Description
Vegan French Onion Lasagna is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic lasagna, featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, sweet caramelized onions, creamy whipped tofu ricotta, thyme-infused vegan bechamel, and melty vegan mozzarella.
Ingredients
- Caramelized Onions: 2 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
- 3 sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- Whipped Ricotta: 1 block (15 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thyme Bechamel: 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Lasagna: 1/2 cup vegan mozzarella
- 12 lasagna sheets, oven-ready or pre-cooked
Instructions
- Make the caramelized onions first. Heat the vegan butter or olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Press the onions into a thin layer in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes without disturbing them. Toss and press them down again, then continue cooking and repeating the process until the onions begin to brown.
- Drizzle the onions with agave syrup and add a pinch of salt. Toss to coat and continue cooking until the onions are completely golden brown and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes total. Remove from heat.
- While the onions cook, prepare the whipped ricotta. Drain the tofu and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Add the tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk, and a few pinches of salt and pepper to a food processor or blender.
- Pulse until smooth and creamy. If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of non-dairy milk to help the mixture blend. Set aside.
- Prepare the thyme bechamel. Melt the vegan butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Add the non-dairy milk and whisk thoroughly until smooth and no lumps remain. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Whisk constantly for 2-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the fresh thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another minute, then turn off the heat and keep the sauce warm.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare 4 ramekins, 2 small baking dishes, or a small 7-inch baking dish.
- Layer the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of bechamel sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, then add lasagna sheets.
- Spread with the whipped ricotta, followed by a thin layer of caramelized onions. Sprinkle with vegan mozzarella and drizzle with more bechamel sauce.
- Repeat the layers until the ingredients are used, aiming for about 5 layers. Finish with lasagna sheets, a generous layer of bechamel, more vegan mozzarella, and a little caramelized onion.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
You can use vegan butter or olive oil for the caramelized onions. Oven-ready or pre-cooked lasagna sheets can be used. Divide the ingredients evenly if using multiple small baking dishes or ramekins. For the best results, allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American