VIDEO: Butternut, Mushrooms, and Olives Make an Unexpected Veggie Lasagna

The power of lasagna compels us. Whenever this rich Italian classic hits the table, we can’t get enough. But when the reality sets in that it’s all carbs and dairy, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of guilt.

Baking up a giant dish of lasagna doesn’t mean you have to skip the vegetables—not with this recipe. Butternut squash, mushrooms, and olives create a trifecta of nutritious goodness, while adding a “meaty” taste and texture. Just imagine the flavors: sweet, succulent butternut, umami mushrooms, and salty, satisfying Botija olives … are you drooling yet? Better press play to see how to make Mary the Paleo Chef’s (@paleochef) take on vegetarian lasagna. Just note: she’s stepping outside of her Paleo wheelhouse with this one, given the noodles.

Butternut Squash and Mushroom-Olive Veggie Lasagna

Ingredients

1 box lasagna noodles
1 to 2 tablespoons ghee
1 ½ pounds butternut squash
½ pound mushrooms
1 jar Botija olives, pitted and dehydrated
1 teaspoon plus extra red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon plus pinch cinnamon
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Divide ghee between two pots and heat stove to medium. Add squash to one pot and mushrooms and olives to the other. Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to mushroom-olive mix and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to squash. Mix and cover each pot and let sit 3 to 5 minutes.

Uncover squash first to stop cooking.

Transfer warm mushroom and olives, including any liquid, to a food processor. Add a pinch of salt and process.

Mash butternut squash. Add pinch of cinnamon.

Drizzle and coat olive oil onto a baking dish. Add a layer of noodles in the bottom of the dish. Spread on a layer of squash. Drizzle more olive oil on top and add another layer of noodles. Spread on a layer of mushrooms and olives. Repeat with another layer of squash. Top with pinch of red pepper flakes, to taste.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Slice into rectangular servings and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of chopped fresh basil. Enjoy!

Video credits
Produced and Directed by: Liza Glucoft
Director of Photography: Naeem Munaf
Editor: Nelsen Brazill