Butternut Lasagna Food

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SAGE LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss squash, oil, and 1 teaspoon salt on a baking sheet. Season with pepper. Bake until light gold and tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool.
• Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees. Combine ricotta, cream, yolks, mozzarella, and a pinch of nutmeg in a medium bowl. Season with salt.
• Melt butter in a small saute pan over medium-high heat. As soon as it starts to sizzle, add sage, and cook until light gold and slightly crisp at edges, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Place squash in a medium bowl, and mash 1/2 of it with the back of a wooden spoon, leaving the other 1/2 in whole pieces. Gently stir in sage-butter mixture and stock. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spread 3/4 cup of ricotta mixture in a 9-cup baking dish. Top with a layer of noodles. Spread 1/2 of the butternut squash mixture over noodles. Top with a layer of noodles. Spread 1 cup of ricotta mixture over noodles. Repeat layering once more (noodles, squash, noodles, ricotta). Sprinkle Parmesan over ricotta mixture.
• Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until cheese is golden and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Make the vegetables: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil on a baking sheet; season with salt. Toss the onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil on a separate baking sheet; season with salt. Roast, rotating the baking sheets once, until the vegetables are tender, 18 to 20 minutes; set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, make the bechamel: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sage and cook 1 minute. Whisk in the flour until smooth; cook, whisking, until the flour is lightly golden but not brown, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg.
• Assemble the lasagna: Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Toss the cheeses and the flour in a bowl; set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Evenly coat the bottom of the dish with 1/2 cup of the bechamel. Lay 3 noodles side by side on top. Cover with one-third of the remaining bechamel. Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese mixture, then top with half of the vegetable mixture. Arrange 3 more noodles on top and repeat the layers (bechamel, cheese, vegetables). Top with the remaining 3 noodles, then cover with the remaining bechamel; sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup cheese.
• Loosely cover the dish with foil and bake until bubbly, about 45 minutes. Turn on the broiler. Uncover the lasagna and broil until browned, about 2 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

HOMEMADE BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil. Cut butternut squash in half, lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place cut-side-down on the prepared baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Roast until the flesh is tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the butternut squash is cool enough to handle, carefully scoop flesh into a food processor fitted with steel blade attachment. Add ½ teaspoon salt and nutmeg and process until smooth.
• Meanwhile, swirl oil in the bottom of a small saucepan. Add onion ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper and set over medium-low heat. Cover and cook, stirring often until the onion is tender and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add water to the skillet one to two tablespoons at a time if the onions start to brown before they are soft. Remove from heat and stir in thyme.
• Stir ricotta and egg in a medium bowl.
• Stir together tomatoes, basil and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and the remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper.
• Coat a 9×11 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread about ½ cup tomato mixture in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer on three uncooked lasagna noodles.
• Spread about half of the butternut squash mixture over the noodles. Top with about half of the onion. Dollop with half of the ricotta.
• Top with about 1 cup tomato mixture and 2/3 cup shredded cheddar.
• Repeat with another layer of three noodles, the remaining squash, the remaining onions, the remaining ricotta, 1 cup sauce and 2/3 cup cheddar. Top with the remaining three noodles and the remaining tomato mixture, spreading out to moisten the noodles. Do not add cheese to the top or it will stick to the foil.
• Cover with foil. Bake (at 400 degrees) until the lasagna is steaming hot, about 45 minutes if placed directly in the oven from prep or 60 minutes if made ahead and refrigerated.
• Remove foil, top with the remaining 2/3 cup cheddar and 3 tablespoons Parmesan and continue baking, uncovered, until the lasagna is bubbling and the cheese is melted, 7 to 10 minutes longer. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Take the butternut squash and peel, seed, and cut it into 1/2-inch chunks.
• Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash chunks with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then place the chunks in a single layer on a large cookie sheet.
• Roast the squash chunks for 30 minutes or until they're easily pierced with a fork, stirring after 15 minutes.
• Remove chunks from the oven and mash squash with a food processor (or fork or potato masher) until almost smooth; set aside.
• Lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.
• In a large Dutch oven or saucepot, over medium heat melt together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Add the chopped onion and cook for about 10 minutes or until golden, stirring often; add the Swiss chard and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until the chard is wilted and the liquid evaporates, which will take about 7 minutes.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour, pepper, garlic salt, nutmeg, thyme, and sage and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and cook the sauce over medium-high heat until it boils and thickens slightly, stirring frequently.
• Boil for an additional 2 minutes while stirring, then whisk in all but 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
• Remove the saucepan from heat.
• In a 13" x 9" glass lasagna pan, spoon about 1/2 cup of the white sauce to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping to fit; evenly spread all of the Swiss chard mixture over the noodles, top with about 1 cup white sauce, and sprinkle with about a 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
• Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top, then about 1 cup white sauce and all butternut squash chunks, then a 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
• Top with remaining lasagna noodles, remaining white sauce, sprinkle with the chopped green onions and the remaining mozzarella cheese; sprinkle with the reserved 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
• Cover the lasagna pan with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until hot and bubbly; let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before cutting, for easier serving.
• Makes 8 to 10 servings.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH & SPINACH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat two 8-inch-square baking dishes with cooking spray.
• Mix ricotta, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until mostly wilted, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a colander and press with the back of a spoon to release excess moisture. Set aside.
• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Cook, whisking often, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese, sage and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper until smooth.
• Spread 1/4 cup of the sauce in each of the prepared baking dishes. In each pan, add a layer of noodles, then cover with 1/3 cup of the ricotta, a layer of squash, ¼ cup spinach and 1/2 cup of the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers. To finish, divide the remaining noodles, sauce and 1 cup cheese between the pans. Cover one lasagna with plastic wrap, then foil. Refrigerate or freeze this lasagna.
• To bake, coat a piece of foil with cooking spray and cover the lasagna, sprayed-side down. Bake until lightly browned on top, about 1 hour. Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve topped with more sage, if desired. Cut into 6 squares.

