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Best easy Arabic Eggplant recipe - Vegan moussaka

a dish full of The best easy Arabic Eggplant recipe - Lebanese moussaka is a delicious dish made with eggplant, chickpeas or lentils, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices that give it a unique and aromatic flavor. What makes this delicious middle eastern moussaka so special is the combination of textures and flavors - the tender and juicy eggplant, the savory meaty chickpea textures, and the slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce all come together beautifully in this irresistible tomato chickpea recipe. It's a delicious meal all eggplant lovers will enjoy! It's also often topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. When you take a bite, you'll taste a rich and hearty dish that's both comforting and irresistibly savory. Trust me, lebanese eggplant stew is a dish you won't forget and your whole family is sure to enjoy!
Lebanese moussaka is a delicious dish made with eggplant, chickpeas or lentils, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices that give it a unique and aromatic flavor. What makes this delicious middle eastern moussaka so special is the combination of textures and flavors - the tender and juicy eggplant, the savory meaty chickpea textures, and the slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce all come together beautifully in this irresistible tomato chickpea recipe. It's a delicious meal all eggplant lovers will enjoy! It's also often topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. When you take a bite, you'll taste a rich and hearty dish that's both comforting and irresistibly savory. Trust me, lebanese eggplant stew is a dish you won't forget and your whole family is sure to enjoy!
Simone - Munchyesta.com
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Serving Size 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 small eggplants diced or sliced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic minced, or 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 can (14 oz) Chickpeas drained and rinsed (canned chickpeas or cooked chickpeas both work well)
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste or fresh tomatoes chopped in a food processor
  • 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil of your choice
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp Salt more to taste id needed
  • tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

How to make vegetarian moussaka Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Toss the sliced eggplants with a tablespoon of olive oil and spread them out on a baking sheet or in a casserole type of dish. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned. The insides of the eggplant should be tender.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the roasted eggplants and chickpeas to the saucepan and stir until everything is combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
  • This vegan Maghmour recipe is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It's perfect served over rice, or with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!

How to make vegan maghmour in an instant pot

  • Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add the olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until the onions are soft and translucent.
  • Add the eggplant, chickpeas, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Add the vegetable broth and give everything one more stir.
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
  • Once the pot is done cooking, you can manually or naturally release the pressure. Stir to combine the lebanese eggplant stew and garnish with fresh herbs.
  • Enjoy.

How to bake maghmour in an air fryer

  • Wash and peel the eggplants, then cut them into small cubes.
  • In a bowl, mix the eggplants with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Place the eggplant cubes into the air fryer basket, and cook them for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), shaking the basket every 5 minutes until the eggplants are golden and cooked through.
  • In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they're translucent.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, and stir well. Then add all the remaining ingredients and combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
  • This vegan Maghmour recipe is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It's perfect served over rice, or with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!

How to make maghmour in a crockpot

  • Start by slicing the eggplants into rounds. Salt the eggplants and let them sit for 30 minutes to release any excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • In the meantime, heat some olive oil in a pan or large skillet and sauté the onions and garlic until they're soft and translucent. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
  • In the same pan, add more olive oil and cook the eggplant rounds until they're browned on both sides. Transfer the eggplant to the slow cooker.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker and stir everything together.
  • Set your slow cooker on low heat and cook the Maghmour for 4-6 hours, or until the eggplant is soft and tender. You can also cook it on high heat for 2-3 hours if you're short on time.
  • Serve the Maghmour hot with some fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It's a delicious vegetarian dish that's full of flavor and nutrients. Enjoy your Maghmour!

Notes

I cut one eggplant into slices lengthwise and grilled it on my indoor grill to get lovely grilled eggplants to put on top of my moussaka. 
You can cut the eggplants any way you prefer.