Sweet Potato & Lentil Lasagne: A Nourishing Postpartum Hug on a Plate
My family’s favourite lasagne!
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy lasagne fresh out of the oven the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. For new mothers navigating the delicate postpartum period, nourishing foods are not just about sustenance; they provide deep healing, warmth, and comfort during a time of profound physical and emotional transition.
This Vegetarian Sweet Potato & Lentil Lasagne is a perfect postpartum meal. It’s packed with gentle, nourishing ingredients that support recovery, promote digestion, and offer steady, long-lasting energy. The sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and complex carbohydrates, the lentils add iron and protein, and the spinach béchamel offers calcium and warmth, enhanced by nutmegs soothing properties. Plus, it’s easy to digest and can be made in advance - ideal for those early postpartum days when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s comfort, nourishment, and love all layered into one delicious, warming meal.
Sweet Potato & Lentil Lasagne Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Roasted Sweet Potato Base:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Spinach Béchamel Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups (500ml) milk (or plant-based alternative)
¼ tsp nutmeg, grated
½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan (or plant-based alternative)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Lentil Tomato Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
1 cup cooked lentils (or ½ cup dry lentils cooked separately)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Other Layers:
6-8 lasagne sheets
1 packet of Feta (crumbled)
Instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
2. Toss the sliced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Arrange them on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Make the Lentil Tomato Sauce
1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the canned tomatoes, cooked lentils, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 3: Prepare the Spinach Béchamel
1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook for 3-5 minutes until thick.
3. Stir in the nutmeg, chopped spinach, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagne
1. Spread a thin layer of lentil tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Place a layer of lasagne sheets over the sauce.
3. Add a layer of roasted sweet potatoes.
4. Pour over some of the spinach béchamel sauce.
5. Repeat the layers, finishing with béchamel on top.
6. Crumble the Feta cheese over the top and you’re done!
Step 5: Bake & Serve
1. Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Why This Lasagne is Perfect for Postpartum Recovery
1. Deeply Nourishing & Easy to Digest
Sweet potatoes provide gentle, slow-releasing energy, while lentils offer iron and plant-based protein - both essential for postpartum recovery and replenishing blood loss. The creamy béchamel is warming and grounding, making it a soothing choice for digestion.
2. Warming & Comforting
In many traditional postpartum care practices, warm foods are recommended to help new mothers recover and rebuild strength. The nutmeg in the béchamel enhances digestion and circulation, while the overall creamy texture makes this meal feel like a cozy, loving embrace.
3. Great for Meal Prep
This lasagne can be made ahead and frozen, so you can enjoy a nourishing meal without extra effort during those busy newborn days. Simply reheat and serve!
4. A Hug on a Plate
More than just a meal, this lasagne is a symbol of care, love, and warmth - whether you’re making it for yourself, a postpartum friend, or a new mother in need of nourishment. Each bite is like a warm hug, helping to restore energy and provide a sense of comfort.
Make this lasagne, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, and enjoy the warmth and nourishment it brings. And if you know a new mother, consider making a batch to drop off - it‘s one of the greatest gifts you can give!
Would you love more postpartum meal ideas? Let’s connect in the comments!
With love,
Laura
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