⇢ Moroccan Stuffed Aubergines 🍆 (Eggplants) with Lentils and Tomatoes ⇠| Vegetarian Recipe

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: lentils

Lentils are a budget-friendly protein alternative.

couscous

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: rice

Rice is a staple grain that is less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a cost-effective cooking oil.

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: edamame

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans are often cheaper and ready to use.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Slice the aubergines in half lengthwise.

Grease a baking tray with olive oil and place the aubergine halves cut-side up.

Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the aubergines and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake the aubergines for about 30 minutes until cooked through.

Finely chop one small onion and add it to a frying pan with a little oil until sautéed.

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the sautéed onion and cook until fragrant.

Lower the heat and add spices: 3 teaspoons paprika, smoked paprika, cumin powder, chili flakes, garlic powder, and parsley, stirring for a few seconds.

Add 1 cup of red split lentils to the pan and mix everything together.

Pour in enough water to cover the lentils and stir.

Season with salt and pepper, then let it cook until the lentils are soft.

Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1 can of peeled plum tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes fall apart, about 10 minutes.

Season the sauce with 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro, cooking for one more minute.

Taste the filling and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Grease a baking pan and place the cooked aubergine halves in it.

Fill each aubergine half with the spicy lentil mixture.

Grate mozzarella cheese on top of the lentils (optional).

Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until everything is cooked through and bubbly.

Serve garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens