Northern Italian Lacto-Vegetarian Lasagna
This Northern Italian Lacto-Vegetarian Lasagna offers a delightful vegetarian adaptation of the classic Bologna Meat Sauce lasagna. Crafted with layers of pasta, creamy white sauce, and a savory tofu filling, this dish is inspired by a cherished family recipe. Perfect for gatherings, this lasagna promises rich flavors with a touch of nutmeg and wine, proudly showcasing its authentic Italian roots.
10
Servings
360
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
lasagna noodles
12 ounces (cooked)
mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
parmesan cheese or romano cheese
1.5 cups (grated)
butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
all-purpose flour
1/3 cup
white pepper
1/8 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon
milk
2.5 cups
firm tofu
1.75 cups (crumbled and drained)
cut tomatoes
28 ounce can (undrained)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
carrot
1/4 cup (chopped)
celery
1/4 cup (chopped)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
tomato paste
1/4 cup
vegetable bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon
dry white wine
1/2 cup
light cream or milk (optional)
1/3 cup
salt
1.5 teaspoons (divided)
black pepper
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Tofu Filling: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the crumbled tofu over medium heat until lightly browned.
2
Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, chopped onion, carrot, celery, parsley, tomato paste, vegetable bouillon granules, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper to the tofu. Mix well.
3
Pour in the dry white wine and 1/4 cup of water. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld.
5
While the tofu mixture cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until just tender. Drain and rinse with cool water, then set aside.
6
Combine the mozzarella and Parmesan (or Romano) cheeses in a bowl and set aside.
7
For the White Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, white pepper, nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until smooth.
8
Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles, being careful not to burn it.
9
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
10
Assemble the Lasagna: Grease a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles at the bottom.
11
Spread 1/3 of the white sauce evenly over the noodles. Follow with 1/3 of the tofu filling, then 1/3 of the combined cheeses.
12
Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, white sauce, tofu mixture, and cheeses.
13
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted.
14
Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
34g
Carbs
15.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
5.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern Italian Lacto-Vegetarian Lasagna?
It is a vegetarian adaptation of the classic Bologna Meat Sauce lasagna, featuring layers of pasta, a creamy white sauce, and a savory tofu filling.
How many servings does this lasagna recipe yield?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 360 calories, 18g of fat, 34g of carbohydrates, 15.5g of protein, 2.5g of fiber, and 5.5g of sugar.
What type of tofu is recommended for the filling?
The recipe calls for 1.75 cups of firm tofu, crumbled and drained.
How long does the tofu filling need to simmer?
The tofu mixture should simmer gently, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of dry white wine in the tofu filling.
What cheeses are used in this lasagna?
The dish uses 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1.5 cups of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
How do you make the white sauce for this lasagna?
Melt 6 tablespoons of butter, stir in 1/3 cup flour, white pepper, nutmeg, and salt, then gradually add 2.5 cups of milk until it thickens and bubbles.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
How long should the lasagna be baked?
Bake the lasagna covered with foil for 40 to 50 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
What is the recommended size for the baking dish?
A 13x9x2 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
What vegetables are included in the tofu filling?
The filling includes chopped onion, carrot, celery, and fresh parsley.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
No, the 28-ounce can of cut tomatoes should be used undrained with their juice.
How many layers are in this lasagna?
The lasagna is built by repeating the layering process (noodles, white sauce, tofu filling, and cheese) three times.
How long should the lasagna sit after taking it out of the oven?
It is recommended to allow the lasagna to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
What is the primary protein source in this recipe?
The primary protein source is firm tofu, providing 15.5g of protein per serving.
Is there nutmeg in this recipe?
Yes, ground nutmeg is used in both the tofu filling and the white sauce to provide an authentic Italian touch.
How much lasagna noodles are needed?
You will need 12 ounces of lasagna noodles, cooked until just tender.
What can be used if I don't have Parmesan cheese?
The recipe suggests you can use grated Romano cheese as an alternative to Parmesan.
Is there an optional liquid mentioned for the filling?
Yes, the recipe lists 1/3 cup of light cream or milk as an optional ingredient.
What seasonings are used in the tofu filling?
The filling is seasoned with vegetable bouillon granules, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
How is the tofu prepared before adding it to the sauce?
The tofu should be crumbled, drained, and then cooked in a saucepan until lightly browned.
Does this lasagna contain tomato paste?
Yes, 1/4 cup of tomato paste is included in the tofu filling for extra richness.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 34g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much butter is required for the white sauce?
The white sauce requires 6 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the salt distribution in this recipe?
A total of 1.5 teaspoons of salt is used, divided between the tofu filling (1 tsp) and the white sauce (1/2 tsp).
Does this recipe use white pepper?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper is used specifically in the white sauce.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
Each serving provides 2.5g of dietary fiber.
Can I use vegetable bouillon for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable bouillon granules in the filling.
Is this an authentic Italian recipe?
The recipe is inspired by a cherished family recipe and is designed to showcase authentic Northern Italian roots.