Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Ricotta
The first step in your vegan lasagna recipe is to make the ricotta cheese. Traditional ricotta is made from dairy, but this vegan version uses tofu for a creamy, protein-packed alternative.
Drain the tofu: Use firm tofu for the best consistency. Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture.
Blend the ingredients: In a food processor, blend the tofu with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until you get a smooth, ricotta-like texture.
Set aside: Once the mixture is smooth, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
A tremendous vegan lasagna recipe is only complete with a generous helping of vegetables. The key is to sauté the veggies until they’re tender and flavorful.
Heat oil: Heat some olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
Add the vegetables: Sauté the onions and garlic first, then add your zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
Season to taste: Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (like oregano and thyme) to enhance the flavor of the veggies.
Cook until soft: Cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender but retain some texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Vegan Lasagna Recipe
Now comes the fun part—assembling your vegan lasagna recipe. Make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready for layering.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the marinara sauce: Begin by spreading a thin layer at the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
Layer the noodles: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Make sure the noodles cover the entire bottom of the dish.
Add vegan ricotta: Spread a generous layer of the tofu ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Top with vegetables: Add a layer of sautéed vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Repeat: Layering—noodles, ricotta, veggies, and sauce—until you run out of ingredients. The final layer should be noodles topped with marinara sauce.
Step 4: Add the Vegan Mozzarella
What’s a lasagna without a cheesy top layer? This vegan lasagna recipe uses vegan mozzarella cheese to create that perfect golden, bubbly finish.
Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella: Generously sprinkle the mozzarella over the top layer of noodles and sauce.
Cover with foil: To prevent the top from burning, cover the dish with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Now that your vegan lasagna recipe is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection.
Bake: Place the covered lasagna in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
Uncover and bake more: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let the lasagna bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest: Once the lasagna is out of the oven, allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.