Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480ml) pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves (15g) garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (3g) fresh sage, finely chopped
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1g) ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (710ml) whole milk, warmed
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1g) white pepper
- 9 to 12 (approx. 340g) no-boil lasagna noodles
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large (50g) egg, lightly beaten
- 3 cups (340g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Melt 2 tbsp (30g) butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sage, sautéing until the sage smells nutty and the garlic is translucent.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, salt, and nutmeg. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, to reduce the moisture.
- Stir in the heavy cream until the mixture is a smooth, thick paste. Remove from heat.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp (56g) butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a blonde roux.
- Slowly drizzle in the warmed milk, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
- Simmer on low for 5–8 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in salt and white pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 1: Place 3 noodles on top. Spread half of the ricotta (mixed with the beaten egg), followed by a layer of pumpkin base, a drizzle of white sauce, and a handful of mozzarella.
- Layer 2: Repeat the process: noodles, remaining ricotta, pumpkin base, white sauce, and mozzarella.
- The Top: Finish with a final layer of noodles. Cover generously with the remaining white sauce, the rest of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and toasted.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure structural integrity.