Lasagna with Mackerel Ragout and Mushrooms

Here is an all-Italian variation of the classic lasagna, featuring the use of mackerel and mushrooms for a rich and slightly unusual flavor.

Ingredients

  • 250g of lasagna (preferably egg pasta)
  • 300g of fresh mackerel or canned, already filleted and drained
  • 300g of mushrooms (champignons, porcini, or a mix to taste)
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Fresh parsley to taste
  • 500ml of béchamel sauce
  • 1 small onion
  • 150g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • White wine (optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them. In a frying pan, sauté the chopped garlic with a drizzle of oil and then add the mushrooms. Season them with salt and pepper and cook until they are golden brown. Add some chopped parsley and, if you wish, deglaze with a bit of white wine, let it evaporate and set aside.
  2. In another pan, cook the mackerel with a drizzle of oil and the chopped onion until it easily flakes. If you are using canned mackerel, drain it from its oil and add it to the pan just to flavor it with the onion.
  3. Prepare the béchamel following the classic recipe or, if you prefer, buy it ready-made.
  4. Take a baking dish and start assembling the lasagna: a layer of béchamel on the bottom, then a pasta sheet, followed by the mackerel ragout, mushrooms, and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with béchamel and Parmesan.
  5. Bake the lasagna in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30-40 minutes or until the surface is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Allow the lasagna to rest for a couple of minutes out of the oven before serving.

Fun Facts

Lasagna is a versatile dish that welcomes many variations, from meat to vegetables to fish. In this version, mackerel and mushrooms provide a flavorful combination that departs from tradition, but maintains the spirit of a rich main course. Oily fish like mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and perfectly match their bold taste with the earthiness of mushrooms.

Lasagna with Mackerel Ragout and Mushrooms