My good cooking buddy Nick Haddow and I had been cooking lasagne over the winter of 2022, and he had the brilliant idea to cook a cast-iron lasagne over his many fire sources the evening of January 15th. We knew the recipe by heart and were looking forward to channeling his inner sportsman and our mutual inspiration, Francis Mallmann, the famed Argentine chef, for this evening’s dish, as we were cooking with fire tonight!
Ingredients
(For this preparation we at least doubled all portions)
1 – can whole peeled tomatoes
1 – can of crushed tomatoes
1 – tube of tomato paste
1 – jar of balsamic Sugo sauce
1 – jar of roasted red peppers
1 – jar of sundried tomatoes packed in oil (this is a key super ingredient)
2 – lbs of Italian sausage – homemade from my good friend Nick Haddow.
1 – jar Nick’s home made marinara from his garden
1 – celery stalk (4-6 ribs)
6 – carrots
1 – yellow onion
6 – garlic cloves
1 – bunch of Italian parsley
1/2 – lb pancetta
1 – lb shredded and grated parmesan cheese
4 – mozzarella balls
16 – oz ricotta cheese
10 – leaves of fresh basil
10 – sheets of fresh lasagne pasta
Preparation
I manned the prep station of his outdoor kitchen and got to work right away after a proper glass of wine.
Fortually Nick was prepared with a large bottle of wine.
And so it begins….
The Prep
We commenced by making the mirepoix, a traditional mix of onions, carrots, and celery, which we of course cooked over fire.
Chefs’ charcuterie, of course!
Next came the whole tomatoes, peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, which one must chop. It was time to cook the meat and add in the tomatoes, peppers, and homemade marinara.
Cast Iron assembly time…
The cast iron is finally ready.
It must have weighed at least 25 pounds. We cooked all of the ingredients over the fire and opted to use the grill to bake the lasagne. Fire time!
The lasagne was so massive that we had to carve it into layers to serve.
So amazingly good cooked over fire. The flavors settled into many complex layers.
So amazingly good on a cold night! Carter, Nick, and I feasted, keeping warm by the fire.
Another epic Hadland and Haddow meal! This one is dedicated to you, Nick. Love you dearly.