Easter Lasagna is a delicious and festive dish, perfect for a holiday gathering. This vegetarian version is packed with layers of rich ricotta, fresh vegetables, creamy béchamel, and a savoury tomato sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this lasagna is sure to impress your guests. In this blog, we will explore the step-by-step process of making Easter Lasagna (Vegetarian Option).
Ingredients Needed for Easter Lasagna (Vegetarian Option)
To make this flavorful and satisfying lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional for extra depth)
Béchamel Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easter Lasagna (Vegetarian Option)
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of tomato vegetable sauce.
- Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of ricotta mixture, followed by a drizzle of béchamel sauce.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Easter Lasagna
- Use fresh vegetables: Seasonal produce enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing: This helps the layers set for a cleaner cut.
- Add roasted butternut squash: For a sweet, nutty flavor, include roasted butternut squash in the layers.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles: Saves time and makes assembly easier.
- Try a pesto drizzle: A light drizzle of basil pesto before serving adds extra flavour.
This Easter Lasagna (Vegetarian Option) is packed with layers of rich, creamy, and hearty flavours, making it a perfect main course for a festive celebration. The combination of roasted vegetables, cheesy layers, and creamy béchamel makes this dish both comforting and impressive for any holiday meal.
Now that you know how to make Easter Lasagna (Vegetarian Option), try this festive recipe for your next holiday gathering. Don’t forget to customize the ingredients and share your experience in the comments below!
