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Vegan Layered Vegetable Lasagna

This vegan lasagna features thoughtfully layered flavors and textures, achieved through slow simmering sauces, sautéed vegetables, and creamy cashew filling. The dish boasts a hearty, gooey, and visually appealing final appearance with golden edges and bubbling sauce, offering a satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional lasagna.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cashews soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
  • 1 lb ripe tomatoes for sauce
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing and drizzling
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 2 zucchini zucchini thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup vegan cheese shreds store-bought or homemade nut cheese
  • Fresh basil and oregano for flavor and garnish
  • 12 lasagna noodles lasagna noodles preferably whole grain or gluten-free
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Sharp Knife
  • Large Skillet
  • Blender
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Start by blending the soaked cashews with a splash of water, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth. Set aside to use as the creamy layer.
  2. Chop the ripe tomatoes and simmer them with minced garlic, a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and herbs in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it cook gently for about 20 minutes until thickened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  3. While the sauce cooks, heat a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess during baking.
  6. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. To assemble, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Layer noodles over the sauce, then add a layer of sautéed vegetables, followed by dollops of cashew cream and a sprinkle of vegan cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
  8. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
  10. Slice into portions with a sharp knife, garnish with fresh basil and oregano, and serve warm. Enjoy the hearty, layered textures and rich flavors!