Butternut Squash Lasagna

Butternut squash lasagna is a delicious and hearty dish that's perfect for the fall and winter seasons. It's a variation of traditional lasagna, where the usual meat or tomato sauce is replaced with a creamy butternut squash sauce. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

For the Butternut Squash Sauce:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 2- Start by making the butternut squash sauce:

• In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
• Add the cubed butternut squash and sauté for a few minutes until it starts to soften.
• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender.

1. 3- Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the cooked butternut squash mixture until smooth. If it's too thick, you can add a bit more broth or cream to achieve the desired consistency.

2. 4- Stir in the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper into the pureed butternut squash mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

3. 5- Assemble the lasagna:

• In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the butternut squash sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
• Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
• Spread a layer of ricotta cheese, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of butternut squash sauce on top.

1. 6- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbling.

2. 7- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

3. 8- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice.

4. 9- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve your butternut squash lasagna hot.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.