Vegan Baked Ziti Recipe

This vegan baked ziti is a comforting dish that features pasta, a rich marinara sauce, and a creamy vegan cheese blend. With added tips for flavor, protein, and variations, this recipe will elevate your baked ziti experience!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 400 g (14 oz) ziti or penne pasta
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (800 g / 28 oz) crushed tomatoes or homemade marinara (see below)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Vegan Cheese:

• 200 g (7 oz) firm tofu, drained
• 60 ml (¼ cup) nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Fresh spinach or kale (about 2 cups, sautéed)
• Sliced mushrooms (about 1 cup, sautéed)
• Vegan sausage or crumbled tempeh for added protein

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Vegan Cheese Mixture

1. In a food processor, combine firm tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the marinara sauce and half of the vegan cheese mixture. Mix well.
2. If using add-ins like spinach or vegan sausage, mix them in now.
3. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Top with half of the remaining marinara sauce and half of the remaining vegan cheese mixture.
4. Layer in the remaining pasta on top with the rest of the marinara sauce and vegan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.

Step 6: Serve

1. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Flavor Enhancement

• Herbs & Spices: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for freshness. Consider adding smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for depth.
• Umami Boost: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives into your sauce for added flavor.
• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest in the cheese mixture can brighten up flavors.

Pasta Alternatives

You can use different types of pasta such as:

• Penne: Similar shape; works well with sauces.
• Rigatoni: Larger tubes that hold sauce beautifully.
• Fusilli: Twisted shape that captures sauce in its spirals.

Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

To make marinara sauce from scratch:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Sauté one diced onion until translucent; add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add one can of crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes), along with herbs like oregano and basil.
4. Simmer for about 20 minutes to develop flavors; season with salt and pepper.

Vegan Cheese Alternatives

Consider these options:

• Store-bought Vegan Cheese: Brands like Daiya or Follow Your Heart offer good melting options.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast and lemon juice for a creamy topping.

Adding Protein to Your Baked Ziti

To increase protein content:

• Vegan Sausage: Crumble cooked vegan sausage throughout the dish.
• Tempeh: Sauté crumbled tempeh with spices before mixing into your pasta.
• Chickpeas or Lentils: Stir in canned chickpeas or cooked lentils into the marinara sauce.

This enhanced vegan baked ziti recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to cater to your preferences! Enjoy this hearty meal that brings comfort to any occasion!