Simple Caramelized Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagna
Try this Simple Caramelized Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagna recipe.
Try this Simple Caramelized Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagna recipe.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cut into small cubes (about 8 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg plus a pinch more for the bã©chamel
- 6 fresh sage leaves chopped + more for topping
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme chopped
- 1 large bunch kale roughly chopped
- 2 1/2 cups warm milk (i use 2%)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbled (or use cream cheese or mozzarella)
- 8 ounces fontina cheese shredded
- 1 pound no boil whole wheat lasagna noodles
- toasted pumpkin seeds + salt for topping
- Carbohydrate 37.1401296231315 g
- Cholesterol 80.1907739557233 mg
- Fat 26.8886768716118 g
- Fiber 4.31646249392827 g
- Protein 16.9100762647911 g
- Saturated Fat 16.2492357700034 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (364g)
- Sodium 662.496169627845 mg
- Sugar 32.8236671292033 g
- Trans Fat 1.57176114393611 g
- Calories 441 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the butternut squash and sprinkle with brown sugar and season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat stirring frequently to avoid burning for 10 to 15 minutes or until the squash begins to caramelize all over. Add the garlic, nutmeg sage and thyme, cook 5 or so minutes more.
- Now remove the skillet from the heat and add the kale, cover and let sit for 10 minutes. The heat from the pan will cook the kale down.
- Meanwhile, make the béchamel sauce. Melt the butter over medium heat and allow the butter to brown lightly. Once the butter begins to brown, add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in the warm milk in a steady stream. Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and simmer for 2 minutes, whisking. Remove from the heat, stir in the blue cheese (or mozzarella) and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- To assemble the lasagna, spoon a little béchamel onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles. Sprinkle about 1/3 of the butternut + kale mixture over the noodles. Now add 1/3 of the fontina cheese and drizzle with a little béchamel. Repeat the layering process until you have three to four layers. Once you get to the very top, spread any remaining béchamel over the noodles. Sprinkle with the last of the fontina cheese. Feel free to add more cheese if desired!! Top the lasagna with sage leaves.
- Spray a piece of tin foil with cooking spray and cover the lasagna. At this point the lasagna can be placed in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen.
- Bake, covered for 35-45 minutes and then uncovered for 15 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. If your lasagna was cold prior to baking, bake covered for 15-30 minutes longer.
A Weeknight Wonder: Simple Caramelized Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagna
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep, finding time for anything beyond the bare minimum feels like a luxury. Dinner, in particular, often becomes a battleground between convenience and nutrition. That’s why I’ve become a master of quick, healthy, and delicious recipes that don't sacrifice flavor for speed. This caramelized butternut squash and kale lasagna is a perfect example. It's a hearty, satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to assemble, even on the busiest of days.
The beauty of this lasagna lies in its simplicity. No pre-boiling noodles, no complicated béchamel sauce that needs hours of simmering. Everything comes together relatively quickly, and the result is a dish that tastes like it took far longer than it actually did. The sweetness of the caramelized butternut squash perfectly balances the earthy bitterness of the kale, creating a flavor profile that's both comforting and sophisticated. And the layers of creamy cheese? Well, let's just say that's the cherry on top of a already delicious sundae.
Why this recipe works for busy weeknights:
- No-boil noodles: Saves valuable prep time.
- Quick caramelization: The butternut squash cooks quickly, and the caramelization adds a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it when you're ready. It also freezes well for future meals.
- Nutrient-packed: Butternut squash and kale are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, ensuring you're fueling your body with goodness.
- Impressive presentation: Despite its ease of preparation, this lasagna looks incredibly impressive, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal after a long day.
I often double the recipe on Sundays and freeze half for another weeknight. This is a real lifesaver when I’m particularly pressed for time. It allows me to enjoy a homemade, wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The leftovers are equally delicious cold, making it a great option for packed lunches. Beyond being a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this lasagna also makes a fantastic dish for potlucks or casual gatherings. It's always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s genuinely a dish I feel proud to serve to friends and family.
So, if you're a busy mom (or anyone, really!), looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, give this caramelized butternut squash and kale lasagna a try. You won't be disappointed. It’s become a staple in my household, and I suspect it will become a favorite in yours too. It's the perfect example of how a little bit of planning and a simple recipe can lead to a truly satisfying and enjoyable meal, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. And trust me, that’s something to savor.
Tips and variations:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Goat cheese or ricotta would also be delicious.
- Add some protein to make it even more filling. Cooked sausage or ground turkey would work well.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the cheese and use a plant-based alternative.
- If you don’t have fresh sage, dried sage can be substituted (use about 1 teaspoon).
- To make it even quicker, use pre-chopped butternut squash and kale.
This lasagna recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques to create something truly special. It’s a recipe that nourishes not just the body, but the soul too – a comforting reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, we can still find time for delicious, healthy food that brings joy and satisfaction.
