Butternut Lasagna Food

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.

SKILLET LASAGNA WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Combine the squash, ricotta, 3/4 cup parmesan, the rosemary and nutmeg in a medium bowl. In another bowl, combine the marinara sauce and basil.
• Spread 1/2 cup of the marinara in a large nonstick skillet. Cover with 2 lasagna noodles. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, then sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella. Add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup marinara and half of the remaining mozzarella. Top with the remaining 2 noodles, then the remaining marinara and mozzarella. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan.
• Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes. (Check halfway through: If the edges seem dry, add up to 1/2 cup water.) Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

HEALTHY BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA WITH SPINACH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut the ends off of the squash, peel it, remove the seeds, and slice it into planks that are 1/4 inch thick. You can save the rest of the squash for roasting later. Lay the squash onto a sprayed baking sheet, drizzle the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees F. Remove and let cool for a few minutes. For easier clean up, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Sauté the spinach. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and toss and cook it for 1-2 minuets. Toss in the spinach and cook it for few minutes until wilted. Remove and set the spinach aside.
• Make the creamy filing - Add some butter to a medium-size saucepan heated to medium heat. Once it melts add in the flour (I used whole wheat white flour). Whisk the flour in with the butter for a minute or so, then add in the milk about a 1/2 cup at a time, whisking lightly. Add in the nutmeg and a bay leaf. Simmer on low for 3- 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Make the ricotta filling. In a medium size mixing bowl, combine the ricotta with lemon zest, freshly chopped sage, rosemary, parmesan, mozzarella, salt and pepper, and mix.
• Assemble - Reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Ladle some of the white cream sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Layer on some of the lasagna noodles then some of the butternut squash. Next layer on some of the sautéed spinach and top that with a layer of the ricotta mixture. Pour some more (half of what is left) of the creamy white sauce all over everything then repeat with one more layer. Finish the final layer with lasagna noodles, the remaining creamy white sauce, the remaining cooked spinach and a good sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
• Bake. Bake the lasagna for 35 minutes on the middle rack of the oven until the top is nice and golden brown and bubbly. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Toss squash with oil on a large baking sheet until well-coated and spread in one layer. Roast 15 minutes until tender.
• Meanwhile, combine Alfredo sauce, milk and garlic in a saucepan bring simmer. Heat milk mixture over low heat 10 minutes.
• Reduce temperature to 375°F and butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
• Toast hazelnuts on a baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Pour 1 cup sauce into baking dish and cover with 3 lasagna sheets, making sure they do not touch each other. Layer ½ of squash, cover with 1 cup sauce, 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1/3 cup nuts. Repeat layer and top with 3 sheets of pasta, cover with remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle remaining cheese and nuts over sauce.
• Cover dish tightly with foil, tenting slightly to prevent foil from touching top layer, and bake in middle of oven 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake lasagna 10 minutes more, or until top is bubbling and golden. Let lasagna stand 5 minutes before cutting.
• Note: If hazelnuts are not available, substitute 1 cup chopped pecans. Butternut squash can be replaced with 2 lbs. pre-cut butternut squash pieces (fresh or frozen).

VEGAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375˚F.
• Peel squash and dice into 1-inch cubes. Toss with olive oil and diced onion. In a small bowl, stir together the Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, sage, and pepper. Toss well with squash mixture. Transfer to parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, stir in garlic and roast for additional 10 minutes, until squash is tender.
• Meanwhile, make the mushroom filling. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook for additional 2-3 minutes. Increase heat to medium high, add mushrooms and wine, cooking until wine reduces and mushrooms soften. Add in kale, salt and pepper and cook until the kale is wilted. Set aside.
• Stir together ricotta, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, parmesan, and mozzarella.
• Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
• Add squash to a high speed blender with milk, white wine vinegar, and ¼-½ tsp more of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Coat the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish with sauce (just enough to coat the bottom). Layer the lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Evenly spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, top with some sauce, and then half of the mushroom/kale mixture. Repeat (noodles, ricotta, sauce, mushrooms). Top with more noodles, sauce, and generous layer of vegan mozzarella cheese.
• Cover lasagna tightly with aluminum foil. Bake covered for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

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:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Mix pasta sauce, ricotta and garlic until blended.
• Spread 2/3 cup pasta sauce mixture onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with layers of 3 noodles, half each of the squash and spinach, and 1/2 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles, pasta sauce mixture and cheese; cover.
• Bake 50 min. to 1 hour or until squash is tender, uncovering for the last 10 min.

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.

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 filling: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drizzle squash halves with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast squashes, cut sides down, on a rimmed baking sheet until tender and browned, about 1 hour. Let cool. Scoop flesh from skins, and puree in a food processor until smooth.
• Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook until browned and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Combine 3 cups squash puree, 1 cup Parmesan, 2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons amaretti cookies, sage, browned butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as desired with more Parmesan, amaretti cookies, sage, salt, and nutmeg.
• Make the bechamel: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Reduce heat to low, and cook, whisking often, for 3 minutes (do not let flour brown).
• Meanwhile, bring milk to a gentle simmer in another small saucepan over low heat. Gradually whisk hot milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and the nutmeg. Raise heat to medium, and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and cook until the raw flour taste is gone, 5 to 10 minutes more. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt.
• Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees. Assemble the lasagna: Coat bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of bechamel (about 1/2 cup). Arrange two 8-by-21-inch sheets cooked pasta on top, barely overlapping, to cover bottom and sides of dish. (Edges of pasta should hang over sides by about 2 inches.)
• Top with 3/4 cup squash filling, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon amaretti cookies. Top with 1 sheet of pasta (fill in any gaps with pieces of another sheet if needed), trimming edges as needed so that pasta fits neatly in dish.
• Top pasta with 3/4 cup bechamel and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Continue layering in same order (pasta, squash and amaretti, pasta, bechamel and Parmesan) until you reach the top of the dish, ending with 1 sheet of pasta (you may need to fill in gaps with pieces of another sheet; you should have 10 layers of pasta). Fold in the overhang from the first layer of pasta to create a package. Trim pasta sheets as needed to prevent too much overlap, then spread remaining bechamel over top.
• Bake, covered with parchment-lined foil, for 20 minutes. Uncover, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Bake until top is browned, about 35 minutes more. Let cool slightly 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.

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 AND SPINACH LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 F.

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.

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 375ºF.
• 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.