Vegan Lasagna - Hell Yeah!

Let me preface my latest post containing a recipe with the fact that our vegan way of eating has been going pretty well in the past few months.  I haven't posted anything since April (geez, where did the time go??), and I know I had a rant (or two) about the struggles of staying in a plant based eating mode.  It has gotten easier, plus we are flexible and when out either at a restaurant or a party or dinner at friends' we simply go with the flow while doing our best to eat mostly vegan style.  It has been an adventure.  And, I have become a bit lazy and less than experimental in the last few months, so it is time to dust off the cookbooks and stop eating salad, chili, veggie soup and quinoa pasta with marinara most of the time!  Mind you, those meals are absolutely wonderful…but we need more variety (or at least I do).

Hence:

VEGAN LASAGNA

Before baking

1 can cannelloni beans (or navy beans or any white bean)
1 medium or larger sliced (lengthwise) zucchini 
4 sliced Roma tomatoes
spinach
no-cook lasagna noodles
oregano
parsley
garlic powder
nutritional yeast (optional)
8 x 8 pan

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Or, follow directions on lasagna box.

Using a food processor (or blender or fork) mash the beans after rinsing. This bean mixture will replace the ricotta cheese.  Add oregano, parsley and garlic powder to taste.  If using nutritional yeast (gives a slightly cheesy flavor), add a little less than 1/4 cup.  Mix well.  If too stiff add a few drops of water and continue mixing.  

Layer as you normally would, using the mashed bean mixture as a ricotta replacement and making sure you use plenty of marinara sauce.  Cover the top with marinara sauce and cook for about 35 minutes until bubbly and a fork goes through it easily.  Let set for about 10 minutes or so.  Heat up a small amount of extra sauce to put over each piece, if desired. 

Serve with salad and crusty bread.  Mangiare!

Fresh out of the oven!

BTW, this is even better 2 or 3 days after sitting in the fridge while the flavors all meld together.