Lentil and Eggplant Recipe | Easy Vegetarian and Vegan Meals! 

Lentil and Eggplant Recipe | Easy Vegetarian and Vegan Meals! This one pot lentil recipe is perfect for vegan and vegetarian meals and meal prep. Add this easy vegetarian Lentils and Eggplant recipe to your plant based lunch or dinner menu. A perfect lentil curry recipe for your busy week. Check out my other vegetarian and vegan recipes!
💬 Let me know if you enjoyed my vegan lentils and aubergine recipe.
▶️ LENTIL RECIPE INGREDIENTS: (3 to 4 servings)
👉 To fry Eggplant / Aubergine:
450g / 1 Eggplant (whole with tips) - cut in 3 to 2-1/2 inches long X 1/2 inch thick pieces approx.)
1/2 Teaspoon salt
3 to 4 Tablespoon Olive Oil
👉 Other Ingredients:
1/2 cup / 100g Green Lentils (Soak for 8 to 10 hours or overnight)
2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 cups / 275g Onion - chopped
Salt to taste [I have added 1/4 teaspoon (to the onion) + 1 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt to the lentils]
2 Tablespoon Garlic - finely chopped
1+1/2 Teaspoon Paprika (NOT SMOKED)
1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne pepper
2+1/2 cup / 575ml Vegetable Broth / Stock (I have used LOW SODIUM Veg Broth)
1 to 1+1/4 cup / 250 to 300ml Passata or Tomato puree (I have added 1+1/4 cup because I like it a bit tomatoey)
150g Green Beans (21 to 22 beans) - cut in 2 inch long pieces
👉 Garnish:
1/3 cup / 15g Parsley - finely chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
A drizzle of Olive oil (Optional: I have added organic cold pressed Olive Oil)
▶️ METHOD:
✅ To prep & fry the Eggplant:
Thoroughly wash and chop the eggplant into 1/2 inch thick pieces approximately. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and mix until each piece is coated with salt. Now arrange it vertically in a strainer to draw any excess water and bitterness out of the eggplant and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This process also allows the eggplant to intensify its flavour and allows it to brown faster upon frying. To a frying pan add 2 tablespoon of olive oil. Lay the eggplant pieces in a single layer and fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Once browned flip the side and fry for another 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set it aside for later.
✅ To the same pan add the oil, onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Fry on medium to medium-high heat until the onions are golden brown. Add the garlic and fry for another 1 to 2 minutes on medium heat. Add the spices and fry for a few seconds. Then add the soaked/strained green lentils, salt and vegetable broth/stock. Mix well. Turn up the heat and bring to a vigorous boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the lentils are cooked. IT TOOK ME 10 MINUTES TO COOK THE LENTILS ON MY STOVE.
Once the lentils are cooked, uncover the pan. Add passata or tomato puree, mix well. Lay the fried eggplant and green beans on top. Bring to a vigorous boil. Once it starts to boil, cover the lid. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes. Slow cooking the lentils with the veggies enhances the taste.
After 20 minutes, uncover and increase the heat to medium-high or high and bring to a boil. Cook for another 2 minutes or until the the gravy thickens up. Give it a good stir and turn off the heat.
✅ 👉 NOTE: THIS LENTIL DISH HAS A THICKER CONSISTENCY AND SHOULD NOT BE WATERY. IF IT SEEMS WATERY THEN COOK FOR LONGER.
Garnish with finely chopped parsley and ground black pepper. Mix well and serve with pita/naan/ roti or/and rice with a green side salad.
▶️ IMPORTANT TIPS:
👉 How to know if the lentils are soaked well? You should be able to cut a lentil piece with your nails, effortlessly. If not, soak for longer
👉 ADDING 1/4 TSP SALT TO THE ONION WILL RELEASE IT'S MOISTURE AND HELP IT COOK AND BROWN FASTER SO DON'T SKIP IT
👉 Cooking time of the lentils depends on the quality of the lentils. Some batches of lentils are drier than the others and may need more cooking time. SO ADJUST THE COOKING TIME ACCORDINGLY.
👉 COOKING TIME AND HEAT MAY VARY DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF STOVE YOU ARE USING. Every stove is different so regulate the heat as required.
👉 This lentil dish has a thicker consistency and should NOT be watery. If it seems watery then cook for longer
👉 Use a wide pan/pot to cook this dish
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Easy and nourishing vegan recipes for your everyday cooking. My goal is to make the transition to a Plant Based diet achievable and effortless using everyday ingredients. I draw my inspiration from classic, traditional, and modern cuisines.
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