Vegetarian Spelt Lasagna – Hearty, Healthy & Simply Delicious

In our blog interview “People in the Spotlight”, Bettina Gmainer not only shared fascinating insights into her career journey but also talked about the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. She consciously chooses her meals to keep both body and mind in harmony – without complicated rules, but with simple, delicious dishes that are good for her well-being.

Her absolute favorite is a hearty and vegetarian spelt lasagna – a healthy, flavorful alternative to the classic lasagna. This recipe impresses with its nutty aroma, a rich tomato Bolognese, and a creamy béchamel sauce – a true comfort dish that not only tastes amazing but is also packed with valuable nutrients. Perfect for anyone who enjoys vegetarian food while still craving a filling, satisfying meal!

Blog: People in the Spotlight – Insights into Bettina Gmainer’s Diverse Career Path

AI-Generated Image: Freshly baked spelt lasagna on a rustic ceramic plate, featuring a golden-brown cheese crust, creamy béchamel sauce, and a flavorful tomato-spelt filling. In the background, fresh ingredients such as basil, cherry tomatoes, and garlic rest on a wooden board.

Craving a healthy favorite lasagna? Here comes the recipe for the delicious spelt lasagna!

Quick Overview:
Difficulty: Medium
Preparation Time: Approx. 30–40 minutes
Cooking & Baking Time: Approx. 40 minutes
Total Time: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6 people
Vegetarian: Yes

Variations:
Lactose-Free: Can be made with plant-based milk & lactose-free cheese.
Vegan: Use plant-based milk, margarine & nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute.
Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free lasagna sheets – the rest of the recipe stays the same!

 

 

Ingredients (for approx. 4–6 servings)

Spelt Bolognese

  • 150 g spelt (coarsely ground)
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 carrots, finely diced
  • 1 small zucchini, finely diced
  • 1 can (400 g) chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 400 ml vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp oregano (dried)
  • 1 tsp basil (dried or freshly chopped)
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Béchamel Sauce

  • 50 g butter
  • 50 g flour
  • 500 ml milk (or oat milk for a vegan version)
  • 1 pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt & pepper

Additional Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna sheets (whole grain if preferred)
  • 100 g grated cheese (e.g., Parmesan or Gouda)
  • 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved

 

Preparation

Prepare the Spelt Bolognese

  1. Lightly toast the spelt in a dry pot until fragrant. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  2. Meanwhile, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil. Add the carrots and zucchini and briefly sauté.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, cumin, sugar, and chili flakes.
  4. Mix in the cooked spelt and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
     

More Vegetables:
For an extra veggie boost, you can add spinach, eggplant, or mushrooms to the Bolognese.


Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly, allowing it to cook slightly without browning.
  2. Gradually add the milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer briefly until it thickens slightly.
     

For an extra flavorful Bolognese:
A splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar enhances the depth of flavor in the tomato sauce.


Layer and Bake the Lasagna

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (top/bottom heat).
  2. Grease a baking dish. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom, then place a layer of lasagna sheets on top.
  3. Add a layer of spelt Bolognese, then cover with a bit of béchamel sauce.
  4. Repeat the process, layering lasagna sheets, Bolognese, and béchamel until all ingredients are used up.
  5. Finish with a final layer of béchamel sauce, sprinkle with grated cheese, and top with halved cherry tomatoes.
  6. Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.
     

Crispy Cheese Crust:
For an extra crunchy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with the cheese halfway through the baking time.

 


Serve & Enjoy

Let the lasagna cool slightly before serving – this makes it easier to slice. It pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad!
 

Tip from Bettina:
"The lasagna tastes even better the next day! I love preparing it in advance and taking it to the office."


This healthy spelt lasagna is not only incredibly delicious but also a great alternative to the classic version – perfect for anyone who wants to eat more mindfully without sacrificing flavor!

Enjoy your meal! 

 

"For me, mindful eating is not about restriction but an investment in my health." – Bettina

 

Nutritional Values per Serving

Calories: approx. 542 kcal
Protein: approx. 21.3 g
Fat: approx. 17.5 g
Carbohydrates: approx. 72g