- Yield: 4-6
- Prep Time: 30-60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Vegetarian Lebanese Moussaka (Eggplant Stew)
Moussaka is a versatile eggplant stew, served at room temperature - the Arabic word Moussaka means chilled. It is typically vegetarian, made with chickpeas, zucchini, potatoes, onion, tomatoes, and basil or mint, but the choice of vegetables is up to you (I don’t use chickpeas), and some versions have meat. It can be served as an appetizer, as a main dish with Lebanese Vermicelli Rice, or a side dish to grilled meats. However you prepare and eat it, it’s a hearty and healthy meal - enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 medium Eggplant, roughly diced
- 4 small zucchini, diced
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 Large Onion, diced
- 1 green chilli pepper (seeded, and diced)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt ( divided)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Cups Tomato puree (Peeled fresh in summer, otherwise canned)
- 2 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1/4 teaspoon all spice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 Teaspoon dried mint
- 1 Teaspoon Dried basil
- 3 Cups Water
- Oil for frying eggplant
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all your vegetables into desired sizes.
- Wash and dice all vegetables.
To prepare the eggplant:
- Prepare eggplant, either deep frying or baking.
- To deep fry: Fry in 6 cm of hot oil for a few minutes until golden brown. When done, put the pieces on a plate lined with paper towel to absorb extra oil and sprinkle with salt.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush a non-stick baking sheet with canola oil, lay pieces in a single layer and sprinkle with 1 tsp of salt. Roast in the oven for 20 – 25 minutes, flipping frequently. The eggplant will be crisp and brown when it’s done.
- Heat a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onions and green chili pepper, sautéing until soft. Add diced zucchini and green peas and cook for 2 minutes. Add potatoes, spices and remaining salt, stir and sauté for another 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, sauce, and water. Add eggplant pieces and stir. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- transfer Moussaka into a serving dish to cool before serving as a side dish to be eaten with pita bread or as a meal with vermicelli rice. Enjoy!
