Lentil and Eggplant Moussaka

With layers of spiced lentils, tomatoes, and tender eggplant, this vegetarian Mediterranean-inspired moussaka is topped with a creamy mixture of yogurt and feta cheese.

• Preparation Time: 35 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 510 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried savory
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 medium onions, minced
• 1 ½ pounds eggplant, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 pound tomatoes, stems removed
• ½ cup beluga lentils
• 1 ½ pounds zucchini, chopped
• 1 ¼ cups plain Greek yogurt

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch eggplant slices in the boiling water for 1 minute. Rinse slices under cold water, then drain on paper towels.

Step 3

Blanch tomatoes in the boiling water for 1 minute. Rinse in cold water, then remove skins. Cut tomatoes into quarters and remove and discard the cores. Chop tomatoes coarsely.

Step 4

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add lentils and tomato paste; sauté briefly. Add vegetable broth, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Add chopped tomatoes, zucchini, savory, cinnamon, and cumin. Cover, increase heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Step 6

Pour 1/2 of the lentil mixture into the bottom of a large oven-proof dish. Cover with 1/2 of the eggplant slices. Pour remaining lentil mixture over top and cover with remaining eggplant slices.

Step 7

Mash feta cheese with a fork; mix with yogurt and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Spread over the eggplant layer.

Step 8

Bake in the center of the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.