Using a blend of fresh vegetables and nuts for a plant-based filling you can make a lasagna roll up dish that is bursting with colors and nutrients and so many fresh flavors.
This recipe is a great way to get your veggies in while enjoying a hearty lasagna that doesn’t leave you feeling like you need a nap afterwards.
The filling is a blend of spinach, cauliflower, and spices which add iron, calcium, and vitamin C, and a savory, umami flavor. The sauce is kept simple to allow the filling flavors to take center stage and save you time in preparation.
While delicious on its own, you can also pair this healthier lasagna with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
Lightened Up Lasagna Rolls
Equipment
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Food processor or high speed blender
Ingredients
The Cauliflower Ricotta
- 1 cup raw cauliflower
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup fresh spinach 2 ounces
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
The Sauce
- 28 ounces tomato puree
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
The Lasagna
- 1 pound lasagna noodles Not "Ready to Bake"
- Tomato Sauce
- Cauliflower ricotta
- 1 cup plain hummus optional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 F.
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Lightly spray a 9×13" baking dish with oil. Set aside.
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Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the water. While the water is heating prepare the sauce and the cauliflower ricotta.
The Sauce
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Mince the garlic. Heat a sauce pan over medium-high heat and add the garlic with 1 tablespoon of water. Cook for 1-2 minutes and don't brown the garlic.
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Add in the rest of the sauce ingredients and bring it to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients for the lasagna.
The Cauliflower Ricotta
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Cut cauliflower into florets and rough chop the garlic. Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and puree until well combined and the mixture is a thick paste. Set aside.
The Lasagna
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Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Most lasagna noodles only need to cook for 6 minutes to soften enough for rolling. Drain the water from the pot using a colander, rinse the noodles with cold water while separating them from each other so that they don't stick together.
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Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
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Lay a cooked and cooled noodle on your work surface. Spread 1/4 cup of the cauliflower ricotta down the noodle, leaving a 1" gap at one end. Roll the covered noodle starting on the end with the ricotta and rolling towards the gap end. Place the roll into your baking dish vertically or horizontally.
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Continue the rolling process until the baking dish is filled or you run out of the ricotta or noodles.
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Optional: spread the plain hummus over the tops of the lasagna rolls.
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Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls and use a spatula or spoon to move sauce in between the rolls and into any empty places.
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Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.