Ingredients

• 2 eggplant
• 3 potatoes
• 4 tbsps olive oil
• 1 onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 diced tomatoes can
• 240 mls (1 cup) lentils
• 480 mls (2 cups) vegetable broth
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg
• 1 bay leaf
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• 4 tbsps flour
• 4 tbsps butter
• 480 mls (2 cups) milk
• 0.25 tsp grated nutmeg
• 120 mls (0.5 cup) feta cheese
• 120 mls (0.5 cup) grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplant and potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2. Lay the slices on baking sheets, brush with 2 tbsp of olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
3. While the vegetables are baking, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the diced tomatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sauce is thickened. Remove the bay leaf.
6. To make the bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes without browning.
7. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg. Stir in the feta cheese until melted.
8. In a large baking dish, layer half the eggplant and potato slices, then spread half of the lentil sauce over the top. Repeat with the remaining vegetables and lentil sauce.
9. Pour the bechamel sauce over the top layer and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
10. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Vegetarian Moussaka is a Greek dish typically made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and a hearty lentil sauce.
• This version skips the meat and uses lentils for a protein-rich alternative.
• Make sure to slice the vegetables uniformly for even cooking.