Delicious Quorn Lasagne Recipe

Introduction

Quorn lasagne is a delectable and nutritious vegetarian alternative to the traditional meat-based lasagne. With its rich layers of pasta, savory Quorn mince, and creamy cheese sauce, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a vegetarian, looking to reduce your meat consumption, or simply craving a hearty and flavorful dish, this Quorn lasagne recipe is a perfect choice. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to create a mouthwatering lasagne that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To prepare the Quorn lasagne, you will need the following ingredients:

250g Quorn mince
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 carrot, grated
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
400g canned chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
9 lasagne sheets
300g grated mozzarella cheese
50g grated Parmesan cheese
500ml béchamel sauce

Note: Feel free to add any additional vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.

Instructions

Preparing the Quorn Mince Sauce:

- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the grated carrot and chopped red bell pepper to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the Quorn mince to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up any clumps.
- Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, and season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce:

- In a separate saucepan, melt 50g of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 50g of plain flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until a smooth sauce is formed. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
- Season the béchamel sauce with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you desire. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling the Lasagne:

- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Take a rectangular baking dish and spoon a thin layer of the Quorn mince sauce onto the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place three lasagne sheets on top of the sauce, covering it completely.
- Spread a layer of the Quorn mince sauce over the lasagne sheets, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce, and sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat this process until you have used all the sauce, ending with a layer of béchamel sauce and a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.

Quorn Lasagne is a mouthwatering vegetarian version of the traditional Italian favorite that combines the rich flavors of lasagne with the unique texture and taste of Quorn. Made from mycoprotein, a sustainable and protein-rich ingredient derived from fungi, Quorn provides a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to meat. This versatile meat substitute is perfect for creating a hearty and satisfying lasagne that even meat lovers will enjoy. In this article, we will explore the steps to create a delicious Quorn lasagne that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

The Marvelous Meat Substitute: Quorn
Quorn is a highly versatile meat substitute that has gained popularity among vegetarians and flexitarians alike. Made from mycoprotein, which is derived from fungi, Quorn provides a great source of protein without the environmental impact associated with traditional meat production. It has a unique texture that mimics meat, making it an ideal ingredient for a lasagne dish.

To start, you will need Quorn mince, which can be found in most grocery stores or health food shops. The Quorn mince offers a meat-like texture and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the lasagne. It is also lower in fat and calories compared to regular minced meat, making it a healthier option.

Preparing the Lasagne Sheets and Sauce
To create the layers of the lasagne, you will need lasagne sheets and a flavorful sauce. You can either use store-bought lasagne sheets or make your own using a simple pasta recipe. If using store-bought sheets, follow the package instructions for cooking.

For the sauce, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until golden brown. Then, add the Quorn mince and cook until it is browned and heated through. Next, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and a selection of herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, and thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Layering the Lasagne
Now it’s time to assemble your Quorn lasagne. Start by spreading a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Then, add a layer of lasagne sheets, followed by another layer of sauce. Repeat this process until you have used all your ingredients, ensuring that the top layer is sauce.

To add extra flavor and creaminess, you can also include a layer of béchamel sauce between the layers of lasagne sheets. Simply melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.

Baking and Serving
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the lasagne sheet package or around 180°C (350°F). Cover the lasagne dish with foil and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the lasagne sheets are tender and the sauce is bubbling.

Once the lasagne is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and serve alongside a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conlusion

This Quorn lasagne recipe offers a delicious and wholesome alternative to traditional meat-based lasagnes. By substituting Quorn for ground meat, you can enjoy a satisfying and flavorful dish while also reducing your environmental impact. The combination of Quorn, aromatic herbs, rich tomato sauce, and layers of lasagne sheets creates a harmonious and comforting meal that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. With its meaty texture and hearty taste, this Quorn lasagne is a fantastic option for those seeking a plant-based or vegetarian meal without compromising on taste. Give this recipe a try and indulge in a tasty, guilt-free lasagne experience.