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Savory Vegan Pastitsio: A Comforting Twist on Tradition

Savory Vegan Pastitsio: A Comforting Twist on Tradition
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Savory Vegan Pastitsio: A Comforting Twist on Tradition is a delightful plant-based take on the classic Italian dish. This hearty casserole layers perfectly cooked pasta with a rich ragu made from earthy lentils and savory mushrooms, all topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish offers the warm, comforting flavors you crave while remaining completely vegan-friendly. With its satisfying textures and delicious taste, this Savory Vegan Pastitsio is sure to impress everyone at your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 250 g penne or ziti pasta
  • 1 onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 200 g finely chopped mushrooms
  • 100 g cooked lentils
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (for the béchamel)
  • 500 ml plant milk
  • Nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for ragu)
  • 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
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Salt & white pepper
  • Vegan parmesan or breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add spices, tomato paste, and cook briefly.
  3. Stir in chopped tomatoes, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, lentils, and mushrooms; simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In another saucepan, create the béchamel by whisking flour into heated olive oil; gradually add plant milk until thickened. Mix in nutritional yeast, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
  5. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Layer half of the pasta in a baking dish followed by half of the ragu and half of the béchamel; repeat layers.
  6. Top with vegan parmesan or breadcrumbs and bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://simplytastes.com/savory-vegan-pastitsio-a-comforting-twist-on-tradition/