Vegan Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ziti Pasta
• 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
• 6 oz Tomato Paste
• 1 medium Onion
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 cup Vegan Sausage Crumbles
• 1 cup Raw Cashews (soaked)
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot (at least 6-quart capacity) of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the 1 lb Ziti Pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite (al dente); then drain the pasta completely using a colander.
2. 2In a large heavy-bottomed pot (at least 5-quart capacity), heat the 2 tbsp Olive Oil over medium heat (approximately 300-325°F or 150-160°C). Add the 1 medium Onion, finely diced, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the 4 cloves Garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. 3Stir in the 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes, 6 oz Tomato Paste, 1 tsp Dried Oregano, 1 tsp Dried Basil, 1 tsp Salt, and 1/2 tsp Black Pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. 4Stir the 1 cup Vegan Sausage Crumbles into the simmering tomato sauce. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure the crumbles are heated through. Remove the pot from the heat.
5. 5Drain the 1 cup Raw Cashews (soaked) completely and transfer them to a blender. Add the 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast and 1 tbsp Lemon Juice to the blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water at a time as needed to reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
6. 6In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooked 1 lb Ziti Pasta with the prepared tomato sauce and vegan sausage mixture, stirring gently until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the entire pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
7. 7Evenly spread the prepared cashew cheese mixture over the top of the pasta in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, which allows the ziti to set slightly for easier serving.

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