Vegan Zucchini Tomato Lasagna (sort of) Recipe

I promised I wouldn’t serve any surprises or new dishes, but I think I had my fingers crossed behind my back in my subconscious, because today I got a little creative. I love zucchini (don’t you?) and had two gigantic ones in the fridge begging to be put to good use. So, I used one to bake a Spelt Fudge Brownie dish (turned out good!), and now what to do with this other one?? I know! Slice it up, season it, and layer it with some vegan cheese and sliced tomatoes–lasagna, minus the actual lasagna pasta. It was so easy, simple and pretty delicious. My husband even thought it “was okay”. Which is good enough for me, when the plate is clean :).

Ingredients:

1 giant Zucchini or maybe 2 small ones
5 small tomatoes (plum would be nice, I used Kumato ((didn’t know they were hybrid, ugh))
Seasoning (Paprika, Basil, Salt/Pepper, Minced Garlic)
Olive Oil
Cheese of choice (I used Daiya Mozzarella)

What I did:

I sliced the zucchini as uniformed as I could (for even baking) and threw them in a big bowl and tossed them with my seasoning of choice (paprika, salt/pepper, minced garlic, OO, basil).

While the zucchini rested with the seasoning, I sliced up the tomatoes, pretty thin I would say.

Then came the cheese. I didn’t really know what the heck I was doing. First, I sprinkled the cheese with the zucchini and then layered it. I then decided to just add cheese as I go, and sprinkled some more on top. I used almost the whole bag of cheese, so I guess I wasn’t too heavy-handed (??).

Off to the oven this divine dish of vegan, veggie goodness went as I humbly said a prayer for our tummies and taste buds. I must say, it was good, rich and VERY flavorful. I don’t know…maybe my palate is changing after cleaning my diet and way of thinking, because I swear I didn’t use much seasoning, but the flavor was there and showing off. The cheese actually melted a little too much and was a bit runny due to the tomatoes juice. This cheese is probably my favorite, store-bought, vegan cheese. I still salivate reminiscing on the vegan pizza at Whole Foods I had with my big brother. This was that cheese. The smell brought me back to that place, with him, enjoying family.

My son’s enjoyed it, but couldn’t eat too much of it. I think because not only was it a new combination of flavors and textures, it was also (again) strong in flavor. But, the few bites they took, they followed with a smile and gave me kisses. So I patted myself on the back. I love my canon balls. It’s so challenging at times in my kitchen laboratory, churning out new potions and spells… all for that one smile, hug, and simple “mmm, thank you mommy.”.