Smoky Veggie Lentil Lasagne (Print View)

Comforting vegetarian bake with smoky lentils, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce layered between pasta.

# Components:

→ Vegetable Bolognese

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 8.8 oz mushrooms, chopped
07 - 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), diced
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes
12 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
13 - 14 oz can chopped tomatoes
14 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
15 - 4.4 oz dried red lentils, rinsed
16 - 2 cups vegetable stock
17 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Béchamel Sauce

18 - 1.4 oz unsalted butter
19 - 1.4 oz plain flour
20 - 2.5 cups whole milk
21 - 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
22 - 2.1 oz grated mature cheddar or vegetarian hard cheese
23 - Salt and white pepper to taste

→ Assembly

24 - 9-12 no-boil lasagne sheets
25 - 1.8 oz grated mozzarella or vegetarian cheese
26 - Fresh basil leaves for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof deep frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add carrot, red pepper, mushrooms, and courgettes. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
04 - Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, chili flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
05 - Add canned tomatoes, soy sauce, red lentils, and vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender and sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
06 - Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cook stirring for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Remove half the vegetable bolognese from the pan and set aside. Layer one-third of béchamel over remaining sauce in the pan, then top with lasagne sheets (break to fit).
08 - Spread half the reserved bolognese over the pasta, pour another third of béchamel, and add another layer of lasagne sheets.
09 - Finish with remaining bolognese, top with final lasagne sheets, and pour over remaining béchamel. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella.
10 - Cover pan loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11 - Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
12 - Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything happens in one pan, from stovetop to oven, so you spend more time eating and less time washing up
  • The lentils create a rich, meaty texture that even committed carnivores secretly love
  • It tastes even better the next day, making it the ultimate gift to your future self
02 -
  • Skip the boiling water step entirely, no boil lasagne sheets are designed to cook in the sauce
  • The standing time is not optional, cutting too soon will leave you with a sloppy mess
  • Use an ovenproof pan you are comfortable moving in and out of the oven safely
03 -
  • Use a pan with high sides to prevent any bubbling over in your oven
  • Break the lasagne sheets to fit rather than overlapping them too much
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