Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

by

Introduction:

Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna is a delightful twist on the traditional lasagna, combining the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the rich, savory flavors of spinach and a variety of cheeses. This vegetarian lasagna offers a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the ingredients, preparation steps, nutritional benefits, and tips to elevate this dish to perfection.

Ingredients:

To create Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  1. Butternut Squash Filling:
    • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

 

  1. Spinach and Ricotta Filling:
    • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
    • 1 cup ricotta cheese
    • 1 egg

 

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  2. Bechamel Sauce:
    • 4 tablespoons butter
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 4 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  3. Cheese Layers:
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. Lasagna Noodles:
    • 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
  5. Optional Garnishes:
    • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Preparation Steps:

Watch Full Recipe Video:

  1. Prepare the Butternut Squash:
    • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
    • Spread the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
    • Once done, mash the roasted squash slightly with a fork.
  2. Prepare the Spinach and Ricotta Filling:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
    • Mix until well combined and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Bechamel Sauce:
    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
    • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
    • Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
    • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then remove from heat.
  4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
    • If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package instructions until al dente.
    • Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
    • Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper.
  5. Assemble the Lasagna:
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Spread a thin layer of bechamel sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
    • Spread half of the mashed butternut squash over the noodles.
    • Top with half of the spinach and ricotta mixture.
    • Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese.
    • Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining butternut squash, remaining spinach and ricotta mixture, another 1/3 of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
    • Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining bechamel sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

  1. Bake the Lasagna:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
    • Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  2. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
    • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Benefits:

Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna is not only delicious but also packed with a variety of nutrients:

  1. Butternut Squash:
    • Rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function and skin health.
    • High in fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
    • Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
  2. Spinach:
    • A powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium.
    • Provides antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which help protect against oxidative stress.
    • High in fiber, contributing to a healthy digestive system.
  3. Ricotta Cheese:
    • A good source of protein and calcium, important for muscle and bone health.
    • Contains essential amino acids and provides energy.
  4. Bechamel Sauce (made with milk):
    • Provides calcium and vitamin D, crucial for bone health.
    • Contains proteins and fats that help in satiety and energy provision.
  5. Cheese (Mozzarella and Parmesan):
    • High in calcium and protein.
    • Contains beneficial fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Tips and Variations:

  1. Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach: If fresh spinach is not available, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it well before mixing with the ricotta.
  2. Make it Vegan: Substitute the ricotta with a plant-based alternative, use a vegan bechamel sauce made with almond milk or soy milk, and replace the mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan cheeses.
  3. Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
  4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure the flour used in the bechamel sauce is also gluten-free.
  5. Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or sage in the butternut squash for additional flavor.
  6. Protein Addition: Add layers of cooked lentils, tofu, or chickpeas to increase the protein content for a more filling meal.
  7. Pasta Alternatives: For a lower-carb version, consider using zucchini slices or eggplant slices as a substitute for lasagna noodles.

FAQs:

1. What is Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna?

Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna is a vegetarian lasagna that substitutes traditional meat fillings with a combination of roasted butternut squash, spinach, ricotta cheese, and layers of lasagna noodles, all topped with a creamy bechamel sauce and melted cheese.

2. Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this lasagna gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensuring that the flour used in the bechamel sauce is also gluten-free.

3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Make sure to thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture before incorporating it into the ricotta mixture.

4. How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this dish vegan, substitute the ricotta cheese with a plant-based alternative, use a vegan bechamel sauce made with almond milk or soy milk, and replace the mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan cheeses.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the lasagna?

Absolutely! You can enhance the lasagna by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even eggplant. Make sure to sauté or roast them before layering to remove excess moisture.

6. Is it possible to prepare this lasagna in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the lasagna in advance. Assemble the lasagna as instructed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the assembled lasagna for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.

8. Can I use different types of squash?

While butternut squash is recommended for its sweetness and texture, you can experiment with other types of squash like acorn squash or kabocha squash. The flavor and texture may vary slightly.

9. How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

To prevent a watery lasagna, make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach and roast the butternut squash until it’s nicely caramelized. Also, ensure the bechamel sauce is thickened properly before assembling the lasagna.

10. Can I add protein to this lasagna?

Yes, you can add protein by incorporating cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu into the layers. These additions will make the lasagna more filling and nutritious.

11. What can I serve with Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna?

This lasagna pairs well with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It can also be served with a light soup for a more complete meal.

12. How do I make the bechamel sauce thicker?

If your bechamel sauce is too thin, continue to cook it over medium heat while whisking constantly until it thickens. You can also add a bit more flour to the roux at the beginning to create a thicker base.

13. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used. They will absorb some of the moisture from the sauce as the lasagna bakes, resulting in a perfectly cooked dish. Make sure there is enough liquid in your lasagna to properly hydrate the noodles.

14. What type of cheese works best for this lasagna?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional choices for lasagna, but you can also use other cheeses such as Gruyere, fontina, or provolone for different flavor profiles. Ricotta cheese is essential for the spinach filling.

15. How long should I let the lasagna rest before serving?

Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

16. Can I use a different sauce instead of bechamel?

Yes, you can use other sauces like marinara or a creamy Alfredo sauce if you prefer. Each sauce will bring a different flavor and texture to the dish.

17. What are the nutritional benefits of this lasagna?

This lasagna is rich in vitamins A and C from the butternut squash, iron and calcium from the spinach, and protein from the ricotta and other cheeses. It also provides fiber from the vegetables and lasagna noodles.

18. How can I make this dish lower in calories?

To reduce the calorie content, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, and opt for a light bechamel sauce made with low-fat milk. You can also increase the proportion of vegetables and reduce the amount of cheese.

19. Can I use pre-cooked butternut squash?

Yes, using pre-cooked or canned butternut squash can save time. Ensure it’s well-drained and slightly mashed if needed before incorporating it into the lasagna.

20. How can I ensure the lasagna is evenly cooked?

To ensure even cooking, cover the lasagna with aluminum foil for the first part of baking, then remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown. Rotating the baking dish halfway through cooking can also help ensure even heat distribution.

Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to make this delightful meal your own!

Conclusion:

Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna is a versatile and nutritious dish that offers a delightful twist on the classic lasagna. The combination of roasted butternut squash, creamy spinach and ricotta filling, and rich bechamel sauce, all layered with gooey melted cheese, creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

Whether you are preparing it for a family dinner, a potluck, or as part of your weekly meal prep, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite. Its rich flavors and creamy textures make it a perfect comfort food, while the wholesome ingredients ensure you are enjoying a nutritious meal.

Enjoy experimenting with different variations and ingredients to make this lasagna your own. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that is both delicious and nourishing. Enjoy the heartwarming goodness of Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna, and delight in every bite!

Also Read: Baked Spinach & Feta Spaghetti Squash

Leave a Comment