VEGGIE BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Prepare a butternut squash puree using a food processor and roasted or boiled butternut squash.
• Pour your butternut puree into a large mixing bowl.
• Mix in ricotta cheese, milk, salt, and nutmeg until you have a deliciously creamy texture and taste.
• Place spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, and salt and pepper into a large mixing bowl.
• Mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly.
• Add more cheese, or salt and pepper to taste.
• Start your vegetarian lasagna recipe by preheating your oven to 375 °F.
• Prepare your homemade or dried pasta. Boil the pasta sheets in water on the stovetop, and then rinse them thoroughly in cold water before leaving them to drain on the side.
• Prepare your butternut and spinach fillings (see further instructions below), and then prepare a 9 x 13-inch casserole or baking dish for the lasagna.
• Apply a light layer of oil to the bottom and sides of the baking dish. Evenly spread the first layer of butternut squash filling in the bottom. Add a light layer of mozzarella cheese and a layer of cooked pasta sheets.
• Evenly spread a thick layer of spinach filling over the first layer of pasta sheets, followed by a light layer of mozzarella cheese, and then the second layer of pasta sheets.
• Add another layer of butternut squash filling and another light layer of mozzarella cheese. Add one more layer of cooked pasta sheets.
• Add the rest of your spinach filling in an even layer, top with more mozzarella cheese, and then add one last layer of cooked pasta sheets.
• Layer on the remaining butternut squash and any leftover spinach filling, then cover the top layer with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and finish it off with Italian herbs, paprika, and basil for seasoning!
• Place your assembled lasagna in the oven to bake for at least 30 min. Keep the dish covered in tin foil.
• After 30 min, remove the covering and allow the vegetarian lasagna to bake for a further 10 min until the cheese on top is crispy, golden-brown!
• Remove from the oven, leave to stand for 10 min, and then serve up to your hungry family and friends!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the skillet and then cover and simmer over medium heat until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly and then transfer the squash to a food processor. Add the amaretti cookies and blend until smooth. Season the squash puree, to taste, with more salt and pepper.
• Melt the butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg. Cool slightly. Transfer half of the sauce to a blender*. Add the basil and blend until smooth. Return the basil sauce to the sauce in the pan and stir to blend. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F.
• Lightly butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spread 3/4 cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on the bottom of the pan. Spread 1/3 of the squash puree over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup of sauce over the noodles. Repeat layering 3 more times.
• Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the lasagna. Continue baking uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden, 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.
• *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

NOODLE-LESS BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Heat 2 1/2 cups milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Meanwhile, whisk flour and the remaining 1/2 cup milk in a measuring cup until smooth; whisk into the hot milk. Whisk constantly until the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens. Continue cooking and stirring for 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese, Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/8 teaspoon salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
• Combine spinach and ricotta in a medium bowl. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and mushrooms; cook, stirring, until soft and browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, marjoram and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add wine and simmer until the wine has nearly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Smear the bottom of the prepared dish with 1/2 cup of the cheese sauce. Line the bottom with a single layer of squash slices. Spread half the spinach mixture over the squash. Spoon on another 1/2 cup sauce. Add another layer of squash slices, then top with all of the mushroom mixture and another 1/2 cup sauce. Add a third layer of squash slices, the remaining spinach mixture and another 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with the remaining squash slices and sauce. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
• Lightly coat a large piece of foil with cooking spray and tightly cover the dish. Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbling and starting to brown, 15 to 20 minutes more. Let the lasagna stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SPINACH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 F.

BUTTERNUT LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, combine squash, oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, nutmeg and pepper. Transfer to two greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans., Roast 30-35 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally; cool slightly. Process in batches in a food processor until pureed. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions; drain., Reduce oven setting to 375°. For sauce, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and remaining salt until smooth; gradually add milk and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 cup cheese and lemon zest until cheese is melted., Spread 1 cup sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with four noodles, half of the squash mixture, 1-1/2 cups spinach and 1-1/2 cups sauce. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles and sauce., Bake, covered, 45 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BEEF LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Arrange butternut squash slices in a single layer on each baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each layer; season each with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Bake in the preheated oven until squash is soft but still firm to the bite, about 15 minutes.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir beef and garlic until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain grease. Mix in remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, pasta sauce, brown sugar, basil, and 1 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors combine, about 10 minutes.
• Mix remaining 1 teaspoon salt, ricotta cheese, eggs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and parsley together in a bowl.
• Layer 1/3 of the squash slices in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover squash with 1/2 of the ricotta mixture, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/3 of the beef mixture. Repeat layers, ending with remaining squash slices and sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until cheeses are melted and sauce is bubbly, about 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

COZY ROASTED VEGETABLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Add all of the veggies for roasting to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss the veggies together then spread them out in an even layer. Set aside while you prep your butternut squash.
• Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of a butternut squash, you'll cut about ¼-½ inch off each end. Next cut the butternut squash in half vertically. Place the butternut squash upright or vertically on a wooden cutting board that's very secured to your counter. We don't want the cutting board or squash to wobble as you cut it. Use your knife to cut the butternut squash vertically down the middle. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds of the cut butternut squash. Place the butternut squash halves flesh side down on a separate medium baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Place both veggies and squash in the oven on two different racks. Roast the veggies for 30 minutes or until they are slightly golden then remove to cool down. The butternut squash will take slightly longer; about 1 hour total or until the squash is very fork tender. Set aside to cool for a little bit before scooping out the flesh. Keep heat in the oven.
• Make the butternut squash sauce: transfer the flesh of the butternut squash to a high powered blender or bowl of a food processor. Add in milk, brown or coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and set aside.
• Do this step while the veggies and squash roast: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for 5-6 minutes, then drain. Immediately lay the noodles flat on an oiled baking sheet or cutting board so you can easily assemble the lasagna when ready. Another option is to soak the lasagna noodles in very warm (hot) water for 20-30 minutes if you do not want to boil them. (Note: you can also use no-cook lasagna noodles, but they aren't my favorite!)
• In the small bowl, add the ricotta, egg, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
• To assemble the lasagna, spread 3/4 cup of butternut squash mixture over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place 5 of the cooked lasagna noodles on top, laying 4 vertically and 1 horizontally. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles, followed by half of the roasted veggies, then top with ¾ cup shredded mozzarella. Next, add 1 heaping cup of the butternut squash mixture on top of the mozzarella and then sprinkle with 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese.
• Repeat layers once more: adding remaining noodles (4 vertically & 1 horizontally), the rest of the ricotta cheese mixture, remaining roasted veggies, ¾ cup shredded mozzarella, then top with any remaining butternut squash sauce and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Finally, top with remaining 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until cheese starts to brown just a bit. Garnish with extra parmesan and either chopped basil or parsley. Cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving. Serves 12.

VEGAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SPINACH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Directions
• Preheat oven to 350°
• Fill a large stock pot with boiling salted water.
• Peel neck of butternut squash with potato peeler. Remove the neck from the bulb. Cut the neck in half lengthwise and slice into thin half moons 1/4 inch thick. The bulb should then be sliced in half, remove seeds and drizzle cut side with 1 tablespoon of olive oil sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let roast cut side up for 1 hour until meat is tender. Let cool slightly so you can touch and remove meat from the skin, rough chop the meat and save for the marinara.
• While the bulb is cooking blanch the butternut squash necks in boiling salted water for 3 minutes until tender. Place in a large bowl with salt and ice water to stop cooking of squash.
• In a large saute pan add butter and onions and on medium heat let caramelize for 20-25 minutes stirring often. Add salt to taste. The onions should turn golden to reach full caramelizing. Add Spinach and sauté for 5-8 minutes until all spinach is cooked down. Drain off any liquid and reserve into a bowl for lasagna assembly.
• In a large sauce pot on medium high heat add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, rosemary and thyme stems with leaves and sauté in oil for 1-2 minutes. Add onions and sauté for 5-10 minutes until glistening. Remove thyme and rosemary stems and add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except the vinegar and nutritional yeast. Bring pot of marinara to boil and reduce to a simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper. Use a hand held immersion blender to smooth marinara this will bring the color more orange with the blended butternut squash. Add a splash of red wine vinegar for seasoning and nutritional yeast for seasoning.
• In a large 9x13 pyrex pour marinara on bottom of the dish a thin layer. Then spread lasagna pasta evenly in one layer. Spread half the ricotta on pasta and lay the half moons of butternut squash on top of ricotta.
• Lay the next layer of pasta and spread all spinach and onion mixture. Lay the next layer of pasta and do the 2nd half of ricotta and butternut squash half moons. Lay the last layer of pasta on top of butternut and pour generously with marinara. Place sage leaves on top of marinara.
• When ready to eat, roast in oven at 350° for 35-45 minutes. Enjoy with a glass of Sangiovese wine and admire your hard work!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Place squash, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Cover squash with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until squash is tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir mushrooms and garlic in the hot oil until mushrooms are tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
• Heat remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion in the hot oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add spinach to onion; cook until spinach is heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
• Heat 6 cups milk in a 5-quart saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until milk is simmering, about 5 minutes. Whisk remaining 1 cup milk and cornstarch together in a bowl until smooth; stir into simmering milk. Bring milk mixture to just under a boil, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon and scraping bottom of pot to prevent scorching, until milk mixture has thickened into a sauce, about 5 minutes; remove pot from heat.
• Whisk 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, honey, nutmeg, sage, salt, and pepper into sauce until smooth. Cover pot with a lid and keep warm over low heat.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
• Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Scrape flesh from butternut squash into a bowl; stir with a fork until evenly mashed. Stir ginger, salt, and pepper into mashed butternut squash.
• Spoon about 1 cup white sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish; arrange a layer of noodles atop white sauce. Layer 1/2 butternut squash mixture, 1/5 remaining white sauce, noodles, spinach mixture, 1/5 white sauce, noodles, 1/2 the mozzarella cheese, mushroom mixture, 1/5 white sauce, noodles, remaining 1/2 butternut squash mixture, 1/5 the white sauce, remaining noodles, remaining 1/5 white sauce, remaining mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, respectively. Cover dish with aluminum foil and place dish on a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake until bubbling and cheese is browned, about 15 more minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the skillet and then cover and simmer over medium heat until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly and then transfer the squash to a food processor. Add the amaretti cookies and blend until smooth. Season the squash puree, to taste, with more salt and pepper.
• Melt the butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg. Cool slightly. Transfer half of the sauce to a blender*. Add the basil and blend until smooth. Return the basil sauce to the sauce in the pan and stir to blend. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F.
• Lightly butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spread 3/4 cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on the bottom of the pan. Spread 1/3 of the squash puree over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup of sauce over the noodles. Repeat layering 3 more times.
• Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the lasagna. Continue baking uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden, 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.
• *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.