A bowl of tofu.
Tofu lasagna is a meatless, vegetarian version of the classic baked pasta dish. Often healthier than traditional meat lasagna, tofu lasagna uses tofu, a pressed bean curd, as a meat substitute. While this dish can be found on vegetarian menus or pre-made in the vegetarian section of stores, it is most often made at home.
In addition to fresh or packaged lasagna noodles, firm tofu, marinara or tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper are used in this lasagna. Sometimes parsley, mushrooms, eggs, and fresh spinach are also included. If the dish is not strictly vegetarian, chicken can also be added.
Marinara sauce can be made fresh or purchased pre-made. Jarred spaghetti sauce is most often used for tofu lasagna when not making the sauce from scratch. Sauces made from scratch often mix tomato sauce with seasonings like basil, oregano, and garlic.
Basil is a common ingredient in lasagna.
Occasionally, ricotta cheese can be used in combination with mozzarella cheese for flavor. If tofu is not available, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute. Some versions may also include additional vegetables and spices, such as zucchini and red pepper flakes.
To make tofu lasagna, the tofu is drained, rinsed, and patted dry. It is then crumbled in a bowl or food processor. Vegetables, cheese, and seasonings are added to the tofu, and the mixture is folded or shredded in a food processor.
Lasagna is always a good treat for everyone, as it can be meatless.
The mushrooms and spinach, if used, are typically first sautéed in oil or butter with the garlic and seasonings before being included in the tofu mixture. If using eggs, they are scrambled once the spinach has wilted while the pan is still heating. Packaged noodles are boiled, drained and cooled before handling.
Tofu lasagna is usually placed on a rectangular baking sheet. The pan must first be sprayed with nonstick spray or coated with grease. The ingredients are then layered in the pan. A layer of sauce fills the bottom, then a single layer of noodles is placed on top of the sauce, and finally the filling is placed on top of the noodles. This process is repeated for another layer or until all ingredients are used.
Parmesan cheese can be grated on top of the finished dish. Lasagna is usually cooked for about an hour until the cheese is foamy. Like traditional lasagna, tofu lasagna is cut into squares or rectangles for serving.