Recipe: Eggplant Lasagna Roll Ups

EASY, 10-ingredient vegan lasagna roll ups made with a flavorful, protein-rich tofu filling rolled up into roasted eggplant slices! Healthy, rich in whole foods, and so satisfying.

Prep time30 minsCook time45 minsTotal time1 hour 15 minsINGREDIENTS

• 2 eggplants, sliced into 12 1/4-inch slices lengthwise* OR 12 lasagna noodles, boiled

TOFU FILLING
(Can substitute tofu for, soaked overnight sunflower seeds, almonds, or cashews if you are trying to stay away from soy)

• 2 lemons, juiced (~1/3 cup)
• 1 12-ounce block extra firm tofu, drained and pressed dry for 10 minutes
• 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 3-4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt + Pepper (~1/2 tsp each)
• 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese (optional)

FOR SERVING

• Vegan parmesan cheese
• 2-3 cups favorite marinara/red sauce (here’s mine!)
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Salt eggplant slices on both sides and arrange in a colander in the sink to remove excess water/bitterness for 15 minutes. (If using lasagna noodles, boil, drain and set aside.)
3. Rinse salted eggplant slices well and dry thoroughly between two clean absorbent towels. Lay a baking sheet on top and place something heavy on top to absorb excess moisture.
4. Arrange slices on 1-2 baking sheets in an even layer and bake in a 425 oven for 13-15 minutes. Set aside and reduce heat to 375 degrees F.
5. While eggplant is baking, add all tofu filling ingredients to a food process or blender and pulse to combine, scraping down sides as needed. You are looking for a semi-pureed mixture with bits of basil still intact. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper for flavor, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, and lemon juice for brightness.
6. Pour about 1 cup marinara sauce into an 8×8 baking dish (or similar sized dish) and reserve rest of sauce for topping / serving. Set aside.
7. Scoop generous amounts (about 3 Tbsp) of ricotta filling onto each eggplant slice or lasagna noodle and roll up. Place seam side down in the sauce-lined baking dish. Continue until all filling and noodles or eggplant strips are used up. Pour more sauce down the center of the rolls for extra flavor (see photo).
8. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 15-23 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly and warm and the top of the rolls are very slightly browned.
9. Serve immediately with additional vegan parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Leftovers keep for a couple of days, though best when fresh.

Notes*Eggplant cutting tip: Slice off the bottom and top of eggplant and sit it upright. Then use a sharp knife to make thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Alternatively, use a mandolin.
*Adapted from my vegan stuffed shells. Feel free to add sautéed veggies to the filling mixture for more fiber / nutrients. My favorite is sautéed zucchini.
*Tofu inspiration from Whole Foods.
*Eggplant inspiration from Food Network.Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1 roll up Calories: 155 Fat: 8g Saturated fat: 1.5g Carbohydrates: 17.4g Sugar: 8.8gSodium: 314mg Fiber: 6.1g Protein: 6g

Recipe by Minimalist Baker