Plant Based Summer Moussaka

I’m sure all of you have already heard that I come from Greek heritage and I absolutely adore creating dishes that take me back to the Mediterranean coast, where the people are some of the friendliest you’ll meet, and the views are spectacular. My Plant Based Summer Moussaka is no different. A new vegan twist on the traditional dish, this fresh, light, and airy creation is deconstructed exactly to your liking. Whether you want beefy tomatoes, soft eggplant, or crunchy potato, or all of it, the dish is perfect for picky children, husbands with a “limited pallet”, and it’s even perfect for meal prep.

Flashback to Jerusalem

Place your self on a patio overlooking the city of Jerusalem. That was my environment when I was inspired to create this dish. Lead in a slow-food class by chef Nadav Malin, we were taught to cook in a conscious mindset and with an awareness of our senses. I was transported back to Greece, as we thoughtfully steamed the vegetables, simmered the sauce, and thickened the bechamel.

My plant based moussaka rendition has been seasonally adjusted from the rich and creamy, comforting recipe (found here) to something that is intended to be eaten on a warm summer day, with a glass of crisp white wine, or lemonade. I moved away from the traditional casserole dish in order to please every single one of your guests’ tastes buds. In this manner, everyone is able to pile up their moussaka however they so, please. I, of course, am not shy of piling my plate with every nutritious, vegan ingredient included in the recipe, so I suggest to you to try the same.

Plant based moussaka- loaded with nutrients

The eggplant in this plant based moussaka is an excellent source of Manganese, Folate, Potassium, Vitamin K, and, Vitamin C. Manganese is great for bone health and is an antioxidant which helps reduce the risk of disease. Folate is needed to make red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, convert carbohydrates into energy. Vitamin K and C are also loaded with benefits that help keep your body healthy. Making this an excellent and healthy addition to your summer recipes or to meal prep for your week for lunches or dinner.

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How to find a quality olive oil

I highly suggest utilizing top-quality olive oil in the creation of the lentil ‘meat’ sauce. When you consider quality in terms of oil in your cooking, the health benefits can be copious. “The fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, making up 73% of the total oil content. Studies suggest that oleic acid reduces inflammation! Monounsaturated fats like this olive oil can withstand high heat without turning bitter or overpowering the dish – it is also amazing as a finishing oil. Bonus! Olive oil also contains high levels of Vitamin E and K. This sauce is made absolutely perfect with a smidge of cinnamon and cloves, along with other herbs, and a touch of coconut sugar to complete a smooth, yet hearty vegan base to this delicious plant-based summer recipe.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, and crave adding this vegan moussaka to another dish, it pairs well over top of a Greek salad. But my absolute favourite finishing touch to this plant-based summer recipe is my vegan feta, made with tofu. Who said you can’t find a great, flavourful vegan alternative to feta? This Greek girl sure has and you can trust me, you’ll become obsessed.

See the recipe card below for how to make my Vegan Summer Moussaka. Enjoy!

Plant-Based Summer Moussaka

5 from 13 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Dishes

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 5 -6

Ingredients

  

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For the Vegetables:

• 3 large white russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-1/4 inch slices
• 1 large eggplant cut into 1/2- 1/4 inch slices
• 2 large zucchini cut into 1/2-1/4 inch slices
• 4-5 tbsp olive oil
• season to taste
• 2 tbsp dry oregano

For the Lentil Meat Sauce:

• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large white onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Season to taste
• 2 tbsp. dry basil
• 1 tbsp. dry oregano
• 1 tsp vegetable stock paste
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 2 400 ml can of brown lentils strained and drained
• 1 400 ml can of black beans strained and drained
• 600 ml crushed Roma tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. Coconut sugar or white sugar is fine too

To assemble:

• Sliced fresh tomato

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Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400F and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Cut your peeled potatoes, zucchini and eggplant and evenly coat with olive oil, seasoning and oregano. Cook potatoes till soft, eggplant till tender and golden brown and zucchini till most of it’s liquid has evaporated (around 25-30 minutes). The reason we’re pre cooking them is so there is no moisture in the baking dish for the moussaka. You want this to be a mix of perfectly crispy and creamy, not watery!
• To prepare your “meat” sauce all you will need in one deep pot. Start by pre-heating your olive oil and adding your onions. Cook them down on medium-low heat for around 5 minutes or until soft. Add in your garlic, salt + pepper, basil, oregano, stock paste, cinnamon and cloves and give your mixture a good stir. Cook for 3 or so more minute on medium-low heat. At this point your home should smell fabulous. Add in your lentils, black bean, tomatoes and sugar. Give it all a good stir before turning heat to low and popping on a lid and reducing for around 20 minutes. You want the sauce to reduce enough that it’s thick but not stew like! Once cooked set aside.
• To assemble, place a layer on potatoes on to a plate, then some zucchini, eggplant, lentil meat sauce,  fresh tomato and repeat one more time.  Garnish with fresh parsley and your choice of fixings.  I love eating this with feta and tzatziki.

Notes

Any leftover “meat sauce” will last up to one week, in the fridge, in a tight sealed container.

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