Description
Savory Vegan Pastitsio is a hearty, plant-based version of the classic Greek pasta bake, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This comforting dish features a rich ragu made with lentils and mushrooms layered between pasta and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and allspice, this vegan pastitsio is not only delicious but also nourishing, making it a satisfying meal for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250 g penne or ziti pasta
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 200 g finely chopped mushrooms
- 100 g cooked lentils
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 500 ml plant milk (soy or oat)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt & pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Vegan parmesan or breadcrumbs for garnishing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- For the ragu, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and spices. Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, lentils, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In another saucepan, prepare the béchamel by whisking olive oil and flour to create a roux. Gradually add plant milk while whisking until thickened. Stir in nutritional yeast and season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Layer half of the ragu in a baking dish followed by pasta and remaining ragu. Pour béchamel on top and sprinkle with vegan parmesan or breadcrumbs.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg