Nigella Butternut Squash Lasagne

Dive into the comforting embrace of Nigella Lawson's Butternut Squash Lasagne, a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This culinary creation is more than just a meal; it's a journey through flavors and textures that celebrate the richness of autumn's bounty.

Butternut Squash Lasagne: A Culinary Delight

At the heart of this lasagne lies the sweet and earthy butternut squash, roasted to perfection, bringing a caramelized depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy tang of goat's cheese. This lasagne layers these ingredients with fresh spinach, nutmeg-spiced béchamel sauce, and lasagne sheets, culminating in a dish that's both hearty and refined.

Cultural and Historical Context

Lasagne, traditionally layered with pasta, cheese, and meat sauce, finds a delightful twist in this recipe. Nigella's version leans into the vegetarian spectrum, introducing butternut squash as the star, making it a perfect dish for both vegetarians and those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Ingredients List

• Butternut Squash: 1.2kg - 1.4kg, roasted with olive oil, fennel seeds, and fresh herbs.
• Spinach: 350g, wilted and drained.
• Goat's Cheese: 200g, adding a creamy, tangy layer.
• Lasagne Sheets: 9, to build your layers.
• For the Béchamel Sauce: Includes full-fat milk, a roux of butter and flour, seasoned with nutmeg, and enriched with Cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
• Additional ingredients include leeks, onions, red peppers, garlic, and a mix of cheeses and pine nuts for topping.

Preparation Instructions

1. Roast the Squash: Seasoned with fennel, thyme, sage, and garlic, roast until tender.
2. Prepare the Filling: Sauté leeks, onions, and peppers, then combine with the mashed roasted squash.
3. Béchamel Sauce: Infuse milk with aromatics, then create a roux and combine to form a creamy sauce.
4. Assemble the Lasagne: Layer béchamel, lasagne sheets, spinach, squash mixture, and goat's cheese, topping with a mix of cheeses and pine nuts.
5. Bake: Until golden and bubbly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

This lasagne keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For longer storage, freeze the assembled lasagne and bake from frozen, adding a burst of freshness and warmth whenever desired.

Nutritional Information

This dish offers a good balance of carbohydrates from the pasta and squash, proteins from the cheese, and vitamins and minerals from the spinach and squash. The use of full-fat dairy products contributes to the richness in taste, as well as the calorie content.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, ensure it's thoroughly drained.
• Is it possible to make this gluten-free? Substitute regular lasagne sheets with gluten-free options.
• Can I make this vegan? Experiment with vegan cheeses and a plant-based béchamel.

Enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet squash, creamy cheese, and earthy spinach wrapped in the comforting layers of pasta, a testament to the versatility and enduring appeal of lasagne. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, Nigella Lawson's Butternut Squash Lasagne is sure to delight and satisfy.

Original recipe by Nigella Lawson.

For a more detailed recipe and instructions, visit Nigella's official recipe pages​​​​​​.