A Comforting Classic with a Healthy Twist: Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table. Rich, hearty, and layered with flavor, it’s pure comfort food—and it’s no surprise it has found a place in many Filipino kitchens, especially during holidays and family reunions.

If you’re looking for a delicious twist on the classic, a good Vegetable Lasagna Recipe can be just as satisfying, offering all the same cozy vibes with a lighter, healthier touch. Traditionally, lasagna is meaty and indulgent, but in many homes today, there’s also a growing need for plant-based alternatives that don’t compromise on taste or warmth.

That’s what this recipe is all about. By using Barilla Lasagna Noodles as the base and layering in a vibrant pesto for added depth, you get a dish that feels classic yet refreshingly light. Whether you’re cooking for vegetarian guests, aiming for lighter meals, or simply trying to add more gulay to your weekly rotation, this lasagna holds up beautifully.

It’s still creamy. Still cheesy. Still hearty. Just meatless—and still very Simpol.

Let’s get cooking!

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a light roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the warm milk in batches to avoid lumps.
4. Add salt, nutmeg, and laurel leaf.
5. Cook until the mixture thickens to a smooth, pourable consistency.
6. Remove the laurel leaf and set the sauce aside.

Set B: For the Vegetable Ragu

• 1 pc. Zucchini, diced
• 2 pcs. Eggplant, diced
• 1 cup Fresh Shiitake Mushroom, diced
• 1 pc. Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Tbsp. Dried Oregano (or dried basil/Italian seasoning)
• 2 cloves Garlic, sliced
• 1 pc. White Onion, minced
• 1 Tbsp. Vinegar (white or distilled)
• 2 cups Tomato Sauce
• 1 tsp. Chili Flakes (optional)
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Olive Oil, for sautéing

Instructions:

1. In a hot pan, heat olive oil generously and sauté eggplants and zucchinis until slightly golden.
2. Add the diced shiitake mushrooms and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the diced bell pepper and season lightly with salt.
4. Sprinkle in oregano or your preferred dried herbs.
5. Add sliced garlic and let it cook with the rest of the vegetables.
6. Add minced onions and sauté until translucent.
7. Deglaze with vinegar to lift the flavors.
8. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well.
9. Season with black pepper and chili flakes (optional). Let simmer until thickened and flavors are blended. Set aside.

Set C: For the Assembly

• 1 pack Barilla Lasagna Pasta Sheets (no need to pre-boil)
• Pesto Genovese
• Parmesan Cheese
• Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of vegetable ragu to prevent sticking.
3. Add a layer of lasagna sheets.
4. Spread more ragu over the pasta, then add a thin layer of béchamel.
5. Dot with pesto and sprinkle with both mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat the layers (pasta → ragu → béchamel → pesto → cheese) until you run out of ingredients.
7. Finish with a final layer of béchamel and a generous topping of cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
9. Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

Simpol Cooking Notes with Chef Tatung of Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna might feel intimidating at first—but trust me, once you’ve done it once, it gets easier and more rewarding each time. This version is especially forgiving, thanks to the natural flavors of the vegetables. No need for fancy techniques—just good layering and a bit of patience.

• Resting is key: Let the lasagna sit before slicing so it sets properly.
• Customize it: Don’t have zucchini? Try kalabasa or sayote. No mushrooms? Use whatever’s on hand.
• Don’t overdo the cheese: A light hand goes a long way—let the vegetables shine.
• Make it ahead: This dish keeps well. You can assemble it in the morning and bake it before dinner.

Even without meat, this Vegetable Lasagna Recipe doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort. It’s the kind of dish you can cook with your kids, serve to friends, and count on to bring a new kind of warmth to your table wholesome, hearty, and full of love. Ready to give it a try? Whip up this Vegetable Lasagna Recipe for your next family meal and taste the comfort in every layer!