This is one of my favorite, non-traditional lasagnes and is perfect for fall when the sage is at it's best (in my opinion).
I used fresh pumpkin purée but butternut squash purée would work equally well.
For instructions on making fresh pumpkin purée see this post on my other blog - tips on freezing and storing as well.
I use moist, deli ham in this lasagne. I love the combination of ham, sage and winter squash. You can leave the ham out for a vegetarian version. The recipe was designed for using no-cook noodles.
Pumpkin, Leek and Sage Lasagne
1 onion 145gr, 5.2oz
2 leeks 160gr, 5.6oz
1 tsp olive oil 4.5gr, .16oz
1 tsp butter 5gr, .18oz
1 cup pumpkin 245gr, 8.6oz
15 - 20 fresh sage leaves substitute 2 tbs dried
8oz (250gr) baked ham, or equivalent 1 thick slice from the deli 230gr, 8.1oz
1 tsp butter 5gr, .18oz
1 cup shredded cheese, Swiss, Gruyère 120gr, 4.2oz
Béchamel
3 tbs butter 42.6gr, 1.5oz
1/4 cup flour 40gr, 1.4oz
pinch of nutmeg
2 cups milk 480gr, 17oz
9 - 10 sheets 'no-cook' lasagna noodles 153gr, 5.4oz, 9 noodles
1/4 cup grated Parmesan 25gr, .89oz
Thinly slice the onion and leeks. Heat oil and butter in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add onions, leeks and sauté, stirring, for 1 minute. Cover the pan, reduce heat to medium low and let the onions and leeks cook for 10 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to medium and continue to cook until onions are golden and tender, about 10 minutes. Add the pumpkin and stir well to combine and heat through.
Cut the ham into thin strips, then the strips into smaller squares. In another skillet heat 1 tsp butter. Add sage leaves and sauté until starting to get crisp. Add ham and sauté until heated through and dry (it can give off a bit of water).
In a medium saucepan heat 3 tbs butter over low heat. Add flour, nutmeg and stir with a whisk for 1 minute. Add a little (1/4 cup) of the milk and whisk to combine. Turn heat up to medium and keep adding milk, a little at a time and whisking. You should have added all of the milk in a minute or 2. When all of the milk is in, bring to a boil (should almost be there), whisking. Then remove from heat. Congratulations! You have just made a béchamel sauce!
To assemble: in a 9 - 10" (22 - 25cm) square baking dish, or so...make the following layers:
1/3 béchamel sauce
2 noodles, you may have to break a third one up to get good coverage
1/2 onion, leek, pumpkin mixture
2 noodles or so
1/3 béchamel sauce
all of the ham and sage
1/2 of the shredded cheese
2 noodles or so
1/2 onion, leek, pumpkin mixture
2 noodles or so
1/3 béchamel sauce
1/2 of the shredded cheese
Parmesan
Cover and bake 425F (215C) for 20 minutes, or until noodles are done. Test in center with a sharp knife. Uncover and bake 5 minutes longer to brown cheese. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut into squares (or oblongs) and serve.
Note: This serves 4.
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Entire recipe / per serving, serves 4
Calories: 2594 / 648.5
Total Carbohydrates: 228 / 57
Dietary Fiber: 22 / 5.5
Total Fat: 130 / 32.5
Saturated Fat: 65 / 16
Cholesterol: 586 / 146.5
Protein: 133 / 33.5
Calcium: 2313 / 578
Sodium: 4973 / 1243.5
I try to be accurate, but I do not guarantee it. I use 'grams' as the unit of weight; with an approximate conversion to ounces.
For more recipes check out my internet cook book: Easy Gourmet Dinners



