Hello, everyone! In my previous recipe guide, I shared a recipe for a delicious Nutella lasagna, and today, I’m excited to show you how to make my absolute favorite dish— Italian Vegetarian Lasagna.
It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that reminds me of the traditional lasagna my grandma used to make.
Highlights:
- Transform your favorite lasagna into a delicious vegetarian version with a hearty, meatless ragu and a creamy bechamel sauce.
- Prepare the ragu and bechamel ahead of time for a convenient and time-saving lasagna assembly.
- Customize your lasagna with a blend of cheeses like fresh mozzarella and Galbanino, or explore other options like caciocavallo or provolone.
- Skip the hassle of pre-cooking lasagna sheets—layer them directly into the pan for a fuss-free preparation.
- Achieve a golden crust by broiling the lasagna for the final two minutes, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
So, let’s dive into the recipe without any further ado!
How to Cook Italian Vegetarian Lasagna
To cook Italian Vegetarian Lasagna, prepare a meatless ragu and a creamy bechamel sauce. Layer lasagna sheets with ragu, bechamel, and cheese, then bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, finishing with a broil for a golden crust. Allow it to cool briefly before serving.
Equipments:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Microwave
- Pan (11 by 18 inches and 2.7 inches deep)
- Plastic wrap (for covering the bechamel)
- Oven
Italian Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe
I'm excited to share this Italian Vegetarian Lasagna recipe with you, so let's dive in!
Ingredients
1. For the Bechamel
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (warmed)
- Salt to taste
- Nutmeg (optional, for flavor)
2. Additional Ingredients
- Lasagna sheets
- 100g fresh mozzarella, diced
- 100g Galbanino or other sweet and fresh cheese (e.g., caciocavallo, provolone)
- Grated cheese for topping
- Extra broth (if needed to adjust ragu consistency)
Instructions
1. Make the Bechamel
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the flour until smooth.
- Warm the milk in the microwave and gradually add it to the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- For a vegan version, use unsweetened soy milk and olive oil instead of butter.
- Cook the mixture over low to medium heat for about 5 minutes until it starts to boil.
- Turn off the heat, add salt, and stir.
- Optional: Add nutmeg for flavor.
- If not using immediately, cover the bechamel with plastic wrap in contact with the sauce to prevent thickening.
2. Prepare the Meatless Ragù sauce
To make Meatless Ragù, chop and sauté carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Add zucchini, eggplant, tomato sauce, broth, red wine, and sugar. Simmer for 20 mins, adjust seasoning, and enjoy in lasagna or pasta.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a pan (11 by 18 inches and 2.7 inches deep), start by layering the base with some ragu.
- Place lasagna sheets over the ragu to help them cook evenly.
- Repeat the process: ragu, lasagna sheets, bechamel, and cheese, for three layers.
- On the final layer, add ragu, cheese, and cover with bechamel to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top for a golden finish.
4. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- For the last two minutes, switch to broil for a golden crust.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before cutting.
- Serve and savor the delicious flavors of your homemade Vegetarian Lasagna!
FAQs
Can I use plant-based ingredients for a vegan version of this lasagna?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using unsweetened soy milk instead of regular milk and substituting olive oil for butter in the bechamel sauce. Besides, choose plant-based cheeses that suit your taste.
Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna sheets?
No, there’s no need to pre-cook the lasagna sheets. They will cook perfectly in the oven as the lasagna bakes.
Can I use different cheeses in the lasagna?
Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. I used fresh mozzarella and Galbanino, but caciocavallo, provolone, or even vegan cheeses can be excellent alternatives.
What should I do if the ragu is too thick?
If the ragu thickens over time, simply add more water or broth to achieve the desired consistency. Heat it up before layering it in the lasagna.
Can I omit the nutmeg in the bechamel sauce?
Yes, nutmeg is optional and can be omitted if you prefer. It adds a subtle flavor, but the bechamel will still be delicious without it.
How do I prevent the lasagna from burning on top?
To prevent burning, make sure to cover the top layer with enough bechamel sauce and consider adjusting the oven temperature or broiling time as needed.
Can I use a store-bought ragu or bechamel sauce for convenience?
While homemade sauces add a personal touch, you can use store-bought options if you’re short on time. Just ensure they complement the flavors of the lasagna.
Conclusion
There you have it—a mouthwatering Italian Vegetarian Lasagna recipe that will impress even the most dedicated meat lovers. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite cheeses or add more veggies for an extra twist. I hope you enjoy making and indulging in this comforting classic! Buon appetite!
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