Calling all vegans! You will love this lasagna recipe
Lasagna, hailing from Italy, has become a comfort food staple worldwide. The traditional dish, known for its layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, has been reimagined in vegan form. This version uses plant-based alternatives to accommodate vegan diets and those who prefer dairy-free options. Let's embark on crafting a mouthwatering vegan lasagna that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Gather the following ingredients
To make vegan lasagna, assemble nine lasagna noodles, two cups of marinara sauce, one cup of overnight-soaked cashews, a quarter cup of nutritional yeast, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and a teaspoon each of garlic and onion powders. Include two cups of chopped spinach, one thinly sliced zucchini, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the vegan ricotta
Begin by making the vegan ricotta. Drain the soaked cashews and blend them in a food processor with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The mixture should resemble traditional ricotta in texture. If it's too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
Assemble the lasagna layers
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles side by side over the sauce. Spread half of the vegan ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add a layer of spinach and zucchini slices. Repeat layering once more and top with the final three noodles and remaining marinara sauce.
Bake to perfection
Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This step allows the flavors to start merging while the layers set. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, letting the top layer crisp up slightly. These baking stages are essential for achieving a harmonious blend of flavors and a desirable contrast in textures.
Let it rest & serve
After the lasagna is baked, allow it to rest for 10 minutes before attempting to slice. This rest period is essential; it helps the lasagna set, ensuring that the layers stick together and you can serve neat, intact portions. Enjoy this warm, inviting dish with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying plant-based meal experience.