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How to Make a Delicious Vegan Lasagna
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How to Make a Delicious Vegan Lasagna
Vegan lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish that can be enjoyed by those following a plant-based diet or simply anyone looking for a delicious pasta dish. This recipe serves four and takes approximately 45 minutes of active cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cashew cream
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 large zucchini slices
- 1 package of no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded (or any other preferred vegan cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
Start by preparing the cashew cream. In a blender or food processor, blend together 2 cups of soaked cashews with just enough water to make it smooth but not runny - about half a cup. Once blended, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine sieve into a bowl; you should end up with approximately two cups. Taste and season accordingly.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about five minutes. Then add garlic and cook for another minute or so until fragrant. Stir in the cashew cream along with spinach leaves. Cook this mixture down until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they are just al dente, then drain and set aside.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Spread half of your marinara sauce in the bottom of the pan. Add one layer of lasagna noodles on top of this sauce.
Cover the noodles with a layer of zucchini slices, followed by another layer of lasagna noodles. Then add the cashew-spinach filling. Cover all layers again with marinara sauce and sprinkle some vegan mozzarella cheese over it. Repeat these steps until you have used up all your ingredients.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes to one hour, depending on how you like your lasagna set (further cooking ensures that the noodles are fully cooked through).
Once done baking, remove from oven and let it sit for about five minutes before slicing into portions. Serve hot.
Tips:
- If you prefer a lighter dish, try reducing the amount of vegan mozzarella used or replacing some with nutritional yeast flakes.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of greens like kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. You can also incorporate mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information:
The exact nutritional content may vary depending on the specific brands used and ingredients selected. However, this version typically provides approximately 450 calories per serving with 18 grams of fat (9g from saturated fats), 36 grams carbohydrates, and 17 grams protein.
Conclusion:
Vegan lasagna is an incredible way to enjoy a traditional Italian favorite without sacrificing health or taste. By utilizing cashews for the creamy sauce base instead of dairy products, this dish offers a rich flavor profile that satisfies both vegetarian palates and adventurous eaters alike. It's versatile enough to serve at any meal - breakfast with eggs or as part of brunch spread, lunchtime light fare, dinner main course, or even packed into your picnic basket for a quick meal outdoors.