Ingredients:

For the Eggplant and Lentil Casserole:

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 onion, diced
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon oil (or water if oil-free)
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) cooked lentils (canned or freshly cooked)
• 1 batch (200g) vegan cheese sauce or 7 oz store-bought vegan cheese
• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/3 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or cilantro)
• Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplants:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin slices (around 1/4 inch thick). You can leave the skin on or peel it depending on your preference.
   • Sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry with a towel.
   • Lightly brush or spray oil on both sides of the eggplant slices. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat oil (or water for oil-free) in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until softened.
3. Add the Lentils and Seasoning:
   • Pour in the vegetable broth, then stir in the cooked lentils, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste.
   • Add all the spices: onion powder, oregano, paprika, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
   • Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or spices as preferred.
4. Layer the Casserole:
   • In a casserole dish, layer the roasted eggplant slices at the bottom.
   • Spread a layer of the lentil mixture over the eggplant.
   • Repeat the layering process until all the eggplant and lentil mixture is used up.
5. Top with Vegan Cheese Sauce:
   • Pour the vegan cheese sauce over the top of the casserole, spreading it evenly.
   • If using store-bought vegan cheese, sprinkle it generously over the casserole.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Cooking Tips:

• Eggplant Preparation: Salting the eggplant slices before cooking helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness, resulting in a tender texture.
• Vegan Cheese Options: You can make your own vegan cheese sauce from cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk, or use any favorite store-bought vegan cheese.
• Adjusting Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your taste. Add more smoked paprika for a smokier flavor or extra cumin for warmth.
• Oil-Free Option: If you prefer oil-free cooking, simply sauté the vegetables using water or vegetable broth instead of oil.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. You can freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~220 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugars: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use canned lentils? Yes, canned lentils are convenient and work well in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before using.
2. What can I use instead of eggplant? If you’re not a fan of eggplant, you can substitute with zucchini, mushrooms, or even thinly sliced potatoes.
3. How can I make this casserole gluten-free? Ensure that your soy sauce and any other store-bought ingredients are labeled gluten-free. The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free otherwise.
4. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even kale for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion:

This Vegan Eggplant and Lentil Casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. With its rich flavors, creamy vegan cheese, and wholesome lentils, this dish offers a hearty meal that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs. It’s perfect for meal prepping, storing, and reheating, making it a convenient choice for busy days. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary requirements. Enjoy this guilt-free, plant-powered casserole, and share the goodness with family and friends!