Almost Vegan Lasagna
Ingredients
Filling
1 C. green lentils, washed
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
1 1/2 C. mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 C. tomatoes, diced
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 Tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. marjoram
1 tsp. soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
lasagna strips, enough for 3 layers
Bechamel sauce
3 1/2 C. water
1/2 C. cashews
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1 bay leaf
1 dash nutmeg
Roux
1/4 C. vegetable oil
1/2 C. all purpose flour
Topping
1 1/2 C. mozzarella style soy cheese or Italian style almond cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Rinse lentils and cook for about 25 minutes until soft. Drain, reserving the stock. Heat oil in a large skillet and sauté onions for 3 minutes. Add carrots, garlic and mushrooms and continue to sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add cooked lentils, tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs and soy sauce. Add a little of the reserved stock if mixture is too dry. Cover and cook for 20 minutes to ensure that the flavors are well blended. Meanwhile cook enough lasagna strips to make 3 layers. Cook only till aldente. Bechamel sauce: combine the water, cashews, salt, pepper and nutmeg in the blender and blend till smooth. Make the roux by heating the oil in a pot and stirring in the flour when hot. Slowly add the cashew milk, add the bay leaf and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. When boiling, reduce heat to very low and simmer for about 1 minute or until the sauce starts to thicken. Set aside. Oil a casserole dish. Put a layer of lasagna in the bottom and layer with the lentil mixture followed by the béchamel sauce. Repeat, ending with a layer of béchamel. Top with shredded soy cheese if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” (Psalms 42:3)