Deliciously Versatile Veggie Lasagna
Indulge in this healthy, flavorful twist on the classic lasagna. Designed with both vegetarians and vegans in mind, this dish replaces meat with protein-rich tofu and savory veggie crumbles or gluten. Fresh or frozen spinach provides a nutritious green layer, and for a unique Asian touch, substitute with sliced Asian eggplant, which adds an exquisite taste and texture. This lasagna is a hit among all eaters, continually disappearing at gatherings. It's hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Prepare it for a delightful one-dish meal that promises warmth and comfort in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lasagna noodles
12 (cooked according to package directions)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (chopped)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
worthington veggie burgers or other vegemeat
19 ounces can (crumbled)
spaghetti sauce
26 ounces can
parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
firm tofu
1 lb (crumbled)
frozen chopped spinach or fresh Asian eggplant
300 g package (thawed and drained if using spinach or thinly sliced if using eggplant)
shredded mozzarella cheese or soy cheese
3/4 cup
nutritional yeast flakes
1 tablespoon (optional)
parmesan cheese
(optional)
Instructions
1
Partially cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, ensuring they remain slightly firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3
Add veggie crumbles or gluten to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
4
Pour in the spaghetti sauce and add the chopped parsley. Stir well and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
5
In a bowl, crumble the firm tofu and mix it with chopped spinach or, if preferred, prepare the Asian eggplant by slicing it thinly and setting it aside.
6
In a large, deep baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce and vegemeat mixture.
7
Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Add another layer of the veggie-meat sauce. Optionally, sprinkle a light layer of parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast flakes.
8
If using eggplant, this is where you'd add a layer of sliced eggplant.
9
Repeat the layering process, ensuring each layer alternates noodles and sauce. At the middle layer, spread the tofu and spinach mixture or layer the tofu followed by another set of eggplant slices.
10
Continue layering until the dish is full, topping the final layer with remaining sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella or soy cheese.
11
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese.
12
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving to ensure that it holds together well when cut.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The name of this recipe is Deliciously Versatile Veggie Lasagna.
Is this lasagna suitable for vegans?
Yes, it is designed for both vegetarians and vegans by using tofu and optional soy cheese.
What can I use instead of meat in this lasagna?
You can use protein-rich tofu and savory veggie crumbles or gluten.
What provides the green layer in the lasagna?
Fresh or frozen spinach provides a nutritious green layer.
How can I add an Asian touch to the lasagna?
You can add a unique Asian touch by substituting spinach with sliced Asian eggplant.
How many lasagna noodles are needed?
You need 12 lasagna noodles for this recipe.
How should the noodles be cooked initially?
Partially cook the noodles according to package instructions so they remain al dente.
What vegetables are sautéed first?
One chopped onion and one chopped garlic clove are sautéed in olive oil.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
How much veggie meat is required?
The recipe calls for one 19-ounce can of Worthington veggie burgers or other vegemeat.
What size spaghetti sauce container is used?
A 26-ounce can of spaghetti sauce is used for the mixture.
How much parsley should be added to the sauce?
Add 1/4 cup of chopped parsley to the sauce mixture.
What type of tofu is best for this recipe?
One pound of firm tofu is used in this recipe.
How should the tofu be prepared?
The firm tofu should be crumbled and mixed with spinach or layered with eggplant.
How much spinach or eggplant is needed?
A 300g package of frozen chopped spinach or fresh Asian eggplant is required.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella or soy cheese.
Is nutritional yeast included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast flakes can be added as an optional ingredient.
Is parmesan cheese required for this lasagna?
Parmesan cheese is listed as an optional ingredient for sprinkling between layers.
How long do you sauté the veggie crumbles?
Sauté the veggie crumbles or gluten for an additional 3-5 minutes after the onions are translucent.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Let the sauce and vegemeat mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
What is the first layer placed in the baking dish?
Start by spreading a thin layer of the sauce and vegemeat mixture in a large, deep baking dish.
How do you layer the noodles and sauce?
Layer 3-4 noodles over the sauce, then add another layer of the veggie-meat sauce.
At what point do you add the tofu mixture?
At the middle layer, spread the tofu and spinach mixture or layer the tofu followed by eggplant slices.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
How long does the lasagna bake while covered?
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
How long does the lasagna bake uncovered?
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Why is the foil removed during the last 15 minutes of baking?
The foil is removed to allow the cheese to melt and slightly brown.
How long should the lasagna rest after coming out of the oven?
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Why is resting the lasagna important?
Resting ensures that the lasagna holds together well when it is cut.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd at parties or gatherings.