How is it possible to make lasagna with dry, uncooked noodles and have them come out cooked?

Question

in other words, how do the uncooked noodles end up cooked as if they had been boiled in the water beforehand, if that makes sense?

Answer 1

I dont know.. but it works. I do it all the time, but you have to buy the special one that says you don't need to boil them first. Comes out fine!!

Answer 2

I've made lasagna that way for years -- long before the advent of the commercially made "no-cook" noodles. The tomato sauce and ricotta cheese both have plenty of moisture that will steam the noodles soft as the dish cooks, but it's best if you let the prepared lasagna sit overnight.

That way, the noodles will have absorbed the extra liquid and already be softened when you bake them. Use plenty of sauce, and the lasagna will turn out just fine with no tedious boiling and trying to separate sticky noodles first.

Answer 3

The technique for no-boil lasagna is simple. The casserole is assembled using uncooked noodles, sauce and filling ingredients, then covered and baked for 45 minutes. During that time, the steam created by the sauce and other ingredients cooks the noodles. At the end of 45 minutes, the cover is removed, and the casserole cooks for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken.

Answer 4

You can buy no-boil noodles, that's what I like to use. But if you have regular ones, you can par-boil them (also known as al dente) because they'll still absorb some liquid while baking. You don't want to completely boil them or your lasagna will come out mushy. Another option is to add 1 cup of water to your sauce and the noodles will absorb the water while the lasagna is in the oven. Good luck!

Answer 5

It is indeed possible, but you have to use lasagna noodles that secifically indicate that they are to be used dry. Ronzoni makes some that are called "oven ready." No need for boiling ahead of time! You'd have to ask Alton Brown about all the physics behind the cooking process, but it can be done!

Answer 6

There are some lasagna noodles that don't need to be cooked--they are called "no boil" noodles. Look for them at the grocery--they are common. I still like to use the ones you cook.

Answer 7

I've never done it with lasagna but I've used this method with other pasta and rice dishes (eg - rice a roni). The liquid in the recipe creates enough moisture for the pasta to cook at the same time as the rest of the ingredients.

If you're using a recipe for the first time, it's best to follow it exactly, especially on the liquid ingredients. And if it says to cover the dish while cooking, they intend for the steam to help in the cooking process.

Lasagna... mmmm! I think we need a recipe page!

Answer 8

You can use regular lasagne noodles, uncooked, just add 1 c of water (I used a dark beer once and it was delicious) at the side of the dish once your lasagne is all assembled, cover tightly with tinfoil and cook as usual.

Or, use special lasagne noodles and you don't have to add the extra water.

Answer 9

They cook in the sauce. I have prepared it this way in the past and I've never had a problem. They always come out cooked and it saves the trouble of having to prepare the noodles seperately.

Answer 10

Usually no cook lasagna recipes include more liquid-they also make noodles that are partially cooked called, appropriately enough, no boil noodles.

Answer 11

The noodles cook in the oven absorb the liquids.