Frozen Assets

This tasty recipe can be made ahead of time and frozen for a simple dinner on one of those “too-busy-to-cook” days we all have from time to time.

And before you ask, yes, this recipe really is cheese-free and vegetarian. 

Enjoy!

Tofu and Spinach Vegetarian Lasagna (8 servings)

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 (16-oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 (8-oz) can tomato paste
• 2 additional cups water

Filling:

• 1 pound medium tofu
• 2 bunches fresh spinach (or 10-oz. package frozen spinach)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• pinch of sage
• 1 (16-oz.) package lasagna noodles, uncooked

To prepare sauce, in large saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water, green pepper, onion and garlic. Heat to boiling. Turn down heat to medium-low and simmer until soft, stirring frequently. Stir in crushed bay leaves, basil, tomato sauce, tomato paste and 2 cups water. Simmer for 15 minutes.

To prepare filling, rinse fresh spinach in cold water. Cut off thick stems. Keep the water clinging to the leaves. Place in large stockpot. Heat covered over high heat, stirring frequently until spinach is soft. Drain spinach and squeeze out excess liquid. Set aside.

Drain tofu slightly (don’t squeeze out excess water). Place in blender container or food processor. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape sides of container frequently. Spoon blended tofu into mixing bowl. Add spinach, oregano and basil. Mix well.

To assemble, spread 1 cup sauce over bottom of 9×13-inch pan. Top with 1/3 of the uncooked noodles, then 1 more cup of sauce. Spoon the tofu mixture by dollops over top of sauce. Add a second layer of noodles, followed by 1 cup sauce, and then spooning in the remaining tofu mixture. Add a third layer of noodles, pressing down firmly all over the lasagna. Spoon the remaining sauce over noodles, making sure that the noodles are completely covered with sauce. If preparing to freeze for eating later: wrap, label and freeze.

To serve: If frozen ahead, thaw completely. Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake covered for 40 minutes. Uncover lasagna and continue baking 15 more minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares to serve.

~Debi