On July 29th, everyone is Italian because it’s National Lasagna Day! Lasagna originated in Italy in the region of Emilia-Romagna. The story of how lasagna got its name is actually pretty funny. The ancient Greeks had the word lasanon which means ‘chamber pot.’ The Romans took the word and changed it to lasanum to refer to a ‘cooking pot’ and later, Italians called the dish they made in the cooking pot lasagna. Today the name refers to both the dish and the pasta noodles (lasagne is the plural term).
Lasagna recipes have been recorded since before Europeans even knew what a tomato was and were variations of layers of wide, flat lasagna noodles with all types of ingredients and sauces between them. The most common sauces used for lasagna are ragu (a thick tomato sauce made with meat) and Béchamel sauce, a thick creamy white sauce. Common cheeses used are ricotta, mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The layers can also have various meats and/or vegetables.
Of course, lasagna can be made vegan with absolutely no meat or dairy. See How to Make These Classic Sauces Vegan to learn how to make vegan Béchamel and classic tomato sauces. We can make Homestyle ‘Meaty’ Tomato Sauce With Lentils and Walnuts, Fresh Marinara Sauce, Homemade Spicy Red Wine Tomato Sauce, meaty Bolognese Sauce and so many more. Check out these 7 Variations on Vegan Pasta Sauce to Try. Vegan lasagna can be as cheesy as we want without dairy. We can buy a variety of delicious vegan cheeses or we can make Tofu Ricotta, Vegan Moxarella, Raw Almond Parmesan and Brazil Nut Vegan Parmesan.
If you’re gluten-free, it’s no problem because gluten-free lasagna is fantastic. Take a look at all these Gluten-Free Pasta Options including lasagna noodles. We can also make lasagna with no noodles at all, layering wide slices of eggplant, squash or zucchini instead or the whole dish can be raw. It’s always fun to go global – make Mexican lasagna by layering yummy spicy ingredients between tortillas. Make your own by reading 7 Ways to Make Grain-Free Wraps and Tortillas. Of course, there’s no end to the number of veggies that can be used to make the most amazing and decadent lasagne ever – just look at these 7 Lasagne that are Vegan and Ridiculously Yum! So get ready to celebrate with these 10 amazing vegan lasagna recipes. Mangia!
1. The Best Vegan Lasagna You Will Ever Make
If you’re looking for something that straight up satisfies that comfort food craving without meat or dairy, then this Vegan Lasagna is your recipe. With tofu ricotta, butternut squash and a homemade white sauce, you might say this is the best lasagna you’ve ever made.
2. Avocatta Lasagna Rolls
What do you get when you combine avocado and ricotta? Avocatta, of course! These Avocatta Lasagna Rolls are really easy to throw together, really flavorful, and very satisfying.
3. Mexican Lasagna
Mexican Lasagna is like a taco casserole, or a layered soft taco. You can change up the fillings layers to anything you want. This one has refried beans, avocado and fresh veggies layered between corn tortillas.
4. No-Noodle Butternut Squash and Swiss Chard Lasagna
Lasagna doesn’t have to have meat, cheese, or even noodles to be amazingly delicious! In this hearty vegan and gluten-free No-Noodle Lasagna, a mixture of shiitake and white button mushrooms, fresh rosemary and tarragon, Swiss chard, homemade sauce, tofu “cheese,” and squash give you all the flavor you need.
5. Zucchini and Tomato Lasagna With Cashew Herb Cheese
You’ll get so lost in this Zucchini and Tomato Lasagna, you may forget for a moment that it’s raw and healthy. Marinated zucchini and tomatoes are layered with a cashew herb cheese for a surprisingly decadent dish.
6. The Best 9 Vegetable Lasagna Ever!
Lasagna is for everyone – perfect for entertaining, a cool fall day, the picky eater, the casserole lover and the comfort food connoisseur. This 9 Vegetable Lasagna has tofu ricotta, fresh herbs and lots of delicious veggies.
7. Chili Tortilla Lasagna
This Chili Tortilla Lasagna takes all of the layering of flavor that you love about the Italian version and gives it a Mexican twist. With a spicy veggie chili and homemade Queso cheese sauce, this lasagna will have your taste buds dancing.
8. Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Rollups
Lasagna is one of those comfort meals that brings everyone together. It pleases adults and kids alike. These Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Rollups change up the classic just a bit by rolling up the filling in each individual noodle. These will make everyone happy!
9. Raw Lasagna With Cilantro Pesto, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Marinated Veggies
This Raw Lasagna is amazingly stunning and delicious. With layers of marinated veggies, cilantro-walnut pesto, zucchini and a sundried-tomato chickpea spread, you’ll want to keep this all to yourself so make more than one.
10. Gluten Free Vegan Lasagna
This lasagna is not only vegan, but gluten free and low fat and just generally smug about how nutritious it is. Instead of ricotta cheese it has a tofu and cauliflower blend, and instead of noodles it has strips of eggplant and zucchini. This is your new favorite Gluten-Free Vegan Lasagna.
Get ready to visit Italy and dig in to these amazing vegan lasagne! Enjoy!
Lead image source: The Best 9 Vegetable Lasagna Ever!
