Butternut Squash Lasagna

Butternut Squash Lasagna is a fall favorite for a reason, and once you Savor this lasagna, you’ll understand why. What began as an experiment for gluten-free ravioli turned into something even more extraordinary. Our innovative take on classic lasagna replaces the traditional tomato sauce with a rich, creamy butternut squash and cashew sauce that beautifully complements layers of lasagna noodles, sautéed kale, and mushrooms.

This plant-based (with an optional gluten-free twist) dish offers undeniable comfort and wide-ranging appeal, making it an ideal addition to holiday dinner spreads or a week’s worth of meal prep. And did we mention you only need 10 ingredients? Let us guide you through the process.

The History of Lasagna:

Like many of you, we too thought that lasagna hailed from Italy, but its origins are a fascinating blend of culinary history.

Some believe its roots trace back to ancient Greece, where they crafted layered dough sheets, known as “laganon,” sliced into strips and baked to perfection. Others point to a Roman dish mentioned in a 1st-century AD cookbook, while some attribute its creation to England or Italy during the 14th century, with cookbooks describing the novel idea of layering cheese and pasta in a dish and baking it to deliciousness.

What follows is a plant-based take on the timeless pleasure of assembling layers of “cheese” and pasta, then baking them in a casserole dish.

Tools for this recipe:

1. Garlic Press
2. Wire whisk
3. a big pot
4. Sharp knife
5. bowl
6. skillet
7. kitchen tongs
8. Microplane

Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

1. 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or pre-cooked)
2. 4 cups of diced butternut squash, peeled
3. 2 tablespoons of olive oil
4. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
5. 3 cloves of garlic, minced
6. 1 teaspoon of dried sage
7. a half teaspoon dried thyme
8. a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg
9. Salt and pepper to taste
10. 2 cups of ricotta cheese
11. 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
12. 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
13. 2 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves
14. Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the diced butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender. Set aside.

Step 2: Create Butternut Squash Puree

• In a large skillet, heat up a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it dance in the skillet until it turns beautifully translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Set it away for later use once completed.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

In a large skillet, set the heat to medium and let it come to life with a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3-4 minutes, or until transparent. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• Grab a mixing bowl and bring the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese together in a flavourful embrace. Give them a good mix until they become fast friends. Season this cheesy duo with a pinch of salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

In a baking dish:

• Start by spreading a thin layer of the butternut squash puree on the bottom.
• Place three lasagna noodles over the puree.
• Lay down the first layer of flavour by spreading half of that creamy ricotta cheese mixture generously over the lasagna noodles. Let the cheese hug those noodles evenly.
• Add half of the roasted butternut squash puree on top.
• Layer with half of the baby spinach leaves.
• Generously distribute a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers:

• Lasagna noodles
• Ricotta cheese mixture
• Butternut squash puree
• Spinach
• Mozzarella cheese
• Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the hot lasagna for a burst of colour and flavour.

Step 8: Enjoy

• Allow the Butternut Squash Lasagna to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Share this comforting and flavourful dish with your loved ones and relish the taste of fall.

This Butternut Squash Lasagna is a delightful twist on a classic favourite, offering a creamy and satisfying experience that captures the essence of autumn on your plate.

Butternut Squash Lasagna Nutrition Information:

Butternut Squash Lasagna Health Benefits:

• Butternut Squash: High in vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants, it supports eye health, boosts immunity, and provides essential nutrients.
• Ricotta Cheese: A high-protein, calcium-rich food that promotes muscle function and bone health.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides protein and calcium, contributing to strong bones and teeth.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers protein and calcium, promoting muscle health and strong bones.
• Spinach: Rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron, it supports blood health and provides essential nutrients.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Onion and Garlic: Provide flavour and contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with potential health benefits.
• Herbs and Spices (Sage, Thyme, Nutmeg): Add flavour and may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Storage Instructions:

After relishing the rich and comforting Flavors of your Butternut Squash Lasagna, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their taste and texture. Here’s how:

1. Allow Cooling: Let the leftover lasagna cool down to room temperature before storing it. This keeps moisture from building up in the storage container, which could turn your lasagna soggy.
2. Use Airtight Container: Transfer the remaining lasagna to an airtight container. Make sure the lid is securely sealed to keep air out and preserve the freshness of the lasagna.
3. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the sealed container of lasagna in the refrigerator promptly after serving. Proper refrigeration helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the lasagna safe to eat.
4. Consume Within 3-4 Days: Enjoy your leftover Butternut Squash Lasagna within 3-4 days of preparation for the best taste and quality. While it may still be safe to eat beyond this time frame, the Flavors and texture may diminish.

Reheating Instructions:

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover lasagna again, follow these simple reheating instructions to bring back its deliciousness:

1. Oven Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Scoop out the amount of lasagna you want onto an oven-safe dish.
• Give it a cozy aluminium foil blanket to keep it moist.
• Pop it in the oven for 20-30 minutes until it’s warmed all the way through.
• Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and bubbly.

2. Microwave Option:

• Place a serving of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover the plate loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to prevent splattering.
• Zap it in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until it’s nice and warm all over.
• Check the lasagna’s temperature in the middle to ensure it’s hot all the way through.

Reuse Ideas:

If you’re looking to get creative with your leftover lasagna, here are some ideas to inspire you:

1. Lasagna Soup: Chop the leftover lasagna into smaller pieces and add it to a pot of simmering broth along with additional vegetables for a hearty and comforting soup.
2. Lasagna Roll-Ups: Roll individual portions of leftover lasagna filling into cooked lasagna noodles and place them in a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake until heated through for a fun twist on traditional lasagna.
3. Lasagna Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with leftover lasagna filling. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender for a delicious and nutritious meal.

With these storage, reheating, and reuse instructions, you can continue to enjoy the rich and comforting Flavors of your Butternut Squash Lasagna, whether freshly made or reheated to perfection. Enjoy.

Conclusion:

We hope you like this butternut squash lasagna as much as we do, It’s:

• Rich
• Savory
• Comforting Saucy
• Veggie-packed
• & Crowd-pleasing

This dish makes an ideal centerpiece for your holiday feast, catering to a large gathering, simplifying meal preparation, and providing enjoyment throughout the fall and winter seasons! While it’s delightful on its own, consider pairing it with our Lemon & Herb Roasted Chicken, Easy 1-Pot Tomato Soup, or Lemony Arugula Salad with Crispy Shallot for a delightful combination.

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