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Pumpkin & Spinach Lasagne

Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg Jap pumpkin peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 300 g baby spinach
  • 250 g ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups grated mozzarella
  • 1 cup grated parmesan
  • 700 ml tomato passata
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 250 g fresh lasagne sheets
  • For the cheese sauce
  • 60 g butter
  • 60 g plain flour
  • 750 ml milk
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 cup grated tasty cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  • Toss the pumpkin with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelised. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan and cook the garlic for one minute. Add the passata, oregano and basil and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  • Wilt the spinach in a separate pan, then allow it to cool slightly before squeezing out any excess moisture. Mix with the ricotta and season well.
  • To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour and cook for one minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened before stirring through the grated cheese and nutmeg. Season to taste.
  • Lightly grease a large baking dish.
  • Spread a little tomato sauce over the base, then layer with lasagne sheets, pumpkin, spinach and ricotta mixture, mozzarella, cheese sauce and more tomato sauce.
  • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese sauce, mozzarella and parmesan on top.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  • Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve with a crisp green salad and warm crusty sourdough or garlic bread.
  • A sprinkle of fresh basil and a little extra parmesan just before serving finishes it perfectly.

Notes

Tip
Want to add a little extra protein? Layer in shredded roast chicken or cooked Italian sausage between the vegetables.
Keyword Pumpkin