Roasted Eggplant and Lentil Bowl with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This Mediterranean inspired dish is a wholesome, complete meal that can be served in just a bowl!
Prep Time1 hour hr
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Calories: 415kcal
For the Lentils:
- 1 cup uncooked brown lentils washed and picked over
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger ~1" root
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 2 cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 small dried ancho peppers optional
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Garlic Yogurt Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons tahini optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish/Toppings:
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley
Heat lentils, broth, and spices (ginger through peppers) in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cover partially. (Tilt the lid so some steam can still escape.) Simmer for 25-30 minutes or until vegetable broth is absorbed and lentils are tender. Stir in butter until melted.
While the lentils are simmering, slice eggplant into 1/4" slices. Layer in a colander and generously salt them. Toss to distribute the salt and set aside for 5-7 minutes. Rinse the eggplant and pat dry. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on a large cookie sheet (or two!). Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and broil for 1-2 minutes. Check on the slices and turn if they are starting to lightly brown. Brush again with olive oil. Repeat until slices are tender and evenly browned. Remove from oven and sprinkle with a bit of salt.
In a small bowl, mix the yogurt dressing ingredients together with a fork. Stir until evenly mixed.
To make the bowls - divide lentils into 4 bowls, top with chopped eggplant slices, spoon yogurt dressing on top and garnish with fresh, chopped parsley, chickpeas, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Serving: 11/2 cups | Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 17.5g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 491mg | Fiber: 9.4g