Cauliflower Noodle Lasagna

September 15, 2014

Cauliflower Noodle Lasagna


Guys, I think I’ve peaked at this cauliflower crust thing.
I’ve made pizza, calzone, pizzettes, tortillas to use for an enchilada, garlic breadsticks, stromboli, grilled cheese, bechamel, panini, bagels and today noodles to use for lasagna.
And with that, the well of my creativity has officially run dry.
In a way it’s very freeing because I know it’s going to be all downhill from here.
I don’t have to think anymore about how to turn cauliflower into pizza dough, bread, tortillas or noodles.
I’m going to spend the rest of my life really chill and from now when I see a cauliflower head I’ll just say “I peaked. Wow. What a great run!”
Ha!


Okay, enough with my nonsense, let’s concentrate on the lasagna.
Because that’s what you’re here for, right?
We start by making cauliflower noodles. The usual procedure: riced cauliflower (cooked and squeezed until dry) mixed with eggs and seasoning.


Pop in the oven for 15 minutes and voila’ cauliflower noodles.
Cut them so they can fit the baking dish you’re using.


The cauliflower bechamel is the same we used for the paleo moussaka.
I made my own bolognese sauce in the Crock-Pot. But if you're in a hurry, buy pre-made bolognese sauce (in NYC, Citarella and Zabar’s make killer bolognese)
Now layer away. Noodles, bolognese, bechamel and Parmesan. Aaaaand repeat.


In the oven for 50 minutes and Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom: a piping hot, delicious and super healthy lasagna.
I think I’ve peaked. Here's proof...



Cauliflower Noodle Lasagna
                                                                                                      Print this recipe!

Just a couple of notes. To make both the cauliflower noodles and the cauliflower bechamel, you’ll need to buy one large head of cauliflower, it should be plenty.
I made the classic Italian lasagna, with just bolognese sauce, bechamel sauce, noodles and Parmesan. But feel free to toss in ricotta, mozzarella or your favorite vegetables.
You can also keep it vegetarian by using marinara sauce instead of bolognese sauce.
Do play around!

Ingredients
Serves 8

4 cups / 24.6 oz / 700 gr Bolognese sauce (make your own Bolognese sauce with this recipe)
1 ½ cups / 7 oz / 200 gr grated Parmesan cheese*

Cauliflower noodles

3 cups cauliflower rice, packed
3 eggs
½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cauliflower bechamel sauce

¾ cup / 180 ml milk (your choice of milk)
2 cups / 7 oz / 200 gr cauliflower florets
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
A pinch of ground black pepper
3 free-range organic eggs

*skip to keep it paleo

Directions

Cauliflower Noodles

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and grease with olive oil.
In a food processor rice the cauliflower, until you get a texture finer than rice. Once it’s riced measure it and make sure you have 3 cups packed.
Place cauliflower rice in a bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes, give it a good stir and microwave for another 2 minutes.
Place the cauliflower rice in a tea towel and twist it to squeeze as much moisture as you can (I usually squeeze out over a cup of liquid). This is very important. The cauliflower rice needs to be dry.
Place drained cauliflower rice back in the bowl and add eggs, salt and pepper and mix until combined.
Spread the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven, let cool 5 to 10 minutes and carefully peel it off the parchment paper.
Transfer to a large cutting board or work surface.
Depending on the size and shape of your baking dish, cut the cauliflower noodles so that it will fit into the dish. Set aside.

Cauliflower bechamel sauce

In a medium saucepan add cauliflower florets, milk, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and with an immersion blender, blend until smooth (be careful not to splatter yourself!)
Add eggs, one at a time, working quickly to make sure that they don’t poach.
It will look like a thin white foamy liquid, that’s OK. It will work out in the end. Set aside.

