Spinach, Ricotta And Pumpkin Lasagna

Serves: 5

Graciela O'Reilly

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

49

Spice

52

Sweetness

49

Sourness

42

mins

Prep time (avg)

5

Difficulty

Ingredients:

2 tbsps

Butter

1 cup

Milk

1 tbsp

Olive Oil

4 cloves

Garlic (minced)

1.5 tsps

Ground Nutmeg

2 tbsps

Tomato Paste

Directions:

1

Fill a saucepan with 1/2 inch of water, then add pumpkin pieces

2

Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and steam until the pumpkin is very tender, 10 to 15 minutes

3

Drain pumpkin, then mash with 1 tablespoon butter, cinnamon; salt and pepper to taste, then set aside

4

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat

5

Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste just begins to turn golden, about 2 minutes

6

Whisk in milk gradually so that no lumps form

7

Bring to a gentle boil

8

Add the bay leaves, and reduce heat to low or warm

9

Allow to gently cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, then remove from heat

10

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat

11

Stir in onion, fennel, and garlic; cook until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes

12

Add spinach and cook until wilted

13

Scrape mixture into a large bowl, and mix well with ricotta cheese and nutmeg

14

Using the same skillet, heat another 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat

15

Brown ground beef in oil, mixing thoroughly to break into small pieces

16

Once browned, reduce heat to medium-low and pour off excess grease

17

Stir in tomato paste and tomato puree

18

Gently simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes

19

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C)

20

Grease a 9x13 inch lasagna dish

21

Line the bottom of the lasagna dish with 4 noodles, do not overlap

22

Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over noodles, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese

23

Place another 4 noodles on top of the ricotta, then spread with evenly with the mashed pumpkin

24

Place the remaining 4 noodles on top of the pumpkin and top with the tomato sauce; sprinkle with another 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese

25

Stir the white sauce until smooth, then discard the bay leaves; pour the sauce over top of the lasagna

26

Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese

27

Place lasagna dish onto a foil-lined baking sheet (to catch any spills)

28

Bake in preheated oven until the noodles have softened, and the white sauce has turned bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes