From the kitchens of Italian homes to the most sophisticated restaurants in Spain, lasagne is a dish that has conquered palates all over the world. This delicious and comforting culinary creation is a perfect combination of flavours and textures, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
In recent years, the popularity of vegan cuisine has been on the rise, and especially driven by the growing interest in health, sustainability and animal welfare. As a result, vegan lasagne has become an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional version.
The reason is simple, it's the perfect option for those looking to enjoy this dish without animal ingredients, which can actually be just as delicious as the version we all know.
From Bebo Cold Press, therefore, we will enlighten you on how to make a delicious and easy-to-make vegan lasagne. The recipe we present to you is simple and uses ingredients that you can easily find in any supermarket. In addition, we give you some tips to make the dish perfect.
Reasons to learn how to prepare a vegan lasagne
We already know, lasagne is a traditional Italian dish consisting of layers of pasta, tomato sauce, cheese and meat. It is a rich and tasty dish that is popular all over the world, however, the traditional recipe is not suitable for vegans, as the cheese and meat are ingredients of animal origin.
We can say that there are many reasons why a person may choose to make a vegan lasagne. Some of them are:
- It allows you to enjoy a traditional dish without renouncing vegan principles. We are talking about a dish that is very popular in many countries around the world. By learning how to prepare a vegan lasagne, vegans can enjoy this dish without having to include animal ingredients.
- This vegan dish can be a healthier alternative to traditional lasagne. Traditional cheese is often high in saturated fat and cholesterol, while vegan alternatives to cheese are often healthier.
- It is a nutritious and balanced meal. Vegan lasagne is usually made with nutrient-rich ingredients such as vegetables, pulses and grains. This makes it a balanced and healthy meal that can be part of a balanced diet.
- It is a recipe with the ability to adapt to the tastes of each person. It can be prepared with a variety of ingredients, allowing it to be adapted to suit individual tastes. It is possible, for example, to replace the tomato sauce with a mushroom or lentil sauce, or to add other ingredients such as tofu, seitan or tempeh.
- Vegan lasagne is a more sustainable option than traditional lasagne. Meat and dairy production has a negative impact on the environment, while plant-based food production is more sustainable.
Here's how to make a vegan lasagne
It is a fact, vegan lasagne allows vegans to enjoy a traditional dish without renouncing its principles. It is also a versatile meal that can be adapted to suit everyone's tastes.
Here's how to prepare this delicious dish:
Ingredients
For pasta:
- 1 packet of lasagne sheets
For the filling:
- 1 cup cooked red lentils
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the béchamel sauce:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups vegetable milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the cheese:
- 1 cup grated vegan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Cook the lentils according to the instructions on the packet.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the stuffing.
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the green pepper and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Add the vegetable milk little by little, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble the lasagne:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place a layer of lasagna sheets.
- Cover with a layer of filling, then with a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.
- Finish with a layer of béchamel sauce and grated vegan cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the béchamel sauce is golden brown and bubbling.
- Leave to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Options for customising the recipe
- Change the type of tomato sauce to homemade tomato sauce or tomato sauce with vegetables.
- Replace the type of vegan cheese with the one you like best.
- Add other ingredients to the mushroom and spinach mixture, for example:
- Vegetables, such as courgettes, carrots, peppers, etc.
- Legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, etc.
- Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, etc.
- You can add a layer of aubergine or courgette to the lasagne.
- It is possible to serve the lasagne with a tomato sauce or a pesto sauce.
Conclusions
Vegan lasagne is, after all, a delicious and comforting option for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be just as delicious as the traditional version.
Now, knowing how to prepare a vegan lasagne is an important skill that allows vegans to enjoy a traditional dish without renouncing its principles. Not to mention that it is a nutritious and balanced meal that can be adapted to suit everyone's tastes. So, are you looking for a way to enjoy this classic Italian dish without animal ingredients? Vegan lasagne is a great way to go - prepare it and enjoy a feast fit for the gods!