Assemble lasagna

Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C) and place a rack in the middle.
Spread a couple of tablespoons of bolognese sauce in the bottom of a baking dish (I used a 9x13 inch one).
Arrange cauliflower sheets side by side, covering the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread with ⅓ of the cauliflower bechamel. Top with ⅓ of bolognese sauce and sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat to make 3 layers, and top with remaining cauliflower bechamel and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil (to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese).
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition facts

One serving yields 286 calories, 14 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbs and 25 grams of protein.

80 comments:

  1. This sounds AMAZING! I am thoroughly impressed with your lasagna sheets! i made cauliflower crust pizza last night, and although I was able to make it well enough to pick up the slices, they were very delicate...and definitely not as perfectly formed as your sheets here.

    I would LOVE if you would join our linkup for meatless monday, this would be SO perfect for spreading the word of meat free can be delicious (and good for you). As an elite athlete, I understand the importance of eating the right foods, but I know that most people need a little extra push. Thanks so much for the recipe :)

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    1. Well...there's bolognese sauce in this recipe so I don't think it qualifies as meatless.Bbut I'll consider participating in your linkup with a vegetarian recipe. Thanks Tina!

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    2. Just use a different sauce...

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    3. what kind of sauce could i use then?

      ps- I am a complete amateur cook - so excuse me if this is a super silly Q.

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    4. You could make that sauce without the eggs and put some parmesan instead. I think the cauliflower alfredo sauce would work. Also, try putting your cauliflower florets through the juicer to remove the liquid before microwaving. Then you don't need to ring out the liquid with a dish towel.

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    5. You could use a roasted garlic and cauliflower Alfred sauce instead. Also, if you have a juicer, try running your cauliflower florets through the juicer to extract the liquid. Then you don't need to micro wave.

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  2. I really need to make a cauliflower lasagna! Love the concept. And, love both Citarella and Zabars. Zabar's has been a favorite of mine since I was a very little girl. Ohhh the rugalach!

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    1. Zabar's is the best, I reckon it's even cheaper than Citarella!

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  3. Wow, just wow! I know you think your cauliflower run is over, but give it some time something else crazy amazing will come to you, I just know it! :)

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  4. Wait. Wait. Here's one more challenge. Can you make a dish using cauliflower that tastes like baked beans. I sure would like to have a low-carb, sugar-free sub for baked beans. Thank you in advance. Now go out and get more cauliflower.

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  5. You are officially a genius Mike, love your creations, but especially this one!

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  6. This looks so delicious Mike, I'm lost for words!

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  7. Holy crap, this is awesome. This must be like the lowest of the low carb lasagna recipes ever! Cauliflower may have run its course, but I'm sure you'll find something else to focus on. Great job! :)

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    1. Thanks Lauren, what do you think I should focus on?

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    2. I need no sugar, no flours ideas for dinners and appetizers

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  8. Wow! This recipe is so creative and looks so delicious! I know people do crazy things with cauliflower but I had no idea you could make noodles! Awesome job.

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  9. I've gotta re-make the cauliflower crust! I am getting a food processor soon, so I can go nuts... and then get too excited, chop a finger off and create finger pizza crust. Okay, that was just gross.

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  10. Very impressive Mike, love this dish. Pinned!

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  11. I. Can't. Even. THIS is incredible.

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  12. If you are going to peak, this is the way to do it. Not only do the ingredients sound good together, I also like the nutritional profile. Not certain I could get this past my traditional-pasta-loving husband, but it would sure be worth a try. :-)

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    1. My friends didn't even realize the lasagna was made with cauli noodles instead of wheat noodles...maybe it will work with your husband as well!

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  13. You seriously have! I am amazed at your cauliflower skills and especially with this lasagna, sounds amazing Mike!

    Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats

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  14. Oh my God Mike you are hilarious! You've peaked dude, that's it, haha I laughed so hard reading that, because I'm truly always amazed that you continually come up with such amazing cauliflower creations. I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but you should really write a cauliflower cookbook, it would be epic! You could take a trip to an organic cauliflower farm and just go nuts :D

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    1. You know what? I should totally take a trip to a cauli farm and go berserk. Should be fun ! ;)

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  15. I'd like to thank you for single-handedly keeping the cauliflower supply business open in NYC! Haha, just kidding. You really know how to work it with the cauley! But now I want to see something crazy...like cauliflower biscuits. Is that possible? #WolfpackEats

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    1. You're very welcome my friend. I'm happy you could benefit as well ;)
      Sooooo cauley biscuits? Sounds like a challenge...

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  16. I missed your caulinoodle post Mike - and I am totally in awe - this pasta-less lasagna is so darn ..gosh..I have no words...oh wait - there's one that comes to mind - "awesmazing"!!! :)
    I gotta agree with David - you cannot peek - there's more cauli waiting for you in biscuit - cookie - ooh maybe even pie and cake form! Your fans - we want more! :)

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    1. I can't peek, but I might have peaked...right? ;)
      BTW are you suggesting I make cauley pie? Are you sure? Hmm not sure about it...

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    2. Haha - I was thinking peak..but my fingers were too eager...yeah - cauli stuffing - either savory or sweet - in pie form - or - what about cauli bars? I made some beet bars that FINALLY got the thumbs up from my daughter - thinking cauli ones could be similar?

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  17. Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out!

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  18. I am truly impressed by all you do, Mike, but this one takes the cake! My husband made your cauliflower crust pizza before and we all loved it.

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  19. Thus is one genius recipe!! Trying soon for sure!

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  20. Any suggestions for someone without a microwave, to make the noodles?

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    1. You can steam or boil the cauliflower rice. What really matters is that afterwards you squeeze all of the moisture out of it!

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  21. Wow! I never would have thought to make lasagna sheets out of cauliflower before, I am seriously impressed by this recipe. Definitely need to recreate it, curious to know what it tastes like!

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  22. Pretty much I'm in love. Seriously. MAJOR LOVE. Seeing hearts in my eyes!

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  23. you haven't hit the wall 'til you've hit the wall. i could see you twisting cauliflower into doves and orchids in no time ;-). fab recipe!

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  24. Bow down!!!
    really great idea, i several times made broccoli pizza, but non lasagna sheet....
    once again salute!!!

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  25. WOW! This looks so delicious! I will definitely try this at home!
    XX
    Miri
    http://currentlywearing.com

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  26. Hi. Just passing thru... but I come bearing gifts.... an idea...how about you get yourself into something.... sweet!
    A crumble to have on stewed fruit; pastry to make tarts or pies; muffins? Ooooh! Go to it Mike!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the suggestion. I have a lot of recipes for desserts/sweets. Have you checked my recipe list?

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  27. Great recipe!! My partner made it without the cheese for me (because I don't eat dairy)..
    p.s. need to make double qty in our house to have left overs!!!

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    1. That's fantastic Kristy. I've made it once sans Parmesan and it was very good indeed!

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  28. Wow! Excited to try this. Questions: (1) Usually when I make lasagna I make 2 and freeze one (before baking). Any idea how well it freezes and thaws? (2) Could you assemble the lasagna the day before and park it in the fridge until ready to bake? Or would that degrade the cauliflower noodles? Thanks again for your genius! Totally making this!

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    1. I don't expect any issue neither with freezing the lasagna nor with parking it in the fridge for a day before baking. The cauli noodles shouldn't degrade, at all.
      Hope this helps!

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  29. Thanks for the great recipe Mike! It was awesome, but I don't know how you managed to get so many "noodles" out of one batch. I used a bottled Trader Joes sauce and added in organic ground beef and Italian sausage. Definitely going to make this one again!

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    Replies
    1. Hey Daryl, my cauli noodles were super thin, I think that's why I was able to make the lasagna with just one batch.

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  30. This was an awesome dish. My husband and stepson loved it. The cauliflower noodles came out perfect. Mine didn't look nearly as pretty as yours, but it tasted delicious. I did add part-skim mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning to give it a little more Italian flavor. Loved the Bolognese sauce too - made it Sunday in my crockpot and made the lasagna on Wednesday. I shared this recipe with everyone I know!

