taste. Add 800 g lean topside mince and 2 or 3 chopped chicken livers and brown .
Add 500 ml water, 125 ml red wine (semi sweet), 1 x 113g tin tomato paste. If preferred increase the water and leave the wine but add 30 ml sugar. Cook over medium heat and stir occasionally.
Prepare the lasagne sheets as preferred
The difficult part is to stack the bolognaise, lasagne then the Bechamel in sequence
Top with strong flavoured grated cheese
Place in pre-heat oven of 160 oC till ready
Fill the glasses with a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and enjoy a good match
Love from South Africa
Sandra
