Vegetarian lasagne

Vegetarian lasagne

45 min
Experience our delightful vegetable lasagne. It has layers of al dente pasta sheets, creamy spinach, and mushrooms; all brought together with a spicy tomato sauce and slices of halloumi cheese. Baked to a golden, cheesy, and creamy delight, it is ideal for family dinners or festive occasions.
https://arlauk.cmsstage.com/recipes/vegetarian-lasagne/

Instructions

Spinach and mushroom filling
  • Preheat the oven to 225 °C.
  • Cut halloumi cheese into thin slices.
  • Defrost the spinach over medium heat in a frying pan until completely thawed. Drain well in a colander.
  • Slice mushrooms and fry them over high heat until they have a nice colour. Turn down the heat and add butter & rapeseed oil and pressed garlic. Fry for a further 2 minutes. Set a few slices of mushrooms aside.
  • Mix the rest of the mushrooms with spinach and salt.
Tomato sauce
  • Mix the tomato sauce with cooking cream.
Assembly
  • Grease a baking dish, about 10×15 cm.
  • Alternate tomato sauce, spinach and mushroom filling, cheese slices and lasagne sheets. The last layer should be the tomato sauce. Top with the reserved mushrooms.
  • Bake in the centre of the oven for about 15 minutes.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about vegetarian lasagne

Find answers to some common questions about this beloved vegetarian lasagne below to help you with the recipe.

Can I prepare the lasagne in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetarian lasagne in advance. Assemble the lasagne and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Before baking, let it reach room temperature or bake it slightly longer to ensure it heats evenly. This approach is convenient for meal planning and busy schedules, allowing you to have a ready-to-bake dish on hand.
What is the best way to store and warm up leftover vegetarian lasagne?
To store leftover lasagne, let it cool to room temperature first. Cover it well and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can use either the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 180 °C and heat for 15–20 minutes until hot. For microwave reheating, place the lasagne on a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for a few minutes until thoroughly hot. If the lasagne is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I freeze the vegetarian lasagne before or after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagne either before or after baking. For pre-baked freezing, assemble the lasagne in a freezer-safe, oven-safe dish, wrap it tightly in cling film or aluminium foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before baking according to the recipe instructions. For freezing leftovers, cool the lasagne to room temperature to prevent freezer burn, then portion it into containers suitable for the microwave or oven. Reheat at 180 °C for 15–20 minutes in the oven, or microwave on high heat for 5–6 minutes until fully heated.

Ingredients

Fresh lasagne sheets
200 g
Halloumi cheese ​(about 250 g)
1 pack
Spinach and mushroom filling
Frozen leaf spinach
400 g
Mushrooms
250 g
Butter and rapeseed oil
Garlic cloves
2
Salt
1 tsp
Tomato sauce
Arrabbiata sauce (spicy tomato sauce)
1 can
Arla® LactoFREE Whipping and cooking cream
250 ml

Tips: Make the best vegetarian lasagne

Discover suggestions that will help you make the best vegetarian lasagne.

Avoid watery lasagne

Ensure all ingredients, especially the spinach and mushrooms, are well-drained to prevent a watery or soggy lasagne. So, taking the time to properly drain cooked vegetables is crucial for achieving the right texture.

Allow time for the layers to settle

When your vegetarian lasagne is ready and out of the oven, give it about 15 minutes to cool down before serving. This cooling period allows the ingredients to set and makes it easier to cut and serve without the layers falling apart.

Test for Doneness

Insert a knife into the centre to check if the lasagne is done. It is ready if the knife goes through easily and comes out hot. This ensures the lasagne sheets are cooked properly and the dish is heated throughout.

Try our delicious recipe for vegetarian lasagne

Indulge in our comforting vegetarian lasagne, featuring layers of spinach, mushrooms, and halloumi cheese. All layers are embraced by tender pasta sheets, and each bite offers a rich, slightly spicy tomato sauce and a medley of smooth textures baked golden. The halloumi adds a special twist to a classic lasagne recipe that will make it a favourite at your table.

With tangy, salty, and savoury notes from halloumi cheese

Halloumi brings a very special element to this vegetarian lasagne. When the halloumi bakes, it softens slightly but maintains its shape, offering a firm and slightly chewy texture between the layers of tender pasta and creamy spinach filling. The cheese's flavour becomes more pronounced when baked, infusing the lasagne with its inherent saltiness and mild tanginess. Its savoury profile not only complements the creamy tomato sauce but also elevates the umami taste of the mushrooms and the subtle sweetness of the spinach.

Get inspired for your next pasta night with other Italian recipes with a twist, for example, our salmon and leek pasta, potato gnocchi with cream-grilled chard, kale carbonara with walnuts, pasta carbonara with cream cheese, or fried ravioli in tomato sauce.

Creamy tomato sauce with spinach and mushroom

The creamy tomato sauce, combined with layers of spinach and mushrooms, elevates this lasagne with a rich and luscious texture. The spicy arrabbiata sauce brings a subtle kick, perfectly balanced by the smoothness of the cooking cream. Spinach adds an earthy, slightly sweet flavour, while mushrooms contribute a meaty texture and umami richness. The sauce envelops the vegetables and pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with savoury goodness and comforting textures.

Serve with simple side dishes

You can serve the vegetarian lasagne on its own, but it is delicious with simple sides. A crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, and dress with a lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread pairs wonderfully with lasagne. Slice a baguette or ciabatta, spread with butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt, then bake until golden and crispy. For a more substantial side, consider roasting vegetables like carrots, peppers, courgettes, and red onions. A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, offers a light, elegant complement. Steamed asparagus, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt and pepper, is also an easy, light option.

Experiment with the ingredients

Put a personal touch on the recipe. Add a variety of roasted vegetables to complement the spinach and mushrooms. For example, thinly slice and then roast courgettes for sweetness and crispiness or charred pepper strips for a sweet, smoky flavour. For a creamy and smoky texture, salt and rinse aubergine slices before roasting them or slowly caramelise onions in butter or oil for a sweet, savoury depth.

Layer fresh basil leaves between layers to infuse fresh, aromatic notes, or sprinkle pine nuts on top or between layers for a crunchy texture and a buttery, nutty, slightly sweet flavour. Spread your favourite pesto between the layers to introduce a creamy, slightly oily texture along with a herbaceous, nutty richness.

Although the tomato sauce has cooking cream, you can make a white sauce to use between the layers, too. For example, béchamel sauce, mornay sauce, or cottage cheese blended with egg and milk. It is delicious with a bit of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar in it to melt delightfully between the layers of firm, salty halloumi. Similarly, dollops of ricotta cheese between layers can add a mild, creamy flavour and a smooth, slightly grainy texture.