Vegetarian Moussaka is a Greek classic full of flavor and textures. Diverse ingredients marry to create an unforgettable experience. So delicious!
Vegetarian Lentil - Eggplant Moussaka
Vegetarian Moussaka is a healthier version of the Greek classic, full of flavor and textures. Diverse ingredients marry to create an unforgettable experience. So delicious!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Pan
- Aluminum Foil
- pepper grinder
- 4-Qt Dutch oven
- Garlic press
- box grater
Ingredients
- 1 lb eggplant with skin, sliced
- 3 TBSP olive oil divided
- 5.3 oz red lentils*
- 1 tsp Vegeta divided
- 2 ½ - 3 cups water divided
- ½ cup onion diced
- 1 red pepper diced
- 2 garlics minced
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 5 TBSP tomato puree
- ½ tsp dry thyme
- ½ tsp allspice ground
- Topping:
- 4.4 oz low-fat cheese Mozzarella or Cheddar
- 4.4 oz Greek yogurt low-fat
- 3 eggs
- ¼ tsp thyme
- ¼ tsp allspice ground
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- 1.8 oz parmesan low-fat, grated
Instructions
- Line a large baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Slice the eggplant 1 cm (small finger) thickness. Brush each side of the slices with 2 TBSP olive oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper. Bake them till slightly brown on 400 F for 20-25 min. Quarter them and set aside on a plate.
- In a small pot rinse and cook the red lentil* with ½ tsp Vegeta, 1 ¼ cups water for 7 minutes.
- In a 4-Quart Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the diced onions in 1 tsp oil for 3 minutes, then the diced pepper. Sauté for 2 more minutes. Add minced garlic, and sauté for 30 sec.
- Add tomatoes, tomato puree, about 1½ cup water, ½ tsp Vegeta, ½ tsp thyme and allspice each. Cook the mix for 5 minutes, then add to the tomato mix the quartered eggplants and the lentils.
- Simmer all for 7 minutes more, mixing well. If needed, add water, so it is bit runny all the time.
- To make the topping: In a medium bowl mix together grated cheese, yoghurt and eggs. Add spices, mix.
- Pour the topping over the eggplant mix into the Dutch oven.
- Bake for 20 min at 350 F, then sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. Bake further 10 minutes until top gets a bit of color.
- Let it cool for 10 min and serve. Can be refrigerated or frozen.
Notes
- You can use any green or brown lentils, but the require 1 cup more water, and 20 minutes longer cooking.
- You can also choose frying the eggplant slices both sides in a skillet over medium heat, till browned.
