Vegan Mushroom Lentil Lasagna Food

VEGAN MUSHROOM LENTIL LASAGNA

Steps:

• Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, until al dente. Drain in a colander and return to the pot. Toss with a few dashes of olive oil to avoid sticking.

VEGAN MUSHROOM & BECHAMEL LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat over to 220 C / 425°F.
• For the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles to al dente according to package directions and set aside on baking paper.
• For the Bechamel: In heavy bottomed saucepan, melt the margarine over medium high heat. Slowly add the 1/2 cup + 2 tbs flour and stir to combine. Cook for two minutes stirring constantly. Slowly incorporate soy milk with a whisk. Bring just to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Mixture should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and add salt and pepper to taste. Add nutmeg.
• For the onions, etc: Saute the onion, shallot, fennel and leek in 2 tsp of the olive oil over medium heat in a non-stick pan until the onions are soft and translucent. Set aside.
• For the Mushrooms: Still using the non-stick pan, saute the portabellas in 2 tsp of the olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the mushrooms begin to release their juices. Add the splash of sherry. Set aside. Saute the oyster mushrooms in the remaining 2 tsp of olive oil for about 2 - 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix with the portabellas.
• For the Vegan Parmesan: In a food processor, mix the nuts, the 1/4 cup flour, the nutritional yeast and about 2 tsp of garlic powder (more or less as you prefer) and a 1/2 tsp of the salt. Test, and add the other 1/2 tsp of salt if needed.
• Layer the Lasagna: Spoon a thin layer of bechamel onto the bottom of the pan and spread evenly. Cover with a layer of lasagna noodles.
• Spoon 1/3 of remaining bechamel on the noodles and top with a good sprinkle of 'parmesan'. Cover with a layer of lasagna noodles.
• Spread all of the onion mixture, top with 'parmesan' and ladle a little bechamel. Cover with a layer of lasagna noodles.
• Spread all of the mushroom mix, top with 'parmesan' and ladle a little bechamel. Cover with a layer of lasagna noodles.
• Spoon all remaining bechamel on top and top with remaining 'parmesan'.
• Cover tightly with tin foil and bake for 40 minutes.
• Remove foil and broil for 5 minutes or until top begins to brown slightly.

LENTIL LASAGNE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a pan, add the onion, carrot and celery, and gently cook for 10-15 mins until soft. Add the garlic, cook for a few mins, then stir in the lentils and cornflour.
• Add the tomatoes plus a canful of water, the mushroom ketchup, oregano, stock powder and some seasoning. Simmer for 15 mins, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, cook the cauliflower in a pan of boiling water for 10 mins or until tender. Drain, then purée with the soya milk using a hand blender or food processor. Season well and add the nutmeg.
• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Spread a third of the lentil mixture over the base of a ceramic baking dish, about 20 x 30cm. Cover with a single layer of lasagne, snapping the sheets to fit. Add another third of the lentil mixture, then spread a third of the cauliflower purée on top, followed by a layer of pasta. Top with the last third of lentils and lasagna, followed by the remaining purée.
• Cover loosely with foil and bake for 35-45 mins, removing the foil for the final 10 mins of cooking.

VEGAN LASAGNE

Steps:

• Pour 800ml boiling water over the dried porcini and leave for 10 mins until hydrated. Meanwhile pour 1½ tbsp oil into a large saucepan. Add the onion, carrot, celery and a pinch of salt. Cook gently, stirring for 10 mins until soft. Remove the porcini from the liquid, keeping the mushroomy stock and roughly chop. Set both aside.
• Add the garlic and thyme to the pan. Cook for 1 min, then stir in the tomato purée and cook for a minute more. Pour in the red wine, if using, cook until nearly reduced, then add the lentils, reserved mushroom stock and cans of tomatoes. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and leave to simmer with the lid on.
• Meanwhile, heat a large frying pan. Add 1½ tbsp oil, then tip all of the mushrooms into the pan, including the rehydrated ones. Fry until all the water has evaporated and the mushrooms are deep golden brown. Pour in the soy sauce. Give everything a good mix, then scrape the mushrooms into the lentil saucepan.
• Stir in the Marmite, then continue to cook the ragu, stirring occasionally, over a lo -medium heat for 30-45 mins until the lentils are cooked and the sauce is thick and reduced, adding extra water if necessary. Remove the thyme sprigs and season to taste.
• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. To make the white sauce, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a pan, whisk in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste, then slowly whisk in the soya milk. Cook out until you have a creamy sauce, about 10 mins. Season to taste, adding a good grating of nutmeg.
• Spread a third of the ragu on the bottom of your ovenproof dish, then top with 6 lasagne sheets, followed by another third of the vegan white sauce, then another third of the ragu. Top with the remaining lasagne sheets, then the remaining ragu and finally, spread over the rest of the white sauce. Sprinkle over the nutritional yeast, if using, and bake for 45 mins-1 hr until the pasta is cooked.