By Kylie - Curated Life Studio 46 Comments
Overflowing with roasted veggies, this Vegan Lasagna with Cauliflower Béchamel is so delicious you won’t believe it’s vegan!
Aside from delicious plant-based food, my second love is reading.
I recently the memoir When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Diagnosed with lung cancer before the age of 35, Dr Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon, lover of literature, husband and father records his transition from doctor to patient. Although inevitably the story outlines what it means to die, more importantly, it emphasises the question; what does it mean to live?
The book is as haunting as it is beautiful. Reading it made me reminiscent of my own health challenges. It inspired me to reflect on what I considera “meaningful life”. What brings meaning to my life? How would I like to be remembered? What do I want to achieve?
For me, a meaningful life is one where I wake up with purpose. Where I enjoy going to work and surround myself with empowering and respectful people. To learn and discover new things, and where I find satisfaction with what I have, not with thethings I want. Finally, I want to go to sleep smiling knowingI’ve influenced somebody in a small but beautiful way. I don’t think success, or even happiness for that matter, should be measured in having that x job, x friends, x money because it might never be achievable. On the contrary, I think it should be measured by those small perfect moments where you find yourself curious, filled with wonder, or by laughing from the depths of your stomach. It’s those moments that I strive for.
Vegan Lasagna with Cauliflower Béchamel
This Lasagna Recipe is so delicious I can't believe it's vegan! Filled with roasted vegetables and a creamy cauliflower béchamel, it's our family's "go to" for weeknight dinners!
5 from 51 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 x capsicum seeded and roughly sliced.
- 2 x aubergine thinly sliced 5mm lengthways.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
- 65 g spinach washed.
- 250 g of gluten free lasagna pasta sheets.
Cauliflower Béchamel
- 1 large cauliflower florets chopped.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
- 1/4 cup of plant-based milk.*
Tomato Sauce
- 500 g of mushrooms washed and finely diced.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
- 3 cloves of garlic finely sliced.
- A small bunch of basil the stalks finely diced and the leaves left aside for garnish.
- 2 x 240g can of Italian Plum Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of capers
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius, while preparing the ingredients.
On two pre-lined baking trays, place the capsicum and aubergine. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously. Place in the oven and roast for 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are golden and caramelised.
To make the Cauliflower Béchamel: Place the cauliflower florets in a medium to large saucepan of salted boiling water and simmer for 10 – 15 minutes or until tender. Set Aside.
Once tender, ake 1/4 cup of the “cauliflower water” and pout it into a blender. Drain the cauliflower florets and include it to the blender with the nutmeg and plant-based milk. Blend until smooth.
To make the Tomato Sauce: In a large saucepan over a medium high heat, cook the diced mushrooms until the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are golden. Include the sliced garlic and basil stalks stirring until fragrant. Include the cans of Italian Plum Tomatoes and capers. Simmer for 10 minutes. Set Aside.
Construct the Lasagna: In a 3-litre capacity baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom, cover with some lasagna pasta sheets, a layer of roasted vegetables, a layer of spinach and then a layer of cauliflower béchamel. Repeat for 2 or 3 times ensuring the final layer is the béchamel sauce.
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve with basil leaves and fresh a side salad!
Notes:
* we used soy milk.
Nutrition:
Nutrition Facts
Vegan Lasagna with Cauliflower Béchamel
Amount Per Serving
Calories 337Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Sodium 104mg5%
Carbohydrates 57g19%
Fiber 12g50%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 24IU0%
Vitamin C 134mg162%
Calcium 8mg1%
Iron 15mg83%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclosure:
Equipment: This recipe may contain links to products and equipment that I use and love myself. The links may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Nutrition: The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and does not include any other condiments or garnishes. Although Curated Life Studio attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered as estimates and do not replace or substitute a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Kylie - Curated Life Studio
Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!
I believe in taking a slow approachto food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.
When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Allie says
WOW! Your story and those photos and recipe are just incredible. I totally relate to feeling invincible… until you’re not. I’ve had to deal with some serious illnesses in my young age, too.
I NEED to try this vegan lasagna. I’m not vegan, but I LOVE making vegan dishes and meals. There’s always so many healthy ingredients in them!
Thank you! 🙂
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Kylie (Author) says
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve also experienced a few challenges too! I like to believe that these experiences make us stronger and kinder towards other people.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post and the recipe! I would love to hear how it goes! 🙂 x
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Ching says
I have friends and family with cancer and I have had cancer scares so I have had moments of reflection in my life.
My friend has just decided to stop with his chemo treatments and to choose a quality of life over prolonging of life. So really the meaning of life changes and becomes more powerful for me as I begin to experience things like that around me.
