Are you looking for a delicious and easy vegetarian lasagne recipe that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike?
If so, you will love this recipe by Mary Berry, a famous British cook, author, and television presenter. She shows you how to make a creamy and flavourful lasagne with layers of pasta, cheese sauce, and mushroom sauce, using frozen spinach and ready-made white sauce to save time and effort.
This recipe is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion, and it can be made ahead and frozen for later.
Follow this complete step-by-step guide to make Mary Berry’s vegetarian lasagne today!
What is Mary Berry Vegetarian Lasagne?
Mary Berry vegetarian lasagne is a delicious and easy recipe that uses layers of pasta, cheese sauce, and vegetable sauce instead of meat. It’s a great way to enjoy lasagne without the extra calories and fat from beef or pork. Mary Berry is a famous British cook, author, and television presenter who has been cooking for over 60 years. She is known for her simple and elegant recipes that are easy to follow and delicious to eat.
Why You Love this Recipe
You will love this recipe because it’s:
- Full of flavor and texture, with a creamy white sauce, a rich mushroom sauce, and a cheesy topping.
- Easy to make, with frozen spinach and ready-made white sauce to save time and effort.
- Versatile, as you can use different kinds of vegetables and cheeses according to your preference or what’s in season.
- Freezable, as you can make it ahead and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Perfect for entertaining, as it can feed a crowd and impress your vegetarian friends and family.
Why choose Mary Berry’s recipe?
- Signature Simplicity: Berry is celebrated for her straightforward yet sophisticated recipes. This vegetarian lasagne is a testament to her ability to make easy-to-follow dishes without compromising on taste.
- Flavorful Depth: The mushroom sauce, enhanced by basil and balsamic vinegar, offers a unique taste.
- Efficient & Creamy: Uses frozen spinach and ready-made white sauce for convenience without sacrificing texture.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
What ingredients do you need?
To make Mary Berry’s vegetarian lasagne, you will need the following ingredients:
- Butter for greasing
- 500g (1lb 2oz) frozen leaf spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 600ml (1 pint) hot white sauce (see recipe below)
- 200g (7oz) Emmental cheese, grated
- About 6 sheets of no-precooking-required dried lasagne
For the mushroom sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
- 350g (12oz) button mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
- 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 40g (1ÂĽ oz) plain flour
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp shredded fresh basil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
For the white sauce:
- 40g (1ÂĽ oz) butter
- 40g (1ÂĽ oz) plain flour
- 600ml (1 pint) hot milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- A few gratings of fresh nutmeg
Instruction to Make Mary Berry Vegetarian Lasagne
To make Mary Berry’s vegetarian lasagne, follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish
Preheat the oven to 190C (fan 170C/375F/gas 5). Grease a baking dish measuring about 25cm x 20cm (10cm x 8in) and 5cm (2in) deep.
Step 2: Make the mushroom sauce
Heat the oil in a nonstick sauté pan, add the onion, and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until just beginning to brown. Add the mushrooms and garlic, stir, then cook for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well.
Add the tomatoes, sugar salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
Stir in the shredded basil and balsamic vinegar. Check the seasoning and adjust if needed.
Step 3: Make the white sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the flour, and whisk over the heat for a minute. Gradually blend in the hot milk and whisk until bubbling and smooth. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
Step 4: Assemble the lasagne
Spoon a third of the mushroom sauce over the bottom of the dish.
Scatter a third of the spinach over the mushroom sauce, using your fingers.
Spread a third of the white sauce over the spinach, then sprinkle with a third of the cheese.
Cover with a layer of lasagne sheets, not overlapping them. The dish will probably take 3 sheets, but you may have to break them to fit.
Repeat the layers of mushroom sauce, spinach, white sauce, cheese, and lasagne sheets twice more, finishing with cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake in the oven
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Let the lasagne rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Cut into slices and serve with a green salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy your Mary Berry vegetarian lasagne!
How Do I Serve With Mary Berry Vegetarian Lasagne?
Complementary Sides:
- Opt for a green salad or crusty bread to round out the meal.
- Consider roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or potatoes for added sustenance and color.
Garnishing Ideas:
- Enhance the dish’s flavor and aesthetic with fresh herbs, particularly parsley or basil.
How do I Enjoy With Mary Berry Vegetarian Lasagne?
Serving Method:
- Slice the lasagne and serve it hot or at a warm temperature.
Reheating:
- Have leftovers? Easily reheat the dish in the oven or microwave.
Meal Options:
- Versatile enough to be served as a main course or a side dish based on your preference and the nature of the occasion.
Pairing Suggestions:
- For a gourmet experience, pair the lasagne with a glass of wine. Chianti or Pinot Noir are excellent choices that complement the flavors beautifully.
Pro Tips to Make Mary Berry Vegetarian Lasagne
Here are some pro tips to make Mary Berry vegetarian lasagne even better:
- Make sure you drain the spinach well after thawing it, as excess water can make the lasagne soggy.
- Use a nonstick sauté pan to cook the mushroom sauce, as it will prevent the mushrooms from sticking and burning.
- Use no-precooking-required dried lasagne sheets, as they will cook in the oven and absorb the moisture from the sauces.
- Spread the sauces evenly over the lasagne sheets, making sure there are no gaps or dry edges.
- Cover the lasagne with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove it for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Variations of Mary Berry Vegetarian Lasagne
You can vary the ingredients of Mary Berry vegetarian lasagne according to your taste and availability.
Here are some suggestions:
- Replace some of the mushrooms with butternut squash, as Mary Berry suggests, or use red peppers, leeks, and pesto, as in another version of her recipe.
- Use different cheeses in the lasagne, such as mozzarella, ricotta, or parmesan. Just make sure they are vegetarian-friendly and melt well.
- Add some chopped walnuts or pine nuts to the cheese sauce for some crunch and nuttiness.
- Add some tofu or lentils to the mushroom sauce for some extra protein and texture.
- Spice up the mushroom sauce with some chili flakes or smoked paprika for some heat and smokiness.
How do I store Mary Berry Vegetarian Lasagne Leftovers?
- Cooling: Ensure the lasagne has cooled down to room temperature.
- Packaging: Transfer the lasagne to an airtight container or tightly cover the original dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Vegetarian Lasagne Leftovers?
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180C (fan 160C/350F/gas 4).
- Transfer the lasagne to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one.
- Cover the lasagne with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
Microwave Method:
- Place a serving of lasagne on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium-high for about 3-5 minutes or until hot, checking and stirring every couple of minutes to ensure even heating.
Famous Mary Berry Recipes
- Mary Berry Marzipan
- Carrot and Walnut Cake Mary Berry
- Mary Berry Pear Chutney
- Coronation Chicken Mary Berry
- Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie
- Steak and Mushroom Pie Mary Berry
- Mary Berry Cheese And Onion Pie
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach for the vegetarian lasagne?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach for the vegetarian lasagne. You will need about 500g (1lb 2oz) of fresh spinach, washed and trimmed. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for a few seconds, then drain and squeeze out the excess water. Chop the spinach roughly and use it as you would use the frozen spinach.
What can I serve with the vegetarian lasagne to make it more filling and nutritious?
You can serve the vegetarian lasagne with a green salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to garnish the dish and add some extra flavor. Alternatively, you can serve it with some roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, or potatoes, to make it more filling and colorful. You can also pair it with a glass of wine, such as a Chianti or Pinot Noir, to complement the flavors of the dish.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s vegetarian lasagne is a delicious and easy recipe that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. It’s full of flavor, texture, and nutrition, and it’s perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. Try it today and let me know what you think in the comments below. I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might also love this recipe. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
