Cheesiest Vegan Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re thrilled to present a comforting and decadent dish: the Cheesiest Vegan Lasagna. This recipe combines layers of rich, flavorful vegan cheese with hearty marinara sauce and tender lasagna noodles, all topped with a golden, gooey vegan cheese blend. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this lasagna is not only vegan but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Read on to discover how to create this creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying lasagna.

Ingredients

For the Vegan Ricotta:

• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours or overnight
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Lasagna Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or gluten-free)
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for added nutrition)
• 2 cups vegan shredded mozzarella cheese (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup vegan Parmesan cheese (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  

Instructions

Preparation

1. Soak Cashews:
   • Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight to soften. For a quicker method, soak in hot water for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s hot and ready when you assemble the lasagna.

Making the Vegan Ricotta

3. Blend Ingredients:
   • Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cashews, 1/2 cup water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

Preparing the Marinara Sauce

4. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and 1 cup of water. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Cooking the Lasagna Noodles

6. Boil Noodles:
   • Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them out on a sheet of parchment paper or lightly oiled foil to prevent sticking.

Assembling the Lasagna

7. Prepare Baking Dish:
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
8. Layer Ingredients:
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top. Spread a portion of the vegan ricotta over the noodles, followed by a layer of marinara sauce. Sprinkle a layer of vegan shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Add Spinach:
   • If using, add a layer of baby spinach on top of the cheese.
10. Repeat Layers:
    • Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta, marinara sauce, cheese, and spinach) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of marinara sauce and a generous topping of vegan mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Baking the Lasagna

11. Cover and Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
12. Let It Rest:
    • Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set and makes for easier serving.

Serving and Garnishing

13. Serve:
    • Cut the lasagna into squares and serve warm. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and parsley for added flavor and a burst of color.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugars: 8 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg

SmartPoints (WW Points)

• Freestyle SmartPoints: 9
• PointsPlus: 11

(Note: SmartPoints values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient choices and brands. For precise tracking, consult the latest WW guidelines.)

Tips and Variations

• Noodle Alternatives: Use zucchini or eggplant slices as a low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna noodles.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli into the layers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Freezing: This lasagna can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Storage and Reheating

14. Refrigeration:
    • Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
15. Freezing:
    • For longer storage, freeze leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
16. Reheating:
    • To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For individual portions, use the microwave and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed.

Conclusion

Our Cheesiest Vegan Lasagna is a sumptuous, comforting dish that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty, cheesy meal without any dairy. With its layers of rich vegan ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and melted vegan cheese, this lasagna offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the indulgence of lasagna without compromising your vegan lifestyle!