Lasagne is a timeless comfort food classic, and the Candle Cafe’s Vegan Live Lasagne recipe takes this beloved dish to a whole new level of freshness and nutrition. This raw lasagne is not only packed with vibrant vegetables and rich flavors, but it also embraces a wholesome, plant-based lifestyle that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without compromising on health or ethics.
With layers of marinated zucchini, cashew cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce, this recipe offers a satisfying and guilt-free alternative to traditional lasagna that will delight vegans and non-vegans alike.
Whether you’re new to raw vegan cuisine or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. It requires no baking, so you can prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Ready to wow your taste buds and impress your guests? Let’s dive into the details of how to make Candle Cafe’s Vegan Live Lasagne at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Candle Cafe Vegan Live Lasagne is a wonderful dish for several reasons. First, it’s nutrient-dense and raw, preserving the natural enzymes and vitamins of the fresh vegetables used.
Unlike traditional lasagna, this recipe is free from gluten, dairy, and processed ingredients, making it gentle on digestion and suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
The layers of thinly sliced zucchini act as the pasta sheets, which means it’s low in carbs yet still satisfying. The creamy cashew cheese adds richness without the heaviness of dairy, and the sun-dried tomato sauce bursts with vibrant flavor.
This recipe is also perfect for entertaining—it’s impressive, colorful, and sure to spark conversation at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 3 large zucchinis (thinly sliced lengthwise with a mandoline or vegetable peeler)
- 2 cups raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed for blending)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups sun-dried tomatoes (soaked in warm water for 20 minutes)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richness)
- Fresh spinach or arugula for layering (optional)
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler (for slicing zucchini)
- High-speed blender or food processor (for making cashew cheese and tomato sauce)
- Mixing bowls
- 9×9 inch glass or ceramic baking dish
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini noodles: Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin, even strips resembling lasagna noodles. Set aside on a clean kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Make the cashew cheese: Drain the soaked cashews and combine them in a blender with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, sea salt, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust the water to achieve a thick but spreadable consistency.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Drain the sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the blender along with cherry tomatoes, basil, oregano, black pepper, and olive oil. Blend until a chunky sauce forms. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the lasagne: In your baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce to start. Then add a layer of zucchini strips, slightly overlapping. Spread a layer of cashew cheese over the zucchini, followed by a handful of fresh spinach or arugula if using. Repeat the layers—tomato sauce, zucchini, cashew cheese, and greens—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a tomato sauce layer on top.
- Chill and marinate: Cover the assembled lasagne with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the zucchini to soften slightly, enhancing the texture.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Slice like traditional lasagna and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
For best results, use organic zucchinis and fresh basil to maximize flavor and freshness.
- Cashew allergy? Try sunflower seeds or blanched almonds as a substitute for cashews in the cheese.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate thin slices of mushrooms or bell peppers between layers for extra texture and taste.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to your tomato sauce for a little kick.
- Make it nut-free: Use mashed tofu blended with lemon and nutritional yeast instead of cashew cheese for a different but delicious texture.
- Try different herbs: Swap basil for fresh oregano or thyme for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Fat | 22 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sugar | 8 g |
Calcium | 50 mg |
Iron | 3 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan live lasagne is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your meal with some simple sides. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh fruit for dessert.
A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the fresh flavors wonderfully.
For more vegan inspiration, you might enjoy exploring our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or our hearty Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food. Both dishes pair beautifully with this lasagne or can stand alone as satisfying plant-based meals.
Conclusion
Creating the Candle Cafe Vegan Live Lasagne at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a fresh, nutrient-packed meal that’s both delicious and visually stunning. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into a gourmet experience without turning on the oven or relying on processed foods.
It’s perfect for those seeking a healthier, cruelty-free alternative to traditional lasagna, while still indulging in rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Whether for a special occasion or a nourishing weeknight dinner, this raw vegan lasagne is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it encourages creativity in the kitchen and invites you to experiment with your favorite herbs and veggies.
Be sure to check out other exciting recipes like our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe and Lemon Straws Recipe for more culinary adventures. Happy cooking and enjoy every vibrant bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Candle Cafe Vegan Live Lasagne
Description: A raw vegan lasagne layered with zucchini, cashew cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. This healthy dish is perfect for a nutritious and fresh meal.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 large zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise
- 2 cups raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 cups sun-dried tomatoes, soaked and blended
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice zucchinis thinly to create lasagne noodles.
- Blend soaked cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, water, garlic, and salt until smooth for cashew cheese.
- Blend sun-dried tomatoes, basil, olive oil, oregano, and pepper to make tomato sauce.
- Layer zucchini slices, cashew cheese, and tomato sauce alternately in a dish.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with tomato sauce.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to set.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Candle Cafe Vegan Live Lasagne”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A raw vegan lasagne layered with zucchini, cashew cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. This healthy dish is perfect for a nutritious and fresh meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT30M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 large zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise”, “2 cups raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours”, “1/4 cup fresh lemon juice”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1/2 cup water”, “2 cloves garlic”, “1 teaspoon sea salt”, “3 cups sun-dried tomatoes, soaked and blended”, “1 cup fresh basil leaves”, “1/4 cup olive oil”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slice zucchinis thinly to create lasagne noodles.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend soaked cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, water, garlic, and salt until smooth for cashew cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend sun-dried tomatoes, basil, olive oil, oregano, and pepper to make tomato sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Layer zucchini slices, cashew cheese, and tomato sauce alternately in a dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with tomato sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to set.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}