Alizanya (Foodyssey's Turkish-Style Baked Lasagna)

Foodyssey's kitchen gives Italian lasagna its own Turkish twist, layering ground meat and Alinazik sauce (roasted eggpleant puree with yoghurt and garlic) in this baked dish.

Prep time: 30 minutes · Cook time: 40 minutes · Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna sheets

• 300 g ground beef

• 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic

• 400 g tomato sauce (or grated tomatoes + 2 tablespoons tomato paste)

• Alinazik sauce: 3 tablespoons butter, Eggplants puree (with 3 roasted eggplants) and two cloves of garlic

• Grated kaşar cheese (or mozzarella)

• Salt, black pepper, thyme, red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Sauté the ground meat with the onion and garlic, add the tomato sauce, and cook for 15 minutes.

2. For the béchamel, cook the flour in the butter, then gradually whisk in the milk to make a smooth sauce.

3. In a baking dish, layer the lasagna sheets, meat sauce, and béchamel in alternating layers.

4. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated kaşar cheese on top.

5. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes, until golden on top.

6. Slice and serve hot.