As we head out of flu and virus season (and back into flu/virus season), I can only stress how important it is to prepare foods rich in antioxidants in order to boost the immune system. Every meal should be vitamin rich and definitely organic. We need a system of holistic principles and dynamic practices to guide us through these worrisome times and I believe it starts in the kitchen. In colder months we should focus on warm comfort foods high in antiviral properties.
One of my favorite savory meals full of better-for- you nutrients is my Ojai Sage Pumpkin Lasagna. Pumpkin is high in antioxidants and immunity-boosting vitamins that will help fight against infections and viruses.
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped sage
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can organic puréed pumpkin
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1—2 packages ready-to-cook lasagna noodles
- Optional: ½ cup kale, deveined, chopped and sautéed
- Optional: 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3—4 tablespoons chopped sage
- ½ pound ground beef (preferably grass fed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Sauté onion and sage in oil until onions are tender.
Add pumpkin, stir in, then slowly add in ricotta. Stir until fully incorporated and slightly melted. Remove from heat.
In a 9- by 9-inch baking dish, layer lasagna noodles with sauce and mozzarella. Repeat for at least 4 layers, using up all the sauce and about ¾ of the cheese. I like to add a layer of sautéed kale in the first layer to add fiber and more antioxidants!
Top with remaining cheese and cook for 45 minutes. Serve warm.
To make this variation add:
Cook garlic in oil until just aromatic, then add sage and ground beef. Cook until done. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add beef mixture to the pumpkin sauce with the pumpkin. Complete the rest of recipe as listed.
About this recipe
Editor’s note:
While this recipe was delightful as is, our Edible test kitchen tried a variation with a cooked garlic sage ground beef mixture added with the pumpkin, which really enhanced the flavors.
