One of the most popular and beloved traditional Greek dishes, now done vegan!
Satisfying, nutritious and absolutely delicious! Using only whole plant-based ingredients.
For those who aren’t familiar with moussaka, some compare it to a Greek version of lasagna. The difference is that you use loads of fresh sliced vegetables to replace the noodles. Moussaka is a really nice comfort food of Mediterranean cuisine, and if you love Mediterranean food then this is a must.
The recipe is simple enough, although some might find it a bit time-consuming. But don’t let that hold you back from giving this dish a try. No special ingredients are required only things you probably already have in your house.
I love these types of dishes, they’re the kind of dishes that you just want to share with your loved one and honestly, there is just something so therapeutic about spending a couple hours in the kitchen cooking and coming up with a meal that’s so comforting and seriously satisfying.
This would also be an amazing dish to make on the weekend and take for lunch (or enjoy as leftovers) throughout the week. If you enjoy. For more Mediterranean dishes, be sure to check out our Greek Style Spaghetti Squash Pasta.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, Pin for later, and don’t forget to tag a photo #avrecipes on Instagram. Wishing you a great time in the kitchen and abundant health friends!
Vegan Moussaka with Eggplant and Lentils
Ingredients
- 2 medium-eggplants sliced in ½ inch thick rounds
- 1 cup dried French lentils soaked overnight in filtered water
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin coconut or olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves crushed + skins removed
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 3 cups crimini mushrooms sliced
- sea salt to taste (we used 1.5 tsp)
- freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tsp Mediterranean herbs 1 tsp each fresh or dried thyme, oregano, marjoram
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 2 Tbsp oat flakes
- 5 large Roma tomatoes blended in a high-speed blender into a puree (or 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley chopped + extra for garnish (optional)
- 4 medium sweet potatoes - peeled and quartered
- 1 Tbls extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Sprinkle the slices of eggplant with salt, and let sit for at least half an hour. Eggplant will start to release liquid ( making it less bitter). Rinse off the salt and pat dry
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line 2 large cookie sheets with unbleached parchment paper and arrange the eggplant slices on the baking sheets in a single layer.
- Roast in a 400 F oven for about 20 minutes, flip the slices and roast for another 10 minutes, until silky. Set aside. Lower the oven temperature to 375° F.
While eggplant is roasting -make the lentil sauce:
- Drain and rinse the lentils. Cover them with clean water in a medium pot, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10-15 minutes or until tender, but not mushy. Drain over a strainer and set aside.
- Saute diced onion in oil on med-high heat for 3-4 minutes, add garlic, turn heat down to med-low and saute for 8-10 minutes until onions are tender. Add diced carrots, mushrooms, and sauté another 4-5 min. Add salt, pepper, Mediterranean herbs, cinnamon, lentils, sunflower seeds, oats and tomato puree, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir and cover and let simmer on med-low heat for 15 minutes. simmer on medium to low, for about 15 minutes.
Make the topping:
- Place the sweet potatoes in the same pot you used to cook the lentils, cover with purified water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until soft throughout. Add salt at the end, then drain. Place the potatoes into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend them with 1 Tbls of olive oil, black pepper and nutmeg, until smooth. Taste for salt and adjust if needed. Set aside
- Arrange half of the eggplant slices on the bottom of a 9" x 9" baking dish. Top with half of the lentil mixture, followed by the remaining eggplant slices and lentils. Using a spatula spread the mashed sweet potatoes on top, creating an evenly smooth layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven, let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
