Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe Nigella Lawson Style Made Easy

If you’re looking to indulge in a comforting, hearty meal without meat, Nigella Lawson’s vegetarian lasagna recipe is a perfect choice. This dish blends layers of tender pasta sheets, rich tomato sauce, and an assortment of fresh vegetables, all topped with a luscious, creamy béchamel.

Nigella’s approach to vegetarian lasagna brings out the best in each ingredient, resulting in a dish that’s satisfying for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Its vibrant layers and rich flavors make it ideal for cozy dinners or special occasions.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in plenty of veggies while enjoying a classic Italian favorite. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nigella Lawson’s vegetarian lasagna stands out because it combines simplicity with depth of flavor. The recipe balances fresh vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and courgettes with a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce and a creamy, homemade béchamel.

This isn’t just any lasagna; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that comfort and nourish.

The layered structure means you get a perfect bite every time — soft pasta, bubbling sauce, tender veggies, and melted cheese all in harmony. It’s ideal for meal prepping as leftovers taste even better the next day.

And, if you love exploring vegetarian dishes, you might also enjoy other recipes like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna sheets (fresh or dried)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium courgette (zucchini), sliced into thin rounds
• 150g mushrooms, sliced
• 150g fresh spinach
• 800g canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the béchamel sauce:
• 50g unsalted butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml whole milk, warmed
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
• Nutmeg, a pinch

Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Medium saucepan for béchamel
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking dish (approx. 20 x 30 cm)
• Whisk
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring jug or cups
• Grater for cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add courgettes and mushrooms: Stir in the sliced courgette and mushrooms, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
3. Incorporate tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in the canned tomatoes and tomato purée. Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. Add spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Make the béchamel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook gently for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
6. Gradually add warm milk: Whisk in the warm milk a little at a time to avoid lumps. Continue whisking and cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon — about 6-8 minutes.
7. Season the béchamel: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
8. Preheat your oven: Set it to 180°C (350°F, fan-assisted 160°C).
9. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the vegetable sauce on the base of your baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna sheets over the sauce, then cover with another third of the vegetable sauce.
10. Add béchamel: Spoon over a third of the béchamel sauce, smoothing it evenly.
11. Repeat layers: Add another layer of lasagna sheets, vegetable sauce, and béchamel. Finish with a final layer of pasta sheets, remaining béchamel, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
12. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
13. Rest before serving: Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce while it simmers.”

Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on your preferences. Roasted butternut squash or eggplant make excellent alternatives or additions.

For a vegan version, substitute the béchamel with a vegan béchamel sauce and use dairy-free cheese.

If you’re short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna sheets, but be sure your sauces are a little more liquid to ensure the pasta cooks properly in the oven. Also, layering fresh herbs such as basil or oregano between layers adds a fresh aromatic touch.

Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, making this recipe perfect for batch cooking. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian lasagna is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. For a light contrast, serve it alongside a fresh mixed green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.

Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf complements the creamy layers perfectly.

If you want to add more greens, a side of steamed broccoli or roasted Mediterranean vegetables works wonderfully. For a complete Italian-themed meal, consider starting with a simple bruschetta or a bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

Conclusion

Nigella Lawson’s vegetarian lasagna recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a wholesome vegetarian twist. Its layers of fresh vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and creamy béchamel create a comforting meal that satisfies all cravings.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this lasagna delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.

Beyond just a recipe, it’s an invitation to explore the wonderful world of vegetarian cooking with ingredients you love. Don’t forget to explore more plant-based recipes to keep your meals exciting, such as our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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