Easy Tofu Lasagna

Easy Tofu Lasagna Recipe - Delicious Vegan Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Tofu lasagna is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional lasagna, perfect for vegetarians and those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a great option for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Tofu lasagna has its roots in Italian cuisine, where lasagna is a popular dish made with layers of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce. This vegan version replaces the traditional ricotta and mozzarella cheeses with tofu and soy cheese, creating a dairy-free and cholesterol-free alternative that is just as satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of chopped mushrooms
1.5 cups of chopped zucchini
16 oz (454 g) of water-packed, firm tofu, drained
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tbsp of dried parsley flakes
1 tsp of italian herb seasoning
0.25 tsp of black pepper
0.75 cup of water
4 cups of fat-free marinara sauce
8 oz (227 g) of uncooked lasagna noodles
4 oz (113 g) of grated mozzarella-style soy cheese
0.25 cup of parmesan-style soy cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Cook the mushrooms and zucchini in a non-stick skillet until tender, adding a little water if needed.
Set aside.
Mash the tofu in a small mixing bowl.
Add the lemon juice, dried parsley flakes, Italian herb seasoning, and pepper.
Mix well.
Combine the water and marinara sauce. (The extra water will be absorbed by the uncooked noodles.)
Assemble the lasagna: put about 0.33 of the sauce on the bottom of a 9" x 13" baking dish.
Top with half of the uncooked noodles, half of the tofu mixture, half of the mozzarella-style soy cheese, and all of the mushrooms and zucchini.
Put another 0.33 of the sauce on top, the remaining noodles, the remaining tofu, and then the last 0.33 of the sauce.
Top with the remaining mozzarella-style and parmesan-style soy cheeses.
Cover the casserole with foil.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for one hour.
Remove from the oven and let sit for 10–15 minutes to make serving easier.
Cut the lasagna into 18 pieces (3 x 6).

Variations

Add layers of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier option.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the tofu mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tofu well before mashing it, as excess water can make the lasagna too watery.

- Cooking the mushrooms and zucchini before assembling the lasagna helps to release their flavors and prevent them from becoming too soggy during baking.

- Letting the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes after baking allows it to set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tofu lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.

- Use a non-stick skillet to cook the mushrooms and zucchini without added oil.

- Cover the lasagna with foil while baking to prevent the top from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of mushrooms or vegetables you prefer in place of the ones listed in the recipe.

- Substitute regular cheese for the soy cheese if desired.

- Use any type of marinara sauce or pasta sauce you like.

Make Ahead Tips

This tofu lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the tofu lasagna with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this tofu lasagna with a light and refreshing white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this tofu lasagna contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this tofu lasagna contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this tofu lasagna contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this tofu lasagna contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This tofu lasagna is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

This tofu lasagna is a nutritious and delicious meal option, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This easy tofu lasagna is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is perfect for vegetarians and those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. Packed with flavor and protein, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha for our weekly bridge game. As we sat around her kitchen table, Martha announced that she had decided to try out a new recipe for dinner that evening - Easy Tofu Lasagna.

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. Tofu? In lasagna? It seemed like an odd combination to me. But Martha was always one to experiment in the kitchen, so I decided to keep an open mind and see how it turned out.

As Martha began to gather the ingredients, she explained to me how she had come across the recipe. It was from a cooking class she had attended at the local community center. The instructor had raved about how delicious and healthy this tofu lasagna was, and Martha was eager to give it a try.

I watched as Martha expertly layered the noodles, tofu, sauce, and cheese in her baking dish. The smell of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen, and my mouth began to water in anticipation. Martha popped the lasagna in the oven, and we continued with our bridge game while it baked.

When the timer finally dinged, Martha pulled the lasagna out of the oven and set it on the table. The cheese was bubbly and golden, and the aroma was absolutely divine. We each scooped ourselves a generous portion onto our plates and dug in.

To my surprise, the tofu lasagna was absolutely delicious. The tofu had absorbed all the flavors of the sauce and herbs, creating a creamy and satisfying filling. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the cheese added just the right amount of gooeyness. I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed this new twist on a classic dish.

After that evening, I couldn't stop thinking about Martha's Easy Tofu Lasagna. I asked her for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. I made it for my family the following week, and they loved it just as much as I did. From then on, it became a regular staple in our dinner rotation.

I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. Sometimes I would throw in some spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor, or swap out the marinara sauce for a homemade pesto. Each time I made the tofu lasagna, it brought back memories of that first time I saw Martha make it in her kitchen.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, and it became a favorite among all who tried it. People were always surprised at how tasty and satisfying a tofu-based dish could be. It became my go-to recipe for potlucks, dinner parties, and weeknight meals.

As I grew older, I continued to make my Easy Tofu Lasagna, passing down the recipe to my children and grandchildren. It became a cherished tradition in our family, a dish that always brought us together around the dinner table.

And so, the story of how I learned to make Easy Tofu Lasagna is not just about a recipe. It's about friendship, experimentation, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones you love. It's a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected combinations can lead to the most delicious results. And it's a testament to the power of a simple dish to create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.