When you have some Butternut Squash and want something meatless...Part 2

Part 2 of Meatless meals. All the butternut squash!

Butternut Squash and Duxelles Casserole

8 oz. fresh mushrooms or mushroom stems

2 shallots, coarsely chopped (¼ cup)

1 ½ tsp. butter

1 Tbs. finely chopped parsley

¼ tsp. ground black pepper

1 cup 1% low-fat milk

2 Tbs. all-purpose flour

1 clove garlic, minced

¾ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (3 oz.), divided

⅛ tsp. nutmeg

1 (2.5 lb.) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into ⅛-inch slices

1. Pulse mushrooms in food processor 20 times, or until finely chopped. Transfer to bowl. Place shallots in food processor; pulse 20 times, or until finely chopped. Transfer to same bowl.

2. Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and shallots, and season with salt, if desired. Cook 10 minutes, or until mushrooms have released their liquid, most liquid has evaporated, and shallots are lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley and pepper.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or gratin dish with cooking spray.

4. Bring milk, flour, and garlic to a simmer in saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook 2 minutes, or until sauce is thick enough to coat back of spoon, whisking frequently. Whisk in 1/2 cup cheese and nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

5. Spread one-third squash in prepared pan. Top with 1/3 cup cheese sauce and half of mushroom mixture. Repeat layers, ending with cheese sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake 45 minutes, or until squash is tender and top is browned. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

creamy yum yum

Fresh out of the oven.

Work LUNCH close up!

This is a definite yes. Not at all a full meal unfortunately, but as a side dish, it is a solid yes. 

It makes me wish yet again I had a mandolin as it took way to long to slice all the squash. It could have used a little more bechamel sauce, but I like my sauce. 

Until the next side dish...