This idea for this simple lasagne recipe originally came from my mother in law, who sent a cheese and mozzarella lasagne recipe to me over via WhatsApp one morning. I happened to have most of the main ingredients in, and so made it that evening. Since then I have made a number of adjustments. It always proves to be a winning dish, so I had to share it with you!
There is a quick tomato sauce made from scratch, but don’t be put off – with only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, it is quite easy to do one handed. Believe me. I had to try it one day with a toddler on my hip. There is no béchamel sauce in this lasagne, which not only means a less laborious dish (and one less pan to clean) but I personally think it makes the lasagne lighter.
Despite the whole cooking time of just over an hour, this vegetarian lasagne is one I think of as easy to cook, with a demanding toddler on my leg. The sauce takes 5 minutes to prepare then can be left to simmer for 15 minutes. Then another 5 minutes of assembly and the lasagne is in the oven for 30-40 minutes, leaving you free to do all those other tasks on your list.
This vegetarian lasagne smells so amazing whilst cooking in the oven, and I can promise you that even the most avid meat eaters in our family love this dish!
I love adding red lentils to many of my dishes, such as this lasagne. They are rich in iron, folate, dietary fibre and a great source of protein. Red lentils don’t require soaking before use, which make them an easy addition when you just want to boost the nutritional profile of a dish.
Serving Suggestion
As you will see from the picture above, lorries are an optional addition. If you have been following me on Instagram and/or Facebook you may remember a posting of the first time I cooked this and Mini Jones deciding to add one of his toy lorries on top of the dish whilst I was trying to photograph it.
If the idea of a lorry accompaniment doesn’t appeal to you, a simple salad of baby spinach and fresh tomatoes with olive oil and vinegar vinaigrette is all thats needed.
Can I Make This Cheese and Tomato Lasagne Ahead of Time?
I wouldn’t recommend reheating this lasagne, as there is not much sauce and when fresh from the oven the edges are crispy and delicious, but on reheating they can go a little rubbery. You can make the sauce up to three days beforehand though.
If you are looking for more Vegetarian inspiration, why not have a look at my Coconut Chickpea Curry, Peach Feta Almond Toast, or Zucchini Quiche
Cheese and Tomato Vegetarian Lasagne
Ingredients
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- 2-3 spring onions finely sliced
- 400 g tin tomatoes
- 1 tbsp red lentils
- Couple sprigs fresh oregano finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried oregano)
- Handful fresh basil
- 200 g mozzarella sliced
- 6 sheets lasagne – dry or fresh
- 75 g cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over a low heat and add the spring onions and garlic. Fry for 2-3 minutes until soft but not coloured.
- Add the tin of tomatoes and a tin’s worth of water (400ml), red lentils, oregano and season with a little salt and some black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check and stir after 15 minutes, as the lentils can stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 170˚C/340˚F.
- In a 20cm x 27cm ovenproof dish, spoon half the sauce into the dish and spread out to cover the base.
- Lay 2 sheets lasagne over the sauce, then sprinkle over half the mozzarella, one third of the grated cheese, and a few torn basil leaves.
- Lay another 2 sheets of lasagne on this, then top with the rest of the tomato lentil sauce, 2 more sheets of lasagne, the rest of the mozzarella, grated cheese and basil.
- Place in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until lightly golden.
HAVE YOU MADE THIS RECIPE?
I'd love to see your creation!
Or just leave a comment below!
Sylvie says
Perfect easy and healthy mid-week dinner idea – pasta is my ultimate comfort food so I would happily eat these lasagna every day!!
Robyn says
Thank you Sylvie! Our whole family would be happy to eat this every day too!
Andrea says
Yum! We try and eat a few meat free meals in our home every week. This lasagne will definitely be making an appearance!
Robyn says
That you Andrea! Yes it is a meat free favourite in our house!