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    1. Hey Alisson,
      I'm so happy you enjoyed the cauli lasagna and thank you so much for spreading TIY love! :)

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  31. Can you let me know how big a serving is roughly? Palm sized? Hand sized? Thanks!

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  32. I never get tired of a good low carb cauliflower substitute. This one is new to me and I love it.

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  33. I just made this recipe and it's amazing. The best paleo lasagna ever. Thank you very much for sharing it with us, now I'm definitely going to try your calzone too.

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    1. I'm so glad you liked the lasagna, and I'm 100% sure you're going to love the calzone :)

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  34. Ok...****Mind Blown**** it looks amazing. I will try it.

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  35. Tried this yesterday and it turns out really really good ! I didn't have eggs so I replaced them with silken tofu for the cauli noodles. It also works fine and makes the lasagna sheets vegan-friendly.
    Thanks for the recipe !

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  36. Holy crap. I'm in shock. Trying this, can't wait - oh my lord this is so exciting. Dave has a gluten allergy and I hate giving him the fake noodles. I've tried zucchini noodles but they just "weren't the same" in his words. This however sounds awesome!! Pinning!

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  37. I cannot wait to try this recipe!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks amazing!!!!! One question- do you know how much fiber each serving has? Thank you for already listing the calories, fat, carbs, and protein! :)

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  38. Thank you for all of your cauliflower inspirations! They all look so good! I cannot wait to try this recipe! It is so nice to see people embracing cauliflower these days. It has long been a favorite of mine, but always seemed to be the "unloved step child" to broccoli for most people. It is great to see so many delicious and healthy creations with it! Thanks again!

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  39. Hi I am new to using cauliflower. How do make or buy cauliflower rice? Also, I read cauliflower pizza is very delicate here in the comments. So how does one over come that? Thank you.

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  40. How do u get cauliflower not to stick to parchment paper? I sprayed with olive oil and everything. I was able to peel off but it seemed to have taken a lot of cauliflower off.

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  41. It sticks to parchment paper even when I spray with olive oil. Any suggestions?

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  42. How do u get cauliflower not to stick to parchment paper? I sprayed with olive oil and everything. I was able to peel off but it seemed to have taken a lot of cauliflower off.

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  43. Hi, would you happen to know if these "cauliflower noodles" can be cut in long strips like linguine, and used as a pasta? Do they hold up as a pasta dish?

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  44. The Tesco website in the UK just dry fry cauliflower rice and I don't know why American's don't do that - seems a lot less hassel than cooking and then squeezing? I haven't tried either methid yet but I know which one I'm starting with!
    https://realfood.tesco.com/recipes/cauliflower-pizza.html

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  45. Have you ever tried to make ravioli with cauli pasta?

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  46. This looks great! Have you ever made cauli ravioli?

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  47. How do these ingredients add up to 40g of carbs per serving?

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  48. At first, I was a skeptic, thinking here's another recipe I'm going to try & wont like. Was I in for a BIG surprise - this was DELICIOUS! The noodles weren't soggy & held up - also, the eggs added to the "Bechamel" sauce helped to firm up when cooked so NO watery Lasagna. Recently discovering I have Hashimotos, Dr. Recommended no dairy and no gluten - this is a life saver recipe, no more feeling deprived! Thanks a bunch! Keeper recipe! HINT: The cauliflower noodles baked on a silicone mat, 10x15 cookie sheet pan, works well, can be removed easily. Next time, I will spread it out fully and then cut into 9 strips (needed to make a full 3 layers).

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  49. New update for cauliflower pasta: Add a couple of tablespoons of flax seed meal to your recipe. It absorbs liquid more than other flours, it has only 2 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon, and it is super healthy. Win, win, win.

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  50. i just graated my cauli and then dry roasted it in a good fry pan. Easier for me than the cook, squeeze, etc.

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