Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Pumpkin Lasagne: A Heartwarming Taste of Autumn
Velvety pumpkin lasagne layered with tuma and Sicilian pecorino – a comforting autumnal feast straight from the island’s heart.
📖 What is it
Velvety pumpkin lasagne layered with tuma and Sicilian pecorino – a comforting autumnal feast straight from the island’s heart.
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the lasagne
- ✓ 300g fresh lasagne sheets
- ✓ 500g pumpkin flesh
- ✓ half a small onion
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Trapani sea salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
▸ For the béchamel sauce
- ✓ 100g butter
- ✓ 100g plain flour
- ✓ 1 litre whole milk
- ✓ a grating of nutmeg
- ✓ a pinch of salt
▸ To assemble
- ✓ 400g tuma cheese, diced small
- ✓ 80g grated Sicilian pecorino
- ✓ a knob of butter or a drizzle of oil for greasing the dish
Picture autumn in Sicily, where warm hues paint the landscape and the sweet, earthy scent of ripe pumpkin fills the air. This lasagne, with its layers of pumpkin, tuma cheese and tangy pecorino, captures the very soul of Sicilian tradition. It’s comfort food that warms the heart and brings authentic regional flavours right to your table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Peel the pumpkin and cut it into small cubes. Gently sauté with finely chopped Giarratana onion and a splash of olive oil until soft.
- 2
Season well with salt and freshly ground pepper, then set aside.
- 3
To make the béchamel, melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook gently until it forms a golden roux.
- 4
Gradually add the warm milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg and salt.
- 5
Fold the cooked pumpkin into the béchamel, stirring until it becomes a smooth, fragrant cream.
- 6
Grease your baking dish and spread a layer of the pumpkin cream. Lay down a sheet of lasagne pasta on top.
- 7
Spread more pumpkin cream over the pasta, scatter some diced tuma, and sprinkle with pecorino. Repeat layering until you run out of ingredients.
- 8
Finish with a generous topping of béchamel and pecorino cheese.
- 9
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for around 25 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
- 10
Allow to rest for 5 minutes before tucking in.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra indulgent touch, try adding a soft melting cheese like fresh caciocavallo – it enhances the richness beautifully.
- •
Using a pasta machine to roll your sheets ensures thin, even layers that cook perfectly and hold the pumpkin cream without collapsing.
- •
The star here is the pumpkin, whose natural sweetness pairs so well with the robust flavours of pecorino and tuma.
- •
If you prefer a lighter vegetarian option, swap tuma for lower-fat fresh cheeses or make a plant-based béchamel using almond milk.
- •
A pinch of nutmeg really lifts the aroma, adding a subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.
- •
For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta sheets and replace the butter in your béchamel with extra virgin olive oil.
- •
Remember, the secret to this dish is gentle cooking and carefully layered flavours to achieve a luscious, balanced texture.
📦 Storage
- • Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, covered with cling film, for up to two days to preserve freshness and flavour.
- • For longer storage, freeze once cooled in portion-sized containers. It will keep for up to a month and maintain its lovely texture.
- • To reheat, warm your portion in a fan oven at 180°C for around 10 minutes, restoring that delicious crispy top and creamy middle.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the sweet pumpkin and creamy tuma, a crisp Etna white DOC with its mineral freshness is perfect. Alternatively, a Sicilian Grillo with citrusy notes works beautifully, or for a classic Italian match, a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi offers a wonderful balance to the pecorino’s savouriness.
I do hope you’ll give this Sicilian pumpkin lasagne a go – it’s a true hug on a plate, packed with seasonal charm and the unmistakeable warmth of the island. Perfect for sharing with loved ones around the table, it’s one of those dishes that not only satisfies your appetite but also stirs the soul. Do let me know how you get on, and enjoy every comforting bite!
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