Autumnal Elegance: Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna

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As the leaves change and the air chills, our palates yearn for the comfort of hearty dishes. Enter the Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna - a vegetarian masterpiece that paints your dinner table with the shades of autumn and wraps your senses in warmth.



 Ingredients:

For the Lasagna:

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and sliced into thin sheets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • Fresh sage leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 9-12 no-boil lasagna noodles

For the Sage Béchamel:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • Nutmeg, a pinch
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them in a single layer on baking sheets. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and beginning to caramelize. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan, egg, and some chopped sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. For the béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, add sage, and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  4. To assemble, spread a layer of béchamel in a lasagna dish. Place a layer of noodles on top, followed by a layer of butternut squash, a layer of ricotta mixture, and then béchamel again. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, béchamel, and the rest of the Parmesan.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh sage leaves.

This lasagna isn't just a dish; it's a celebration of fall's bounty. The sweetness of roasted butternut squash, layered with a rich, sage-infused béchamel, and the creamy tang of ricotta, creates a symphony of flavors that's as comforting as it is sophisticated. Each bite offers a moment of reflection on the simple pleasures of seasonal cooking.

Whether you're gathering around the table with family or enjoying a solitary autumn evening, this Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna is a dish that comforts and delights. It's a reminder of the joys of seasonal produce and the magic that happens when we cook with time-honored ingredients like squash and sage. So tie on your apron, and let's bring the essence of autumn to our kitchens.

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