Baked Eggplant and Chickpea Casserole with Lentils

This Baked Eggplant and Chickpea Casserole with Lentils is a hearty and flavorful dish, combining the earthiness of lentils and chickpeas with the richness of baked eggplant. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Baked Eggplant and Chickpea Casserole with Lentils
50 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
American
350 kcal

Ingredients

  • Eggplant - 1 medium, sliced
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Chickpeas - 1 cup, canned and drained
  • Cooked lentils - 1 cup
  • Tomato sauce - 1 cup
  • Onion - 1 small, diced
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Cumin - 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup (optional)
  • Water - 1/2 cup

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and water to the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices on the bottom. Spread half of the chickpea and lentil mixture over the eggplant. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant and mixture.
  6. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the casserole is heated through.
  8. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Carbs: 50 g
  • Fiber: 15 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • Packed with plant-based protein, ideal for muscle repair and maintenance.

Tags

AmericanKosherDinner