Name: Best Vegan Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews (soaked); ½ cup water; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; ½ tsp fine sea salt; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 1½ cups Baby Bella mushrooms, chopped; ½ tsp fine sea salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups baby spinach, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups marinara sauce; 9 no-boil lasagna noodles; ¼ cup vegan Parmesan (optional); Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Satisfying: The cashew cream provides a luscious texture that rivals traditional cheese sauces.
Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, carrots, and onions, this lasagna is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Simple Ingredients: Utilizing pantry staples and fresh produce, this recipe is straightforward and accessible.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cashew Cream:
- Raw cashews
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fine sea salt
- Dijon mustard
Vegetables:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Carrots
- Baby Bella mushrooms
- Fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Baby spinach
- Garlic
Assembly:
- Marinara sauce
- No-boil lasagna noodles
- Vegan Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until tender and golden. Incorporate chopped spinach and garlic, cooking until the spinach wilts and the garlic is fragrant.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Evenly spread a portion of cashew cream over the noodles.
- Add half of the sautéed vegetables.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of noodles and marinara sauce on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with parchment paper or foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the lasagna’s surface. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the cover, rotate the dish, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbling at the edges.
Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with remaining cashew cream, and garnish with vegan Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 9 servings.
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Medley: Customize with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or butternut squash.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate dietary preferences.
Nut-Free Version: Substitute cashew cream with a tofu-based ricotta for those with nut allergies.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

What can I use instead of cashew cream for a nut-free version?

A tofu-based ricotta or store-bought vegan cheese can be used as a substitute.

Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

How do I store leftover lasagna?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this vegan lasagna?

Yes, assemble the lasagna, wrap it tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include zucchini, bell peppers, or butternut squash for variety.

Is there a substitute for no-boil noodles?

Regular lasagna noodles can be used; cook them according to package instructions before assembling.

How can I make vegan Parmesan at home?

Blend hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder until fine.

Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

Yes, assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

What side dishes pair well with this lasagna?

A simple side salad or roasted vegetables complement this dish nicely.