What are some key ingredients in a traditional Greek lentil moussaka, and how can they be adapted to a plant-based, vegan diet?
If you’re looking for a vegan twist on traditional Greek cuisine, this recipe for lentil moussaka is the perfect choice! Rich and flavorful, this dish is the ultimate comfort food and makes a great weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup uncooked green lentils
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Place the eggplant and zucchini slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
- While the veggies are baking, cook the lentils in a saucepan with enough water to cover them by an inch. Bring them to a boil, reduce the heat, and let them simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender.
- In a separate saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil for 5-7 minutes or until translucent.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the cooked lentils and parsley to the saucepan with the tomato mixture and stir well.
- Spread a layer of the lentil mixture on the bottom of the baking pan. Layer the eggplant and zucchini slices on top, alternating until you run out of veggies.
- Top with the remaining lentil mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Enjoy Your Greek Vegan Moussaka
This tasty lentil moussaka is the ultimate vegan comfort food that will keep you coming back for more. Loaded with nutritious ingredients, this dish is perfect for a balanced and healthy meal. Serve with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread.
Give this Greek vegan moussaka recipe a try and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
