Deep-fried lasagna pieces are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of lasagna with the crispy, golden exterior of fried food. Here’s a recipe for making deep-fried lasagna pieces:
Ingredients:
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
For Breading and Frying:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Preparing the Lasagna:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- While the sauce simmers, prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
- Let the baked lasagna cool for a bit before cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces.
Breading and Frying:
- Once the lasagna pieces are cooled, prepare a breading station. Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third dish.
- Dip each lasagna piece first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly at each step. Place the breaded lasagna pieces on a baking sheet.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add a few breaded lasagna pieces to the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried lasagna pieces and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining breaded lasagna pieces.
- Serve the deep-fried lasagna pieces hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
These deep-fried lasagna pieces are a fun and indulgent twist on traditional lasagna. They make a great appetizer or party snack, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the flavors of lasagna and crispy fried food. Enjoy!