- Courses: Entrée, Gluten-free, Main Course
“If you love lasagna but want a delicious, plant-based alternative, this Plantain Pastelón Lasagna is perfect for you! It’s a fusion of traditional pastelón and lasagna, using naturally sweet plantains, a rich lentil “meat” sauce, and layers of veggies and vegan cheese. This recipe is not only flavorful but also gluten-free, wholesome, and easy to customize. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!”
Plantain Pastelón Lasagna
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Plantain Pastelón Lasagna
1. What is pastelón?
Pastelón is a Puerto Rican and Dominican dish often referred to as “plantain lasagna.” Instead of pasta, it uses ripe plantains layered with a savory filling, usually ground meat and cheese. This version is a healthier, vegan-friendly twist using lentils and vegetables.
2. Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Yes! You can bake or air-fry the plantains instead of frying them in oil. Simply slice and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until soft and caramelized.
3. What can I use instead of lentils?
If you don’t have lentils, you can use mashed chickpeas, crumbled tofu, or even walnuts and mushrooms for a meaty texture.
4. What’s the best vegan cheese for this recipe?
Brands like Vegan Gourmet, Violife, Daiya, or homemade cashew cheese work great. You can also skip cheese and use a creamy cashew sauce instead.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use pasta. Just ensure your spaghetti sauce is also gluten-free.
6. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Definitely! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and reheat it when needed.
7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave.
8. Can I use green plantains instead of ripe ones?
No, green plantains are starchy and won’t provide the natural sweetness that pastelón is known for. Ripe plantains (yellow with black spots) are best.
9. Can I make this recipe without an oven?
Yes! You can layer everything in a stovetop pan, cover it, and let it cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes until the flavors meld together.
10. What vegetables can I use for layering?
Zucchini, spinach, and eggplant work great. You can also add bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for more flavor and nutrition.
Plantain Lasagna
Plantain Pastelón Lasagna
- For the Plantains
- 4 large ripe plantains (peeled and sliced lengthwise)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (or water for oil-free cooking)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- For the Lentil Meat Sauce
- 1 ½ cups cooked lentils (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tbsp onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (finely chopped (optional for texture))
- 2 cups vegan spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cayenne or chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Layers
- 1 zucchini (thinly sliced (or use spinach or eggplant))
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheese (like Vegan Gourmet or your favorite brand)
- Prepare the Plantains
- Slice plantains lengthwise into thin strips.
- Lightly sauté in a pan with a little coconut oil or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until slightly caramelized.
- Make the Lentil Meat Sauce
- In a pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms (if using) and cook until soft.
- Stir in cooked lentils, spaghetti sauce, oregano, paprika, cumin, and cayenne. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the Pastelón Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, layer as follows:
- A layer of plantains
- A layer of lentil meat sauce
- A layer of zucchini/spinach/eggplant
- Sprinkle some vegan cheese
- Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with plantains and cheese on top.
- Bake & Serve
- Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy your plantain pastelón lasagna!
“I hope you enjoy this flavorful and nourishing take on Plantain Pastelón Lasagna! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how it turned out or share a picture on social media—I’d love to see your creations! Happy cooking!”
Be sure to try some of our other pasta recipes:
Ingredients
No ingredients could be found for this recipe.
Instructions
No instructions could be found for this recipe.
Leave a Reply