Il Cucinologo
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White Lasagna with Shrimp, Squid, and Lime

17/11/2023

White lasagne with shrimp, squid, and lime are a refined and tasty variant of the classic Italian dish. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients

  • 250 g of lasagne (fresh or dry that require pre-cooking)
  • 300 g of peeled shrimp
  • 300 g of cleaned squid cut into rings
  • The grated zest of one lime
  • The juice of half a lime
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 500 ml of bechamel
  • A bunch of fresh chopped parsley
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino) for gratinating

Preparation

  1. If using dry lasagne that require pre-cooking, cook them in plenty of salted water following the instructions on the package, but drain them a couple of minutes before the indicated time so they remain al dente. If using fresh lasagne, you can skip this step.

  2. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of oil and lightly sauté the garlic cloves. Add the squid and sauté for a few minutes over high heat, then add the shrimp and continue cooking until they turn pink and are cooked but still juicy.

  3. Add the lime zest and juice and half of the chopped parsley. Sauté for another minute, then turn off the heat and set the seafood mixture aside.

  4. Prepare the bechamel with butter, flour, and milk if you haven’t already; adjust with salt, pepper, and, if you like, a pinch of nutmeg.

  5. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Start with a layer of bechamel on the bottom, followed by a layer of lasagne, some of the seafood mixture, and a sprinkle of grated cheese. Continue layering until the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of bechamel and a generous sprinkle of grated cheese.

  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 25-30 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy.

  7. Let the lasagne rest for 5-10 minutes before serving and sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley.

Trivia

This recipe is an example of how Italian cuisine lends itself beautifully to creative interpretations, blending traditional ingredients with more exotic flavors like that of lime. The addition of lime not only gives freshness and lightness to the dish, but creates a pleasant contrast with the creaminess of the bechamel and the sweetness of the seafood.