I love your post. I think it’s so important to value each moment!
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Kylie (Author) says
I’m sorry to read about your friend, I think it’s a devastating part of live everybody has experienced either directly or indirectly at some point.
I’m humbled that you enjoyed my post and the reminder to live life to the fullest! 🙂 x
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Via Bella says
This looks absolutely delish and I think it is a great idea to give for those who are vegetarian or vegan.
I know cauliflower serves well for so many dishes!
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Kylie (Author) says
That’s what I love about Cauliflower, it’s so diverse and you can do so much with it! 🙂
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Valentina says
Your pictures are so incredible! I might actually try this recipe tonight, it looks insanely delicious!
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Julia Elizabeth says
Wow looks DELICIOUS! I’ve been incorporating a lot more vegan meals recently and dinner is always the hardest! Definitely trying this one of these days 😛 Thank you!
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Kylie (Author) says
My pleasure, I hope you enjoy the recipe! 🙂
Feel free to check out some of my other vegan recipes!
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Adriana Rocca says
Oh my gosh my grandmother uses bechamel in her lasagna! I’m going to give yours a go and make her try it too! Thank you?
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Kylie (Author) says
I hope you both enjoy the recipe! 🙂
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Tiara says
This vegan lasagna looks absolutely delightful. I love that you included the recipe so that I can attempt to make it this fall!
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Sian says
This lasagna looks literally incredible!! It looks so so tasty and my mouth is literally watering typing this! I didnt realise vegan food could look so good!
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Kylie (Author) says
I didn’t realise vegan food could TASTE so good either! I would love to hear if you end up trying the recipe!
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Shannon says
I am intrigued by the Cauliflower Béchamel, it sounds like a great way to sneak in extra veggies. Great pictures too!
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Tatiana says
This dish looks so yummy! I love trying vegan alternatives whenever I can, I will be adding this to my recipe book ASAP! Thank you!
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Tita says
For me, a meaningful life means being able to live with purpose and touch the lives of others.
I love your photos and the recipe, too!
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Kylie (Author) says
That sounds like such a beautiful idea, perhaps I’ll use that definition too? 😉
Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by!
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Julie says
That Lasagna looks so tempting!! I will definitely try this, it sounds really perfect for family gatherings.
I am pretty sure that my family will love this!
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Kylie (Author) says
I have no doubt it would be great for larger gatherings with friends and family!
I hope your loved ones enjoy it too!
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Eva says
Oh my gosh this looks so good! I’m vegetarian and I’m always looking for more interesting and tasty dishes, now if only I could cook!
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Dawn says
Wow! That looks like a great lasagna.
I love how you shared a beautiful story with it. This is an excellent post.
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Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your kind words Dawn, I’m glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂
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Shelbi says
Ummmm can you come to my house and cook all of these things for us! Haha It looks amazing! I love the recipes you share!
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Juelz says
That looks so delicious. How I wish I cook! I love the pictures, they are awesome too!
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Kylie (Author) says
Now is a good time to learn, although the recipe takes some time, it is fairly simple.
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Elizabeth says
This lasagna with cauliflower bechamel looks so tasty and delicious. I will try this, I’m sure that my family will definitely love this recipe.
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Robert Lee says
Kylie,
As always, it is a pleasure to read your post. Of course, I do not mean to be insensitive. Far from it, I can empathize with you but not because I spread my legs for the doctors. (Attempt at) Humour aside, life is beautiful, and sometimes I have to wonder. Are the challenges really a hindrance, or do they show us the meaning of life?
*** Halfway through the lasagna ***
It’s just that we people are naturally good at taking things for granted, don’t we? A loss is good being we miss what we had. Illness is good because it makes us adapt and appreciate what we have. I suppose, in the end, it really depends on the attitude and belief of individuals.
*** Lasagna is excellent ***
Can I have one more?
*** Shamelessly takes one more serving ***
Now, I am not saying that with your positivity, you do not have to endure days when things are not going well. Of course, there are trying times. While some people would justify why they should feel depressed, others like you look at the best of life and everything it has to offer.
*** Unintentionally burps…***
Speaking of… How did the interview go? You were supposed to have an interview earlier. I hope it went well.
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Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your thorough and thoughtful comment Robert. It’s always such a pleasure reading your perspective.
The interview didn’t go well. I suspect the studio was curious in my pricing and processes from a competitive stance than they were actually interested in hiring me. Perhaps next time? 🙂
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Indrani says
To stare at death and come back is a blessing indeed. Fear kills us most of the time.
As you said, we must all wake up each day with a purpose in life that should leave us with fewer regrets.
