The citrus ingredient that will improve your next lasagna

When you think of Italian food, your mouth probably waters just thinking about it, especially if you imagine the delicious lasagna with its layers. It's an Italian classic that always brings comfort, but there's a way to give this almost perfect dish an even more special touch. Add a vibrant flavor to your sauce or béchamel and make your next lasagna taste more intense than ever by grating some lemon zest over it. While lemon juice can work in small amounts, the key is in the zest, the yellow outer layer of the peel, packed with aromatic oils and with a slightly earthy flavor.

It might seem a little odd to add a touch of citrus to a savory dish like lasagna, but mixing it directly into the rich sauce and creamy béchamel transports you straight to the Italian coast. Much like adding citrus zest to enhance a grilled cheese sandwich, the lemon adds a bright, subtle tang that balances the bolder flavors of the tomato sauce, cheese, and meat.

It would also pair perfectly with a fruity limoncello spritz cocktail. Remember to use only a small amount of lemon zest. Half a lemon will suffice, but even that might be too much for a whole lasagna. To get the most out of the zest, avoid grating it too much so you don't grate the white pith underneath. The best tools for this are a fine grater or a microplane grater.

It doesn't have to be limited to lemon zest.

Lemon is a great starting point if you want to add a twist to your lasagna. But you can also try other citrus fruits like lime or orange zest. If you choose lime, it will give the lasagna a slightly more intense, refreshing, and tangy flavor than lemon, which is often used in Mexican lasagna and other casseroles from the southwestern United States. Simply layer ground beef, black beans, corn, and a creamy cheese sauce with lime zest.

On the other hand, if you choose to use orange zest, it will have a sweeter flavor and a floral note. It's essential to combine it with warm spices like cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, or cloves to achieve a pleasant blend of depth and sweetness. The combination of orange zest with ricotta cheese, basil, and a rich tomato sauce will result in a delicious and refreshing lasagna that won't leave you feeling heavy. By mixing the orange zest directly with the ricotta, you achieve a perfect balance between the sweetness and the creaminess of the cheese.

And if you really fancy adding a touch of orange to your lasagna, you could even try adding a splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau for a more intense and bittersweet flavor, which, of course, would also go very well with a lemon and orange liqueur martini.