Lazy Lasagna

Many times I hear people say that they'd love a nice lasagna for dinner, but quickly dismiss the thought due to the amount of work it takes to put lasagna together. Well, here is a Lazy Lasagna from our Cancer Survivor's Guide that is quick, easy, low in fat and 0 cholesterol and dairy, but high in important cancer fighting nutrients. So put on that Italian music and enjoy!!

  • 3 lbs fresh spinach, cleaned and chopped, or 1 bag (16 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 1 pound firm tofu, drained and mashed
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cans (28 oz each) marinara sauce
  • 1 pound whole wheat lasagna noodles (That require no pre boiling; they cook in the pan!)
  • 10 button mushrooms, chopped or another favorite vegetable
  • 10 fresh basil leaves, sliced, or 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast

Preheat oven to 325.

Combine the spinach, drained tofu, garlic, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well with your hands. This is a wonderful ricotta cheese substitute.

Pour 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Arrange a layer of noodles over the sauce, overlapping the noodles lightly. Spread half of the spinach tofu mix on top of the noodles, and cover the spinach and tofu layer with another layer of lasagna noodles. Add a layer of some of the marinara sauce, enough to cover the noodles, and then add a layer of the mushrooms or other favorite veggie.

Sprinkle half of the basil and 1/2 tsp of the oregano evenly over the mushrooms. Continue to add layers of noodles, spinach and tofu, noodles, sauce, mushrooms, and the remaining basil and oregano until the layers reach the top of the pan. The final layer should be sauce. Sprinkle the vegan Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour. Uncover and stick a knife through the center of the lasagna to make sure the noodles are completely cooked. Uncover and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Note:  I like to add some baby spinach among the layers and also sliced artichoke hearts (packed in water). You can be creative with your additions. For a big family dinner I also cook some Gardein vegan meatballs, chop them and add them as a layer. Wonderful. Buon Appetito!