Curry-Spiced Katsu Chicken Ramen
Crispy panko-breaded chicken served atop curry-spiced ramen broth with soft-boiled eggs, carrot ribbons, fresh coriander and nori for a comforting fusion bowl.
A rich festive lasagne that transforms leftover Christmas meats into layers of comfort, with a robust tomato and wine sauce and a creamy cheddar béchamel.
This is a hearty and comforting lasagne that makes brilliant use of any cooked meats left over from Christmas dinner. Turkey, ham, or cocktail sausages all work well here, either on their own or mixed together. It's a proper winter dish that turns what might have been a simple sandwich into something worth sitting down for.
The sauce starts with a fragrant base of red onion, garlic, and fresh rosemary sautéed in olive oil. Once that's softened, you add chopped tomatoes, red wine, tomato puree, oregano, and a bay leaf. The wine gives the sauce a good depth of flavour, and simmering it for 30 to 40 minutes lets everything thicken and concentrate. Then the chopped leftover meat goes in and simmers for another 15 minutes to soak up all those rich flavours. It's straightforward cooking, but the results are anything but ordinary.
The cheese sauce is a classic béchamel made richer with double cream and a generous handful of mature cheddar. You start with a butter and flour roux, cooking it until it turns a deep golden brown for extra flavour. Then the milk and cream go in gradually, whisked carefully to avoid lumps, creating a thick, velvety sauce.
Layering the lasagne is simple enough. A thin layer of meat sauce goes down first, then dried lasagne sheets that overlap slightly, followed by the cheese sauce. Repeat this two more times, finishing with a final sprinkle of cheese on top. The whole thing bakes at 170°C for 45 minutes until it's bubbling and golden.
Letting the lasagne rest for 20 minutes after baking is important. It makes serving much easier and gives the flavours time to settle.
This lasagne is a great way to give those Christmas leftovers a second life. It's comforting, cheesy, and satisfying in the way only a proper lasagne can be. Perfect for feeding the family when you're all a bit tired of cold turkey sandwiches.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread to balance the richness of the lasagne.
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