Hearty Vegan Lentil Lasagna
When it comes to comfort food, lasagna is hard to beat. The layers of tender pasta, hearty filling, and creamy sauce make it a meal that feels like a warm hug. But what if you’re vegan—or simply looking for a plant-based twist? That’s where Vegan Lentil Lasagna shines. It’s proof that you don’t need meat or dairy to create a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
The Secret to Creaminess Without Dairy
One of the challenges of making a vegan lasagna is replicating the creamy texture of traditional béchamel sauce. Thankfully, plant-based milk and vegan butter step up to the plate. When combined with a simple roux, they create a silky béchamel that’s indistinguishable from the dairy-based version. For an extra cheesy vibe, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or melted vegan mozzarella on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Cooking Tips:
- Use no-boil lasagna sheets for convenience, or pre-cook traditional sheets to save time during assembly.
- Add layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for more texture and flavor.
- Let the lasagna rest before cutting to ensure clean slices and avoid messy layers.
Vegan Lentil Lasagna proves that plant-based eating doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or flavor. It’s wholesome, hearty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your life, this dish deserves a spot on your table.
So grab your apron and start layering—you’re about to create a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentil (rinsed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium carrot (finely diced)
- 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
- 400 g crushed tomato
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 9-12 sheets lasagna (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional, for extra greens)
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast (optional, for topping)
- Cook lentils in a pot of boiling water for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, smoked paprika, and vegetable broth. Add cooked lentils and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly.
- Gradually add plant-based milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of lentil filling on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by more lentil filling, fresh spinach (if using), and béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast on top, if desired.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Master the Layers: A great lasagna is all about balance. Make sure each layer has just enough filling to hold everything together without overwhelming the dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, fresh basil and parsley take the flavor to the next level.
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and bake it when ready. It’s a lifesaver for busy evenings or entertaining guests.
- Rest Before Slicing: After baking, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut neat slices.
Hi, I’m Aisyah! A curious soul with a love for exploring new places, whipping up delicious recipes, and sharing practical tips to make life a little easier. Join me on this adventure of creativity and discovery!