19 Sep 2023

Grilled | Episode 1: Chris Hipkins

From Grilled with Charlotte Cook, 6:00 am on 19 September 2023

Series ClassificationG (General Audiences)

Available at www.rnz.co.nz/grilled or on RNZ’s social media channels.

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins discusses yoga, the impact of all the sausage rolls, and cost of living while boldly managing to bake a lasagne in 75 minutes.

Want to try it at home? Here's his recipe.

Chris Hipkins' basic lasagne recipe

  • Beef mince
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Brown mince and onion, add garlic, add salt and pepper. Once mince is cooked, add:

  • Chopped mushrooms
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 bottle pasta sauce

Let simmer gently while you make a cheese sauce: melt 2 generous tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour until well mixed. Gradually add 2 cups milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add a couple of handfuls of grated cheese (Tasty or Colby) and stir until melted.

Grease a baking dish. Layer mince with pasta sheets (fresh or dried pasta) and cheese sauce. Sprinkle grated cheese on top. 

Bake in a 180C oven for 25-30 minutes, until browned on top and the pasta has cooked through. Serve and enjoy with the family!

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