Greens Cheese Lasagna

If you’re thinking of adding more vegetable protein to your diet, but haven’t come to terms with tofu, this is a great recipe to try. Normally bland and nearly-tasteless, the firm tofu in this recipe is marinated in wine and makes a tasty counterpoint to the sweet sauce and greens. This recipe comes from a great working partner, Bruce B. Thanks, Bruce!

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 8-10

Prep Time: marinating time + 30 min   Cook Time: 75 minutes  

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb Extra Firm Tofu (not smooth)
1/4 cup Cabernet Sauvignon
Crushed dried basil
Crushed dried oregano
Garlic powder
—
1/2 medium head of garlic, crushed
4-6 chopped green onions (white part only)
1/4 cup chopped chives
3 cups sweet spaghetti sauce
1 6-oz can tomato paste
3/4 cup Cabernet Sauvignon
Fresh oregano
—
1 box wavy lasagna noodles
olive oil
—
1 large bunch fresh, washed, collard greens
—
3 eggs, beaten
1 lb light ricotta cheese
1/2-3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/4 lb mozzarella, sliced
Fresh basil
—
Grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil

Directions

TOFU: Slice tofu 1/8 in thick. Place slices flat on cookie sheet. Pour 1/4 cup Cabernet Sauvignon over slices. Sprinkle to taste with crushed dried basil, crushed dried oregano, and garlic powder. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours. (Longer marinating time = better final flavor.)

SAUCE: Combine crushed fresh garlic, chopped green onions, and chives in medium saucepan with 1/4 cup Cabernet Sauvignon. Simmer until onions are translucent. Add spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, and remaining 1/2 cup Cabernet Sauvignon. Stir in fresh oregano to taste and simmer 30 minutes.

NOODLES: Add a splash of olive oil to 6 quarts well-salted boiling water. Cook entire box of lasagna noodles just until they reach al dente. Drain.

GREENS: Wash greens, throughly removing rust, stems, and central spines.

CHEESES: Combine eggs and ricotta and parmesan cheeses. Stir in fresh basil to taste.

ASSEMBLY: Lightly grease or oil a 9 in x 13 in x 2 1/2 in lasagna pan. Place two or three tablespoons of sauce in bottom of pan. Overlap half the noodles to completely cover bottom of pan. Cover noodles with half the greens. Next, evenly space half the tofu slices over the greens. Spoon about half the sauce over the tofu slices. Dot half the ricotta mixture on the sauce layer and spread evenly. Place half the mozzarella slices, reaching from edge to edge, over ricotta mixture.

Repeat noodle, greens, tofu, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella layers.
Sprinkle top with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil torn in pieces.

Bake in 350° oven for 45 minutes or until top is browned and bubbly. Let set 20 minutes before serving. Goes great with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon!

Categories: Casserole, Entertaining, Main Dish, One Dish Meal, Pasta, Potluck, Special Occasions, Vegetarian

Submitted by: bonita on August 22, 2010