Easy Vegan Lasagna

I was never a huge fan of lasagna and I'm not really sure why. I think I always thought it was too hard to make, so when I went vegan, I definitely didn't think I could eat it anyways. I was on Youtube one day and stumbled upon a recipe for vegan lasagna. I was intrigued to say the least. I watched the video and though, "wow, that is really easy!". So of course I put my own spin on it and what do you know?! This is some of the best lasagna I've ever tasted! You can seriously fool people with this simple recipe. 

I often like to make this when I have company coming over because it is a nice "introductory" vegan dish. Now that I am vegan, I put myself in the shoes of others and how I would have judged someone like myself coming over to their home for a vegan meal. I would have thought all I would be served at their home would be kale and quinoa so I like to make something that is familiar to people so they will be more open to learning more about vegan cooking and baking. 

Every time I've made this for someone, they are really shocked that there is no cheese and no meat in this dish-winning! So I am positive your family and friends will love it too! Here's what you'll need: 

Ingredients: 

• 1 box lasagna noodles

• 2 jars of marinara sauce

• 1 package of Tofurky Italian Sausages

• 1 package of firm tofu

• 1 tsp sage

• 1 tsp basil

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast

• Vegan shredded cheese (I use Daiya or Chao)

• 1 tsp parsley

Instructions

Vegan Ricotta

• In a food processor, blend the package of tofu, sage, basil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and nutritional yeast until smooth.

To Prep Lasagna

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

• In a casserole pan, layer the marinara sauce first before laying down the dry lasagna noodles. I do this because you want your lasagna to be as moist as possible.

• Next layer with noodles

• Layer over the noodles the ricotta vegan cheese blend.

• Next layer your chopped Tofurky sausages

• Layer again with noodles, marinara sauce, noodles, vegan ricotta, sausages noodles, and marinara again. This last layer of marinara should be your last layer so your layers of lasagna should be:

  • Marinara

  • Noodles

  • Ricotta

  • Sausages

  • Noodles

  • Marinara

  • Noodles

  • RIcotta

  • Sausages

  • Noodles

  • Marinara

• Note* It is very important you layer each layer of marinara sauce as much as possible, which is why I recommend 2 big jars of marinara sauce so that your lasagna comes out moist and not dry once you place it in the oven.

• Before I place the lasagna in the oven I like to top it off with some more nutritional yeast and shredded vegan cheese.

• Place in the oven covered with foil for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes uncover and bake for another 10 minutes.

• After I take it out of the oven I like to place fresh parsley over the top just to make it look pretty.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It is truly a lifesaver when I need to prep a meal ahead of time or when I need a dish to bring to a potluck. Let me know how your friends and family like it and if they were surprised it was vegan!