Lent Lasagna

Vegan Lasagna with Savory Vegetables and Bechamel Sauce – A Plant-Based Indulgence

Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

If you are looking for a vegan lasagna recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of joy to every plate, you’ve come to the right place! This vegetable lasagna, with a creamy Bechamel sauce and fresh vegetables, is perfect for enjoying at lunch or dinner. Additionally, we used plant-based cheese to give it an unmistakable flavor.

A Touch of History
Lasagna has deep roots in culinary history, being a cherished delicacy in many cultures. This vegan lasagna recipe perfectly adapts to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle without compromising on taste. It is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their consumption of animal products.

Your Ingredients
To create a delicious vegan lasagna, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

For the filling:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 10 pitted olives
- 250 ml tomato juice (ideally from fresh or home-canned tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 100 g grated plant-based cheese

For the Bechamel sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup Joya (calcium-fortified plant-based milk alternative)
- Salt, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg

Step by Step to Perfect Lasagna

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. If you have a food processor, it will save you time, especially if you have a picky eater in the family. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.

2. Add the vegetables: Cut the zucchini and bell peppers into small cubes for even cooking. Add the zucchini, bell peppers, and olives to the skillet, stirring well. Incorporate the tomato juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Steam the vegetables for 5-10 minutes until softened but still maintaining their texture.

3. Prepare the Bechamel sauce: In a separate pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat. Add the flour and stir vigorously to form a paste (roux). Continue stirring for a few minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then, gradually add the Joya beverage, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat when the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

4. Assemble the lasagna: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Layer lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of vegetables, then a layer of Bechamel sauce. Continue alternating layers until the ingredients are used up, making sure the final layer is Bechamel sauce. Sprinkle the plant-based cheese on top.

5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time, then remove it to allow the lasagna to become golden and crispy. Bake for 45 minutes, until the lasagna is well-cooked and appetizing.

6. Serving: Once baked, let the vegan lasagna cool slightly before cutting. Serve it with a fresh salad or a slice of homemade bread for a complete meal.

Chef’s Tip: If you want to add a touch of innovation, you can experiment with other seasonal vegetables or add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This vegan lasagna recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. It is rich in fiber from the vegetables and contains plant-based proteins from the Bechamel sauce. A 300 g serving of lasagna can contain approximately 350-400 calories, making it an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole wheat lasagna sheets? Absolutely! Whole wheat sheets add extra fiber and nutrients.
- What other vegetables can I use? You can add spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant, depending on your preferences.
- How can I make the Bechamel sauce richer? Add a bit of nutritional yeast or a mix of spices like garlic powder or onion powder for an even more intense flavor.

Delicious Pairings
This vegan lasagna pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade. It is also wonderful alongside a warm vegetable soup for a comforting lunch.

In conclusion, this vegan lasagna recipe with vegetables is an excellent choice for adding a touch of diversity to your menu. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and tell them about the moment you cooked it! Enjoy!