Lasagna

Makes 12 servings

Once again soy works its magic, turning a high-fat favorite into a healthful entrée.

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, grated
3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
2 cups sliced mushrooms (about 1/2 pound)
1 15-ounce can crushed or ground tomatoes
1 28-ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¹/₂ teaspoon dried thyme
¹/₂ teaspoon fennel seeds
¹/₈ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound firm tofu
¹/₂ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
12 ounces dry lasagna noodles (about 10 noodles)

Heat oil in a large pot, then add onion and carrot. Cook over high heat, stirring often until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and mushrooms and continue cooking until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, thyme, fennel seeds, and cayenne. Simmer 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mash tofu in a mixing bowl, then stir in parsley and soy sauce.

To assemble, spread 1 cup of sauce in a 9″×13″ (or larger) baking dish. Cover with a layer of uncooked noodles, half the tofu mixture, and half the spinach.

Spread with half of remaining sauce.

Repeat layers of noodles, tofu, spinach, and sauce. Cover tightly with foil and bake until noodles are tender, about 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Note: This lasagna may be assembled up to a day in advance and baked just before serving. The noodles will soften while the lasagna stands, so the baking time can be reduced to 30 minutes.

Per serving (1/12 of lasagna)