Thanks for ending the great post with a wonderful recipe. It gives me a new purpose. 🙂
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Kylie (Author) says
I’m so grateful to hear you found value in my post! Thank you so much! 🙂
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Gene Rose says
A few years ago, I had an upper respiratory problem which I thought would end my life. It was in that moment, I knew I didn’t want to die yet. I definitely understand how you feel when you said, “how grateful I am to be alive”, and to appreciate the little things.
So I went the #yolo route. And travelling as a lifestyle is what I consider meaningful life.
P.S. Your lasagna looks sooo good!
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Kylie (Author) says
Although I’m sad to read of your experience, it’s great that you’ve managed to find a meaningful life for yourself, Congratulations! 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading about your travels!
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Maria says
For me, meaningful life would be spending it with the ones you love and the people who care for you the most. Also getting to enjoy it!
For the longest time, I’ve been curious about being a vegan and vegetarian. I’d get confused. But your recipe seems so tasty even if it’s vegan!
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Milton says
I am not a pure vegetarian but I love veggies and I wouldn’t mind having this as a meal.
It looks really tasty and scrumptious and most of all it is a healthy and guilt-free recipe! I will definitely give this a try! Thanks for sharing
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Theresa says
Your food photos are goals!!! If only I could shoot that prettily then I would be so much happier.
I don’t read the recipe anymore as I was glued with the photos. Anyway, I am bookmarking this once my baby is ready to eat food like this.
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Angelie says
You have made me pause for a while when you asked what I consider a meaningful life. I have to think about this one long and hard.
As for the recipe, I am definitely downloading this because I want to have a plant based-diet. While I cannot commit to being a full vegan yet, I am taking the baby steps! 🙂
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Nadine says
What a powerful introduction and story! This is certainly not your average recipe post!
You have been through so much, but you really came out of it stronger and wiser! Beautiful! And of course, that lasagna is making my mouth water! It looks incredible!
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Berlin says
Your story touches me the same way your photos touch my heart too. You’re an incredible writer and so are your photos too beautiful as well.
I both like how you narrate things and how you were able to see things from your camera lens. Thank you for the share.
P.S. This post makes me want to replicate the same lasagna but then I fear I couldn’t even achieve the same beautiful presentation, more so the taste. It doesn’t look at all vegan!
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Eloise says
First off that dish looks amazing! I had lasagna tonight, ha! I’ll try your recipe out next time to switch it up!
As for the hospital and illness side of the write-up… I am very familiar with it. My experience started at the age of 24. I felt sick for six years without a diagnosis, two years before I had liver failure. I knew I was dying and the doctors couldn’t figure it out. At the age of 30, it looked like I was losing my life to the point staff prepared my family for the worst – they said I had 24 to 48 hours to live. They call me a miracle, and I know that I am. I was able to come back and be a mom to my two very young toddlers at the time. Afterwards, I found out I have and will always have Wilson’s Disease, a rare genetic liver disease with no cure.
My silver lining (as many of us who experience near death) is that I wake up every morning grateful for another day and I go to bed every night thankful for that day (no matter how good OR hard the day was).
I see beauty in the smallest of things and gestures.
I wish you the best! (Oh, and sorry for me LOOOONNGGG comment 😉 )Reply
Irma says
I have to admit that I am not a vegan, but I would definitively eat the lasagna without any second thought! And I don’t even like cauliflower 😮
The final look of the lasagna is incredible with all those colours. It is quite representative and definitively looks great on a plate.
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Klaudia says
Your images are simply a-ma-zing! When I entered your site I could literally smell your vegetarian lasagne, it looks so yummy!
I feel really touched by your story, and I can relate to it so well. I have been through that, and I have also lost very close beloved ones very unexpectedly through accidents and also cancer. Yes, and I so absolutely agree with you. A meaningful life… unfortunately we obviously have to go through hell to realize what a meaningful life is and where to set our priorities.
How ironic after all, all these dark moments when you think, you can’t cope anymore … without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. And I guess this is the proverbial good thing that we supposedly gain from each bad thing.
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Cieri says
I genuinely thank you for reminding me to put my health at a priority. This is much needed.
Also, thank you for reiterating the meaning of life. Of course, that healthy, gastronomically inviting dish is something to be grateful for too.
I’m craving it now!
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Katharine Burke says
Wow, this was a beautiful surprise- I was looking for a cauliflower, and maybe potato bechamel for a for a friend who cannot eat nuts or soy or beans, and I came across your powerful story. Thank you for your honesty, your gratitude, and your gifts to the world.
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Kylie - Curated Life Studio says
Gosh Katharine, I can’t tell you how much reading your comment has made my day. Thank you so much for visiting, reading and sharing your thoughts. 🙂
Reply
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