Hünkar Beğendi

Hünkar Beğendi is a traditional Turkish dish reimagined as a vegan delight, featuring smoky roasted eggplant puree served with a rich and hearty lentil stew. This comforting meal is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a satisfying lunch option.

Ingredients

• Eggplants - 2 medium (about 500g)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Green lentils - 100g, rinsed and drained
• Vegetable broth - 500ml
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prick the eggplants with a fork and place them on a baking tray. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
3. While the eggplants are roasting, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the diced tomato, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are cooked and the stew thickens.
6. Once the eggplants are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel off the skin and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the eggplant until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. To serve, place a generous scoop of the mashed eggplant on each plate and top with the lentil stew. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 61 g
• Fiber: 20 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• High in plant-based protein from lentils, supporting muscle health.

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