The Food Guy Steve Dolinsky Highlights Lasagna
In the Middle of Winter, There Are Several Dishes We Love to Dive Into to Conjure Up Warmth.
In the heart of winter, we crave comfort foods that transport us to a warm and cozy place. Among those dishes, lasagna stands out as a quintessential Italian favorite that satisfies our cravings for rich flavors and textures.
A Layered Masterpiece
Lasagna, at its core, is a layered dish composed of pasta sheets, cheeses, and savory sauces. For Steve Dolinsky, The Food Guy, a well-crafted lasagna requires high-quality ingredients, including homemade noodles, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses. At Freddy’s Pizza in Cicero, owner Joe Quercia shares his secrets for making the perfect lasagna.
“We use homemade noodles, it’s made fresh every time we make a lasagna,” Quercia explained. “Good ricotta, really good ground beef, not too fatty.” His recipe includes layering pasta sheets with tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, ricotta with parsley and black pepper, and ground beef (optional). The final layer is topped with shredded mozzarella cheese, which is then baked until golden brown.
A New Twist on a Classic
Meanwhile, Alla Vita in the West Loop takes a different approach to lasagna. Chef Darren Underway uses creamy bechamel sauce as the foundation for green sheets of spinach pasta, topped with tomato sauce, more bechamel, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This season, Underway adds a new twist: thinly sliced and roasted eggplant.
“The tradition is roasted tomato, bechamel, and I think adding a nice component for texture and flavor is eggplant,” Underway explained. “We bake it at about 325 for an hour-and-a-half, so you allow all the starch from the pasta, all the cheese and all of those layers kind of meld together.”
Around Town: Other Lasagna Hotspots
While Freddy’s and Alla Vita stand out for their unique approaches, other local spots offer delicious lasagna options. La Scarola, Italian Homemade Company, Viaggio, Piccolo Sogno, Monteverde, and Segnatore are all worth checking out for a warm and satisfying lasagna fix.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of classic lasagna or prefer a twist on the traditional recipe, these local spots are sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, comforting meal. So grab a fork and dig in to experience the best of Chicago’s lasagna scene!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the essential ingredients for a well-crafted lasagna?
A: Homemade noodles, rich tomato sauce, a blend of cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan), and ground beef (optional).
Q: How do you reheat lasagna for optimal flavor and texture?
A: Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
Q: Can I make lasagna at home?
A: Yes! With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious lasagna in the comfort of your own home.
