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Homemade Vegan Cabbage Lasagna photo

Vegan Cabbage Lasagna

A layered vegan lasagna that uses blanched cabbage leaves with a TVP marinara and cashew-based spinach alfredo for a dairy-free comfort meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 onion, medium peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced (plus 1 whole clove for alfredo)
  • 3/4 cup TVP (textured vegetable protein) soaked in hot water or vegetable broth for 30 minutes, drained and squeezed
  • 14 oz chopped tomatoes (canned) 1 can
  • 5 oz sieved tomato puree (tomato sauce)
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • salt and pepper to taste (used in both sauces)
  • 1/4 cup spinach blanched and squeezed
  • 1/2 cup cashews soaked in hot water 20 minutes then drained
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free milk e.g., cashew, almond, oat, or soy milk; used for alfredo
  • 1 clove garlic whole, added to alfredo blend
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg optional, for alfredo
  • 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast optional, for alfredo
  • 1/4 head cabbage use larger outer leaves, blanch in hot water 5–8 minutes and chill
  • 7 oz dairy-free cheese

Equipment

  • Immersion blender with ~20 fl oz container
  • Vitamix (or high-speed blender)
  • Non-stick frying pan (10.5 inch / 26 cm)
  • Oven-safe glass baking dish (9 x 7 x 3 inch / 23 x 18 x 8 cm)
  • Large pot for blanching
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Soak the TVP in hot water or vegetable broth for 30 minutes until rehydrated, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. Soak the cashews in hot water for 20 minutes, then drain.
  3. Blanch the spinach by plunging leaves into boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and squeeze out excess water.
  4. Remove the outermost cabbage leaf and peel off about a quarter head of larger leaves; blanch these leaves in hot water 5–8 minutes until soft, then chill and pat dry.
  5. Heat a non-stick frying pan with a little olive oil over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until glossy, then add the minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes.
  6. Add the rehydrated TVP to the pan and stir to combine, then add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper and simmer for about 5 minutes to make the marinara 'ground beef' layer.
  7. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, blanched spinach, 1 whole garlic clove, dairy-free milk, nutmeg (if using), nutritional yeast (if using), and salt and pepper; blend until smooth and creamy to make the spinach alfredo.
  8. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  9. Assemble the lasagna in the oven-safe dish: spread a little of the TVP marinara on the bottom to prevent sticking, then layer blanched cabbage leaves, a layer of TVP marinara, a layer of spinach alfredo, and a sprinkle of dairy-free cheese; repeat layers until the dish is full (about 6 layer sets for a 9 x 7 x 3 inch dish).
  10. Bake the assembled lasagna at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and the top is lightly browned.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Soaking TVP in veggie broth adds extra flavor.
  • Cold-water soaking for TVP takes 2–3 hours instead of 30 minutes.
  • TVP is soft after soaking and does not require long cooking.
  • Canned chopped tomatoes are used when fresh tomatoes are not juicy or available.
  • Blanching spinach makes it easier to blend and reduces oxalic acid.
  • Nutmeg and nutritional yeast are optional but enhance the alfredo flavor.