Just not yet. On that same note, I had planned on posting 1- 2 Paleo recipes on this blog and I’m now on my third with a fourth in the works (think fruit cobbler, think maple coconut sauce…). Before we get off the Paleo train (if we ever pull the stop cord), I just had to try out cashew cheese. Citrus Chicken Marinade. As a dairy- loving/dairy- sensitive person, I am always looking for creamy cheesy sauce substitutes. I’ve done the white bean sauce, the tofu sauce, and, even the cauliflower sauce, but I’ve never made it to cashew cheese.
It always seemed like a time- consuming pain in the you- know- what. I blame it on the “soaking” step. But, when you get down to it, IT’S RIDICULOUSLY EASY. My apprehension was for naught. You only have to soak the cashews for 3. THAT’S IT. The lasagna, on the other hand, well, that takes a bit of prep. For me, it’s a weekend meal to make when hubby’s home to help watch the baby.
But most lasagnas worth their salt take some work and this lasagna is worth its salt and its nuts and its veggie noodles. I’ve always been a fan of zucchini noodle lasagna (and but the addition of cashew cheese takes it up a notch. Sure, there are a few steps involved but nothing compared to a full- out homemade lasagna. And let’s just move on from the fact that if you’re looking for a lasagna resembling the carb- loaded, dairy- heavy batch from your Italian G- ma, this is not it. But if you’re looking for a dairy- free, noodle- less lasagna, this recipe will rock your world. SERIOUSLY. I threw this together and half expected it to turn out like a big plate of noodle mush with weird grainy nut cheese.
But I was blown away. Like couldn’t photograph a single plate of lasagna because, as soon as I cut a piece, it went directly into my belly.
I had just eaten lunch and dinner was hours away but I couldn’t stop myself from shoveling in forkful after forkful of flavorful, creamy lasagna. The hubby opted to wait for dinner time like the civilized Brit he is despite my pleas of you gotta try this NOW. He was skeptical for sure. Paleo is one thing.
Paleo and vegan? I could almost feel the wind at my back while he ran for the hills (or the nearest Indian restaurant). BUT…BUT…BUT…he LOVED the lasagna. He gobbled it up and went back for seconds all whilst extolling the virtues of its balanced flavors and delicate noodles and creamy you’d- never- know- it’s- not- ricotta cashew cheese.
This may be my greatest victory yet. Paleo (and Vegan) Zucchini Lasagna with Cashew Cheese. Author: Healthy Recipe Ecstasy.
Basil- Cashew Cheese. Artichoke- Tomato Sauce. Red pepper flakes, to taste. Sea salt, to taste. Freshly- ground black pepper, to taste. Zucchini Lasagna. Coarse salt. Fresh basil, for garnish.
Olive oil, for drizzling. Basil- Cashew Cheese. Soak the cashews in a bowl of water for 3.
Drain and rinse well. Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and process/blend until smooth. Artichoke- Tomato Sauce. Heat oil in a medium skillet. Add diced onions and cook for 3- 4 minutes, until onions are softened. Add garlic and cook for 3. Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, artichoke hearts and basil leaves.
Season with red pepper flakes, sea salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil and then simmer on medium low for 1. Zucchini Lasagna. Preheat oven to 3. F. Slice each zucchini into ⅛- inch thick slices. Salt the zucchini slices heavily and set aside for 2.
Squeeze as much water out of the zucchini slices as possible. Spread a few tablespoons sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Lay 4- 5 zucchini slices side- by- side on the bottom of the dish. If you're slices aren't long enough for the entire casserole you can add another vertical row or place some slices horizontally to fill the space.
Top the slices with ½ cup sauce and ¼ cup cashew cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, ending with a final layer of sauce and cheese. Garnish with more fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Bake, covered, for 3. Let the lasagna sit for 1. Serve with another drizzle of olive oil.