To boil or not to boil?
By Sillychick
@Sillychick (3275)
United States
December 31, 2007 11:59am CST
When you make lasagna do you boil the noodles first? I used to, because that is the way my mother made it. But in the last few years I tried making it without boiling the noodles, and it was so much better. I use the same noodles, but I put the lasagna together without boiling them, then bake it a little longer than I would if the noodles were boiled. I also use a little more sauce, to make sure it is not dry. I like the texture so much better, it is firm, but not chewy.
Which way do you prefer?
2 people like this
10 responses
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
31 Dec 07
I have never actually made lasagna. I always think about getting the stuff to make it and I never do. I have see noodles in the store that say they are no boil noodles, and regular ones. I think that lasagna with a firmer noodle would be really good. Care to share with me how you make yours?
1 person likes this
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
31 Dec 07
I line the pan with sauce, to keep everything from sticking, then put a layer of noodles, then a layer each of browned ground beef, sauce and cheese. Repeat layers to top of pan, then finish with a layer of noodles, sauce and cheese. Cover and bake for about 45 minutes on 350, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes. Let it set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Most people use ricotta cheese- I don't. I use mozzarella and a little parmasean. A lot of people also use sausage, but I don't. You can do it however you like it. Enjoy.
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
31 Dec 07
I've only ever made lasagna by boiling the noodles (par cooling) first. Lasagna is so expensive to make I have been afraid to try the no boil method - though I have been tempted. perhaps, with your endorsement of not pre boiling, I will go ahead and give it a try next time. do you do everything else the same as far as baking temperature, time and covering?
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
31 Dec 07
I cover it for about 45 minutes on 350, then cook another 15 minutes uncovered. Covering it holds some of the moisture in. I was a little nervous the first time, too. But it turned out to be really good.
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
1 Jan 08
I have made lasagna with the boiled noodles method but its just a pain in the rump to me so I buy the "no boil needed" type of noodles instead more often than not and it turns out just fine...
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
2 Jan 08
I have never tried making lasagna without boiling the noodles first. I was afraid they wouldn't get done. I'm going to try it out next time. I love lasagna. It is my oldest daughter and my grand daughters favorite dish. Thanks for the tip.
@peanutjar (5198)
• Canada
1 Jan 08
I use the ones that you do not have to boil and just lay them in the pan with layers of sauc,etc.This is the easiest way for me when i am in a hurry and do not want to spend alot of time preparing the noodles while waiting for them to boil and my daughters doing the leg attachment thing like a monkey,haha.Lots of sauce,yummy!
Peanutjar:)
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
31 Dec 07
I make lasagnas for the freezer a lot. I put in the noodles uncooked and they end up just fine when I go to eat them later. If I am going to eat it right away I cook the noodles first so that I dont have to worry about it. Had them come out crunchy once when I tried to make up a lasgna fast. Now I know better.
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
31 Dec 07
I like my lasagna really gooey so I boil the noodles when I do make it. It's a pretty rare dish here though just because of the cost.
@bstinson1989 (588)
• United States
31 Dec 07
Whenever I fix lasagna, I descide to boil the noodles first. The reason why I do this is because it makes the lasagna more taste, and it allows it absorb the sauce better as well.
@EkaterinaP (6)
•
31 Dec 07
I boil the noodles when they are frozen. If they are not then I don't boil.
