Spinach and Butternut Squash Lasagna |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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This recipe has several steps, but the end result is worth the extra effort. Try making it on a weekend, and enjoy leftovers on a busy weeknight. Ingredients:
3 cups 2% reduced-fat milk |
1.1 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1/4 cup) |
2 tablespoons butter |
1/3 cup minced shallots |
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided |
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided |
5 1/2 cups (3/4-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash (about 2 1/2 pounds) |
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar |
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided |
cooking spray |
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme |
4 garlic cloves, minced |
3 (6-ounce) packages fresh baby spinach |
9 cooked lasagna noodles |
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded asiago cheese |
1 cup (4 ounces) grated fresh parmigiano-reggiano cheese |
Directions:
1. Heat milk in a small, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat to 180° or until tiny bubbles form around edge (do not boil). Remove from heat; keep warm.
2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Melt butter in a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots; cook 2 minutes or until tender. Reduce heat; add flour to pan, and cook 5 minutes or until smooth and golden, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add about 2 tablespoons warm milk to flour mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Gradually add remaining warm milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, until mixture is smooth, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and cook until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat. Cover surface of milk mixture with plastic wrap; set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 425°.
4. Place squash in a large bowl. Add vinegar; toss to coat. Add 1 tablespoon oil; toss to coat. Arrange squash in a single layer on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and thyme. Bake at 425° for 30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes.
5. Combine remaining 1 teaspoon oil and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium heat; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add spinach, 1 bag at a time; cook until wilted, stirring frequently. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook until liquid evaporates, stirring frequently.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 350°.
7. Spoon 1/3 cup milk mixture in bottom of a 13 x 9inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 noodles over milk mixture; top with spinach mixture, 2/3 cup milk mixture, 1/2 cup Asiago, and 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano. Arrange 3 noodles over cheese; top with squash mixture, 2/3 cup milk mixture, remaining 1/2 cup Asiago, and 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano. Arrange remaining 3 noodles on top of cheese; spread remaining 1/2 cup milk mixture over noodles. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
8. For baby: For Baby's First Lasagna, prior to lasagna assembly in Step 7, set aside 1/4 cup cooked squash, 2 tablespoons cooked spinach, and one-third of 1 cooked lasagna noodle. Place all in a food processor; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Process until desired consistency, adding breast milk or formula, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. Yield: about 1/2 cup. NOTE: For babies age 11 to 12 months, a small portion of prepared lasagna can be scooped out and pureed. It's recommended you decrease the salt and pepper in recipe; adults can add them at the table if needed.
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