Enjoy our simple and delicious Vegetarian lasagna recipe that requires just a few basic ingredients. You have the option to use store-bought tomato sauce and white sauce, or you can prepare and freeze your own sauces in advance.
What are the key ingredients in a vegetable lasagna?
A vegetable lasagna is packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Common components include roasted red bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, and baby spinach. These vegetables provide a rich and satisfying taste. While no-boil lasagna noodles may seem convenient, many people prefer the texture and flavor of traditional lasagna noodles.
Lasagna vs. Moussaka: What’s the Difference?
Lasagna and moussaka are often compared, but they are distinct dishes. The primary difference lies in their base layers: lasagna features layers of pasta, while moussaka traditionally features layers of eggplant. However, variations of moussaka using potatoes or zucchini exist.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Vegan Lasagna
A vegan lasagna offers a hearty and flavorful meal that’s just as satisfying as its traditional counterpart. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
Plant-Based Ragu:
- Mushrooms: A versatile ingredient that can mimic the texture and flavor of ground meat.
- Lentils: A protein-packed legume that adds substance and heartiness to the sauce.
- Vegan Meat Alternatives: Products like soy-based or pea-protein-based ground “meat” can be used for a meaty flavor and texture.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are commonly used to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Herbs and Spices: A combination of herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes, can enhance the flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich, flavorful tomato sauce is essential for a satisfying vegan lasagna.
For the Creamy Vegan Béchamel Sauce:
- Plant-Based Milk: Soy milk, oat milk, or almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk.
- Vegan Butter: A plant-based butter, such as margarine or vegan butter, can be used to create a creamy sauce.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce.
- Nutritional Yeast: This adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Herbs and Spices: A pinch of nutmeg and a hint of white pepper can enhance the flavor.
For the Lasagna:
- Lasagna Noodles: These can be store-bought or homemade.
- Vegan Cheese: A variety of vegan cheese options are available, such as cashew-based or soy-based cheeses.
Ingredients:
- 3 red peppers, cut into large chunks .
- 2 aubergines, sliced into ½ cm thick slices .
- 8 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing the dish .
- 300g lasagne sheets .
- 125g mozzarella cheese .
- Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved .
For the Tomato Sauce Vegetarian lasagna:
- 1 tbsp olive oil .
- 2 onions, finely chopped .
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced .
- 1 carrot, roughly chopped .
- 2 tbsp tomato purée .
- 200ml white wine .
- 3 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes .
- 1 bunch of basil, leaves picked .
For the White Sauce Vegetarian lasagna:
- 85g butter .
- 85g plain flour .
- 750ml milk .
Instructions:
- Prepare the tomato sauce by heating olive oil in a saucepan. Add onions, garlic, and carrot, and cook until softened. Increase heat, stir in tomato purée, then add white wine and reduce. Add chopped tomatoes and basil, bring to a boil, then simmer. Cool and blend in a food processor.
- Make the white sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, stirring in flour, and cooking. Slowly whisk in milk, bring to a boil, and cook until thickened.
- Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Grease baking trays, roast peppers and aubergines with olive oil until browned.
- Reduce oven temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease an ovenproof dish, layer vegetables, tomato sauce, lasagne sheets, and white sauce. Repeat for three layers.
- Top with remaining white sauce, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes. Bake until bubbly and golden, around 45 minutes.
Nutritional Profile of Vegetarian Lasagna
A vegetarian lasagna can be a nutritious and satisfying meal. A typical serving of vegetarian lasagna contains approximately:
- 360 calories
- 11 grams of total fat (including 5 grams of saturated fat)
- 45 grams of carbohydrates
- 23 grams of protein
- 11 grams of dietary fiber
- 310 milligrams of sodium
These nutritional values can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. It’s essential to consider the types of cheese, pasta, and vegetables included in the lasagna to assess its overall nutritional content.
