As the temperature drops and the leaves turn beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow, our taste buds crave warm and hearty meals. What better way to welcome the autumn season than with a delicious lasagna? But not just any lasagna – an autumn lasagna, made with seasonal ingredients that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.
An autumn lasagna is a perfect blend of rich flavors, textures, and colors. It typically includes roasted squash or pumpkin, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and earthy herbs such as sage or thyme. The cheese layer can range from ricotta, goat cheese, or even blue cheese, which adds an extra depth of flavor. However, the secret ingredient that takes this lasagna to the next level is bechamel sauce (white sauce) made with nutmeg. The delicate nutmeg flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients and makes the dish truly sublime.
Here’s how to make your own delightful autumn lasagna:
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. lasagna sheets
– 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into small cubes
– 1 large onion, diced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 2 cups bechamel sauce
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
– Fresh sage leaves, chopped
– Fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. Roast the pumpkin or butternut squash: Preheat the oven to 425F. Drizzle olive oil over the squash cubes and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sage. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and tender.
2. Caramelize the onions: In a large saucepan, cook the diced onion over medium heat until soft and golden, about 10 minutes.
3. Sauté the mushrooms: In a separate pan, sauté the sliced mushrooms with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are golden brown.
4. Prepare the bechamel sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
5. Assemble the lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375F. Spread a thin layer of bechamel on the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and roasted squash. Repeat until you have used all the ingredients. Top with the remaining bechamel sauce and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese (optional). Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
6. Serve hot: Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped fresh sage and thyme leaves.
In conclusion, an autumn lasagna is the perfect comfort food for the fall season. It’s easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and will impress your family and friends with its amazing flavors and stunning presentation. So, next time you’re in the mood for a warm and hearty meal, give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of fall!