Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Lasagne is a delicious and wholesome dish that layers roasted vegetables, rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and pasta sheets. This meat-free version of the classic Italian dish is perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking for a lighter, vegetable-packed meal. With its combination of vibrant flavors and textures, this lasagne is both comforting and nutritious, making it a great choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Packed with Vegetables: Loaded with a variety of roasted vegetables, this lasagne is as healthy as it is delicious.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of tomato sauce and béchamel ensures a flavorful and creamy dish.
- Perfect for Vegetarians: A satisfying and hearty meal that doesn’t miss the meat.
- Great for Meal Prep: This lasagne can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
What is Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne?
Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Lasagne is a meat-free version of the classic Italian dish, featuring layers of roasted vegetables, tomato sauce, béchamel, and lasagne sheets. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and anyone who loves a good lasagne.
Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne Ingredients
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 2 zucchinis (courgettes), sliced
- 1 eggplant (aubergine), sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 x 400g (14 oz) cans of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 75g (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 75g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 liter (4 cups) milk
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
For the Lasagne:
- 300g (10 oz) lasagne sheets (fresh or dried)
- 150g (5 oz) grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 50g (1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place the sliced zucchini, eggplant, red bell peppers, and red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the Vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Make the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until it forms a paste and starts to bubble slightly.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Season the Sauce: Season the béchamel with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagne
- Layer the Lasagne: In a large baking dish, start with a layer of tomato sauce, followed by a layer of roasted vegetables, and then a layer of béchamel sauce. Cover with lasagne sheets. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella or cheddar over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagne
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the lasagne in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest: Allow the lasagne to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagne.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with additional roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the flavors in this vegetarian lasagne.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, in-season vegetables will give the best flavor and texture to your lasagne.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the lasagne to rest after baking helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
- Make It Ahead: This lasagne can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms, spinach, or butternut squash.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne
- Gluten-Free Lasagne: Use gluten-free lasagne sheets and substitute the flour in the béchamel sauce with a gluten-free alternative.
- Vegan Lasagne: Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese, and substitute the béchamel sauce with a cashew cream sauce.
- Mushroom Lasagne: Add sautéed mushrooms to the vegetable mix for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Spinach and Ricotta Lasagne: Add layers of spinach and ricotta cheese for a creamy, flavorful twist.
How to Store Leftovers from Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne
- Cool Completely: Allow the lasagne to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the lasagne tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Reheat Leftovers from Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne
Oven Reheating:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the lasagne in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Reheat for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave Reheating:
- For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQs
Can I make Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Lasagne gluten-free?
Yes, Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagne sheets and substituting the all-purpose flour in the béchamel sauce with a gluten-free flour alternative, such as rice flour or cornstarch.
How do I prevent my vegetarian lasagne from being watery?
To prevent vegetarian lasagne from being watery, ensure that the roasted vegetables are cooked until they are tender and slightly caramelized to remove excess moisture. Also, let the lasagne rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set, which helps reduce any excess liquid.
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Lasagne?
Yes, Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Lasagne can be frozen. Assemble the lasagne, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What other vegetables can I use in this vegetarian lasagne?
You can customize Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Lasagne with a variety of vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, butternut squash, and zucchini are all great options. You can also add layers of sautéed greens or roasted root vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Lasagne is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of roasted vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and creamy béchamel, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a vegetarian guest or simply looking for a delicious meat-free meal, this lasagne is a surefire way to impress. Enjoy the comforting, wholesome flavors of this classic dish!
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Chicken Lemon
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie With Puff Pastry
- Jamie Oliver Aubergine Lasagne
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pie
Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Lasagne Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 60
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Lasagne is a meat-free version of the classic Italian dish, featuring layers of roasted vegetables, tomato sauce, béchamel, and lasagne sheets. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and anyone who loves a good lasagne.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Vegetables:
-
- 2 zucchinis (courgettes), sliced
-
- 1 eggplant (aubergine), sliced
-
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
-
- 1 red onion, sliced
-
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
-
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
-
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
-
- 1 onion, finely chopped
-
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
-
- 2 x 400g (14 oz) cans of chopped tomatoes
-
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
-
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
-
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
-
- 75g (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter
-
- 75g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
-
- 1 liter (4 cups) milk
-
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
For the Lasagne:
-
- 300g (10 oz) lasagne sheets (fresh or dried)
-
- 150g (5 oz) grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
-
- 50g (1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
-
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
-
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
-
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place the sliced zucchini, eggplant, red bell peppers, and red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
-
- Roast the Vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
-
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
-
- Add the Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
-
- Make the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until it forms a paste and starts to bubble slightly.
-
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
-
- Season the Sauce: Season the béchamel with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagne
-
- Layer the Lasagne: In a large baking dish, start with a layer of tomato sauce, followed by a layer of roasted vegetables, and then a layer of béchamel sauce. Cover with lasagne sheets. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce on top.
-
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella or cheddar over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagne
-
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the lasagne in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
-
- Rest: Allow the lasagne to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut.
Step 6: Serve
-
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.