Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s completely plant-based and bursting with flavour? Look no further than this best vegan lasagne recipe UK that perfectly blends traditional Italian charm with vibrant, wholesome vegan ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, curious about plant-based cooking, or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal without dairy or meat, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished.
Layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender vegetables, every bite is a celebration of texture and taste.
This lasagne is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with something a little different yet utterly familiar. Plus, it’s UK-friendly with accessible ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that guarantee success even if you’re new to vegan cooking.
Ready to dive into this culinary delight? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan lasagne is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s:
- Rich and creamy without any dairy, thanks to a luscious cashew-based béchamel sauce.
- Loaded with fresh vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and courgettes for a nutritious boost.
- Easy to prepare with simple, readily available ingredients across UK supermarkets.
- Flexible and adaptable – perfect for swapping in your favourite veggies or vegan cheese alternatives.
- Perfect for batch cooking and freezing, making future mealtimes effortless.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagne sheets (ensure vegan-friendly, many dried pasta sheets are naturally vegan)
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 200g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium courgette, diced
- 150g fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- For the béchamel sauce:
- 150g raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours or overnight
- 400ml unsweetened plant milk (oat or almond work well)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavour)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Vegan parmesan or grated vegan cheese, for topping (optional)
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Blender or food processor (for béchamel sauce)
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or similar size
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Aluminium foil (optional, to cover lasagne while baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the cashews: Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain before use.
- Make the tomato sauce: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and diced courgette to the pan. Cook for 7-8 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes, then add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- During the last 5 minutes of simmering, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Remove the sauce from heat.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) fan-assisted, or 200°C (400°F) conventional.
- Assemble the lasagne: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the base of your baking dish. Place a layer of 3-4 lasagne sheets on top, then spread a generous layer of tomato sauce over the sheets.
- Drizzle or spoon on some of the cashew béchamel sauce. Repeat layering: pasta sheets, tomato sauce, béchamel, until you use all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of béchamel on top.
- Optional: Sprinkle vegan parmesan or grated vegan cheese over the top layer for a golden finish.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Tips & Variations
“For extra depth, add a splash of vegan red wine to your tomato sauce during simmering!”
- Vegetable swaps: Try adding roasted butternut squash, aubergine, or sweetcorn to change up the flavours.
- Protein boost: Incorporate crumbled tofu or cooked lentils into the tomato sauce for added protein.
- Cheesy alternative: Swap nutritional yeast for a store-bought vegan cheese sauce or add vegan mozzarella on top.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagne sheets available in many UK supermarkets.
- Make ahead: Assemble the lasagne a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (6 servings total) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 36g |
Fat | 12g |
Fibre | 6g |
Sugar | 8g |
Sodium | 350mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan lasagne pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil or a classic Italian-style rocket and cherry tomato salad. Garlic bread made with vegan butter is also a fantastic side to soak up any extra sauce.
For a UK-inspired twist, serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like parsnips and carrots, or a simple bowl of mushy peas for extra comfort.
Don’t forget a glass of your favourite vegan wine or sparkling elderflower pressé to complete the dining experience!
Conclusion
This best vegan lasagne recipe UK is a delicious way to enjoy a plant-based version of a classic comfort food. It balances hearty vegetables with creamy sauce layers and fresh herbs to create a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is easy to make, packed with flavour, and perfect for any occasion.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an excellent introduction to vegan cooking or a reliable go-to for busy weeknights. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for more plant-based inspiration or try the Magic Dough Recipe for your homemade bread needs.
For a sweet treat afterwards, check out the Marzipan Challah Recipe to keep your baking adventure going!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Lasagne Recipe UK
Description: A hearty and delicious vegan lasagne packed with rich tomato sauce and creamy béchamel. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT25M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H10M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 lasagne sheets (fresh or dried)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g chopped tomatoes (canned)
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 150g red lentils, rinsed
- 500ml vegetable stock
- 400ml unsweetened soy milk
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 3 tbsp vegan margarine
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, red lentils, vegetable stock, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- In a separate saucepan, melt vegan margarine, whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Slowly add soy milk, whisking constantly until béchamel thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer a baking dish with tomato-lentil sauce, lasagne sheets, and béchamel sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 45 g
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