We love Eggplant Parmesan in our house. I’ve shared my famous recipe with you all. But this new recipe, a lasagna, is a delicious lighter version, with several twists in ingredients. Everyone I have made it for just loves it. The eggplant is very soft and the flavors of the lentil sauce (or “meat” walnut mushrooms), roasted eggplant and the cashew (or tofu) ricotta cheese is absolutely delicious and super flavorful.
I know this seems like a lot of work, but I assure you it is delicious whichever of my modifications you use.
To healthy eating!
Melissa
Eggplant and lentil Lasagna
This recipe is gluten, dairy and grain free ... but not short on flavor. I served it to a large crowd, and it got rave reviews! I have made it twice and the second time I made with roasted walnut mushrooms "Meat", instead of lentils. I will include this modification as it's a great option, especially if you love mushrooms like I do!
Ingredients
Eggplants
- 2 medium Eggplants Sliced 1/4" slices or lengthwise
- Sea salt Salt eggplant, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse off and pat dry
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil Optional
Sauce and Lentil
- 1 28 oz. jar Marinara sauce Basil flavor is delicious
- 2 cup Vegetable broth
- 1 cup Red Lentils Rinsed and drained
- 1 cups Carrots Finely diced
- 14 oz. Crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomatoe paste
- 1/2 cup Onions chopped
- 1 tsp Oregano More to taste
- 1 tsp Basil More to taste
Cashew Ricotta Cheese
- 1-2 cups Raw Cashews (or Tofu) Soaked in water for a few hours or overnight
- 1-2 Tbsp Braggs Nutritional Yeast
- 1/8 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1-2 tsp Juice of a lemon Or 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove Garlic Minced, more if you like it very garlicky as we do!
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
Alternate: Tofu Ricotta
- 1 12 oz. Extra Firm Tofu Drained and pressed dry for 10 minutes
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice from fresh lemons
- 3 Tbsp Braggs Nutritional Yeast
- 1/2 cup Basil leaves Finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt & black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Vegan Parmesan Cheese Optional
"Meat" Walnut Mushrooms - Alternative to Lentil Mixture
- 1/2 cup Walnuts Unsalted, soaked in warm water for 30 min.
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 4 cups Baby Bella mushrooms or Cremini Mushrooms
- 1 tsp Cumin Ground
- 1/2 cup Sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp Tamari sauce May use soy sauce
- 1 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line 2-3 baking pans with parchment paper or silicon baking mats. Layer each tray with the eggplant. Bake 20 minutes, then flip over and cook another 20 minutes.
- Make the lentil filling: add diced onions in a large pot with a splash of water or veggie broth. Sauté over medium heat 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add carrots, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring well. Once everything is well incorporated, add the lentils and vegetable broth, basil and oregano.
- Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes. Stir frequently so as not to over cook.
- Make the cashew ricotta cheese: take soaked cashews, and all ingredients and put in your food processor.
- Make the "Meat": Using a food processor, pulse the garlic a few times, if using fresh. Then add the nuts (walnuts & sunflower seeds) and spices, and pulse again. Then add the mushrooms and tamari and pulse until there are no longer any big pieces of mushrooms left. Depending on your food processor, you may need to do this in 2 batches, as you don’t want the mixture to be too fine. However, don’t be too worried about it, because even if over mixed a bit, this mixture will still turn out well.
- "Meat" continued: next, place the meat mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet or use silicone sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Then remove from the oven and fold and turn the mixture over. Place back into the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked and dark brown in color.
- After all the parts are prepared, Layer the Eggplant Lasagna: Spread 1/2 the Marinara sauce over the base of a large casserole dish. Then use some Marinara at each layer keeping 1/2 cup for the top.
- Then cover with 1/3rd of the Eggplant, try to overlap as tight as possible.
- Layer 1: spread 1/2 of the cooked Lentils OR Walnut Mushroom "Meat" across the Eggplant, followed by the Cashew (or Tofu) Ricotta.
- Layer 2: repeat with Eggplant, remainder of Lentils or Walnut Mushroom "Meat" and another 1/3 of the Ricotta.
- Top it off with the remainder of the Eggplant to the casserole, followed by the rest of the Ricotta.
- Pour the remaining Marinara Sauce as the last layer, swirl with Ricotta.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. It will bubble when it is done. Let sit for 10 minutes before you cut and serve.
Notes
Melissa's Modifications: While your making this recipe, consider doubling and then freezing for later use. After cooked, lasagna will last 4-5 days in the fridge.
Nutritional Values:
Eggplant Lasagna with Lentils & Cashew Ricotta: 265 Calories; 9.6g; 0 Cholesterol; 541mg Sodium; 7g Fiber; 24 Carbs; 9.6g Protein
Tofu Ricotta: 55 Calories; 2.3g Fat; 0 Cholesterol;57.5mg Sodium; 1g Fiber; 1.4g Carbs ; 5.7g Protein
Walnut Mushroom "Meat": 68 Calories; 5g Fat; 0 Cholesterol; 199mg Sodium; 1g Fiber; 3.6g Carbs; 3.2g Protein
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
