Veggie Lasagna Straight from Heaven

Engine 2 Sweet Potato Lasagna 

  

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 package Silken Lite tofu
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 2 jars pasta sauce (I use Victoria White Linen Marinara from Costco. It's AMAZING) 
• 2 boxes lasagna noodles
• 1 bag of spinach (LOAD IT ON! YUM!)
• 2 sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 6 roma tomatoes, sliced thin
• 1 cup raw cashews, ground
• VEGGIES! The recipe calls for specific ones, but honestly, you can use whatever the heck veggies you want! I just pick the veggies I have on hand: I've used broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc. Sautéed mushrooms add a meaty feel, while carrots add sweetness. You are the master of your own destiny :-) 

Tips: 

Let me tell you a secret about this recipe: it's way more complicated than it needs to be. The recipe asks you to cook your veggies one by one and set them aside in different bowls. Don't do that. (As shown above), just soften up your veggies all together in a big pot with olive oil--after you've sautéed your onion and garlic, of course. I like to have my onions nice and sweet before I add in the rest. (Also, pressure cookers are incredible for this prep!) 

Be forewarned, the recipe makes a TON of veggie filling. But this only means that you can save it to make a second lasagna. I also cook two and then freeze one for later (which my family greatly appreciates). 

The other great part about this recipe is that you don't have to cook your noodles separately. Just make sure they have sauce on either side, and they will cook in the oven. 

Lastly, don't forget the toasted cashews. They are essential to the recipe and are so good that you don't even miss the cheese! 

Bon Apetit! 

http://engine2diet.com/recipe/raise-the-roof-sweet-potato-lasagna/

Butternut Spinach Lasagna

This is an awesome Meatless Monday dish!  And I honestly like it way better than meaty lasagna.  True, it's not completely "plant-based," but it's a great little cheat.  I actually doubled the recipe so we could have loooots of leftovers.  Thanks, Julia! (juliasalbum.com)

Ingredients:

Butternut Squash Filling:

• 2 cups butternut squash puree (about half of squash)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup milk (or more, if needed)
• 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Spinach Filling:
• 1 cup cooked spinach (8 oz uncooked)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients:
• 10 oz lasagna noodles, cooked (for gluten free, use Tinkyada brown rice lasagna noodles)
• 1 and 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (or more)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (on top)
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Basil

Instructions: 

1. For Squash Filling: Prepare the butternut squash puree.  Half the squash, drizzle with olive oil, and bake face-down for thirty minutes at 400 F.  Turn upright to cool

2. For Spinach Filling: While the squash is baking, sauté your garlic in a pain with olive oil then add a bag of spinach and a little water.  Cook on medium heat.  You need two cups of cooked spinach.  Afterward, mix in ricotta and spices.  

3. Puree the cooked squash in a food processor or blender.  Add the ricotta cheese, milk, and spices.  Blend it up real well and set aside.  You really only need half for the recipe, so save the other half for soup...or give it to your baby!

4. Get your ravioli noodles cooking.  Don't forget to add a little olive oil so they don't stick together. 

5. Layer as such (from the bottom): squash, noodles, spinach and mozzarella, noodles, squash, noodles, spinach and mozzarella, noodles, and (top) squash, spices & cheese! 

7. Cover with foil and bake at 375 F for thirty minutes covered then ten minutes uncovered.  Serve with warm bread.  Enjoy!  

Recipe from http://juliasalbum.com/2014/11/butternut-squash-and-spinach-lasagna/