Core Recipe
Servings | 6
Preparation Time | 30 min
Cooking Time | 70 min
Level of Difficulty | Difficult

main meals | This novel take on lasagna gives familiar comfort food a flavorful twist. Stand back and accept the rave reviews.

2 medium butternut squash, about 3 pounds total
2 sprays cooking spray
1 tsp olive oil
4 large garlic clove(s), chopped
1 pound mushroom(s), white button, wiped clean and thinly sliced
1/2 pound shiitake mushroom(s), stems removed and thinly sliced
1/4 tsp table salt
11 oz fat-free evaporated milk
3 medium shallot(s), sliced
1/8 oz fresh sage, chopped (use 1 tbsp)
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
8 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, about 12 lasagna noodles

Instructions


1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut 1 squash in half lengthwise. Peel other squash and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
2. Coat a nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray. Remove seeds from squash that was cut lengthwise and place cut side down on cookie sheet. Roast until very soft, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 chopped garlic cloves. Swirl skillet to mix and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Increase temperature to high and cook, stirring often, 6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cubed butternut squash; let cool.
4. Put evaporated milk, shallots, remaining 2 garlic cloves and sage in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and remove from heat.
5. Scrape flesh of roasted squash halves into a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher; add milk mixture and mash to mix. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Coat a 9 X 9-inch pan with cooking spray. Spoon half of mashed squash into bottom of pan and spread into an even layer. Top with 3 uncooked noodles (you will need to break them to make them fit) and spoon over 1 cup of mushroom-squash mixture. Top with 1/2 cup of mashed squash and repeat layers two more times ending with 1/2 cup of mashed squash.
7. Cover pan with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before slicing into 6 pieces.