Vegetarian Moussaka
Serves 5/6
Ingredients:
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160g red lentils
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650g potatoes1
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tsp olive oil
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2 onions, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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4 sprigs thyme, just leaves
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tbsp tomato purée
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400g tin chopped tomatoes
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1 vegetable stock cube
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½ tsp sea salt
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2 large aubergines, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
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250g ricotta
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50g mature cheddar, grated
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freshly ground black pepper

Simplified Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 180°C fan
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Soak the lentils in water and set aside.
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Boil the potatoes for 15–18 mins until just tender. Drain and cool them under cold water, then peel and slice (skin on if using new potatoes).
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Cook the onions in oil for 5mins until soft.
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Add garlic, thyme, oregano and cinnamon; cook for 1 min
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Add tomato purée and cook for another minute.
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Add the tinned tomatoes, salt, pepper and 800ml of water. Stir in a stock cube.
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Drain the lentils and add to the sauce.
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Boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are soft and most of the liquid is gone. Add parsley.
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Griddle the aubergine slices in a hot pan until browned and soft.
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Layer the dish: Put half the lentil sauce in an ovenproof dish, then half the potatoes and aubergines. Repeat the layers.
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Mix ricotta and cheese, spread over the top.Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and heated through.