Lasagna is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. For vegetarians, finding a hearty, flavorful lasagna recipe can sometimes be a challenge, but renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor offers a delightful solution with his Baked Lasagna Vegetarian recipe.
This dish is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and layers of tender pasta sheets, baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.
It’s a great way to impress family and friends or simply enjoy a cozy night in with a wholesome meal. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and free from meat, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a meatless alternative without sacrificing taste.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to create Sanjeev Kapoor’s vegetarian baked lasagna from scratch, including tips to customize the recipe and ideas for serving. So, let’s dive into the delicious world of vegetarian lasagna!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked vegetarian lasagna recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Unlike traditional meat lasagnas, this version uses a medley of seasonal vegetables that add vibrant color and texture to each bite.
The béchamel sauce adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly balances the tangy tomato base. It’s a wholesome dish that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Another reason to love it is how versatile it is. You can swap vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
It’s also suitable for preparing ahead of time — just assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Sanjeev Kapoor’s recipe elevates classic Italian comfort food with an Indian twist in seasoning, making it truly unique.
Plus, this lasagna makes excellent leftovers and freezes well, so you can enjoy it for days to come. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both nutritious and indulgent, this recipe ticks all the boxes!
Ingredients
- Lasagna sheets – 12 sheets (preferably no-boil)
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, bell peppers, zucchini) – 2 cups, finely chopped
- Spinach – 1 cup, chopped
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Tomato puree – 2 cups
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Butter – 3 tbsp
- All-purpose flour – 3 tbsp
- Milk – 3 cups (warm)
- Grated cheese (mozzarella or processed cheese) – 1.5 cups
- Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
- Dried oregano – 1 tsp
- Dried basil – 1 tsp
- Red chili flakes – ½ tsp (optional)
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Nutmeg powder – a pinch (for béchamel)
- Fresh coriander – for garnish
Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetable sauce: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Add chopped mixed vegetables and spinach: Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender but still retain some crunch.
- Pour in tomato puree: Add oregano, basil, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux (paste).
- Gradually whisk in warm milk: Keep stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg powder: Mix well and remove from heat.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F): Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of vegetable tomato sauce on the base of the dish.
- Layer lasagna sheets over the sauce: Cover with a layer of vegetable sauce and then drizzle some béchamel sauce over it.
- Sprinkle grated cheese: Add a generous layer of mozzarella or processed cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: Continue layering sheets, vegetable sauce, béchamel, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel and a thick cheese topping.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes: The top should be golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
“For a richer flavor, try adding roasted bell peppers or mushrooms to the vegetable mix. You can also use ricotta or cottage cheese in place of béchamel for a different texture.”
- Use no-boil lasagna sheets to save prep time, or pre-cook regular sheets as per package instructions.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with almond or soy milk and use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Feel free to add Indian spices like garam masala or cumin for a unique twist reminiscent of Sanjeev Kapoor’s style.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for a month.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6th of recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 14 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian baked lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks complement the rich, creamy layers and make the meal even more indulgent.
For a light beverage, try a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon. If you want to add a little more vegetable goodness, serve with sautéed green beans or a side of roasted asparagus.
If you’re interested in exploring more comforting baked dishes, check out our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe and for a sweet finishing touch, the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe is a delightful choice.
Conclusion
Creating Sanjeev Kapoor’s baked vegetarian lasagna at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with wholesome goodness. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a hearty meatless option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Layered with fresh vegetables, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, each slice is a comforting bite of pure joy.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a potluck, or simply craving a cozy meal, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own by adding your preferred veggies or spices.
For more vegetarian delights, explore our Half Runner Beans Recipe and other creative dishes. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Lasagna Recipe Vegetarian Sanjeev Kapoor
Description: A delicious vegetarian lasagna featuring layers of creamy cheese, rich tomato sauce, and fresh vegetables. This baked lasagna is perfect for a hearty family meal.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna sheets
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna sheets according to package instructions and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan; sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach; cook until tender.
- Mix ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer lasagna sheets, vegetable mixture, ricotta mix, and tomato sauce; repeat layers.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 35 g
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