Baked Eggplant Lentil Bake

Name: Baked Eggplant Lentil Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants, sliced; 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for garnish; Olive oil, for drizzling

Highlighted under: Simple Collection

I never thought a dish with such simple ingredients could be so comforting and delicious. The Baked Eggplant Lentil Bake has quickly become a favorite in my household because it beautifully combines the hearty texture of lentils with the rich flavor of roasted eggplant. Every bite is satisfying, and the leftovers are just as delicious for lunch the next day. Plus, it's an easy dish to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Created by

Loretta Winslow

Last updated on 2026-01-15T17:49:34.900Z

When I first made the Baked Eggplant Lentil Bake, I was amazed by how the eggplant became tender and absorbent, soaking up all the savory spices and flavors. I decided to roast the eggplant instead of frying it, which not only lightens the dish but also enhances its natural sweetness. Trust me, this small tweak makes a big difference in taste!

Experimenting with herbs and spices was also a delightful part of creating this recipe. I found that adding a hint of smoked paprika and a sprinkle of fresh basil elevates the dish to a new level. It’s these little details that provide layers of flavor, making each bite a memorable experience.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and wholesome combination of lentils and eggplant
Simple preparation with ingredients you likely have on hand
Perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day

      

Eggplant Preparation Tips

When preparing the eggplant, slicing it evenly ensures that all pieces roast uniformly, achieving a perfect tender texture. I recommend using a sharp knife to create 1/2-inch thick slices to maintain consistency. By salting the slices beforehand and letting them sit for about 15 minutes, you can draw out excess moisture and bitterness, enhancing the overall flavor of the bake. Once roasted, the eggplant layers become caramelized and slightly crispy around the edges, adding depth to the dish.

Keep an eye on the eggplant while it roasts. If you're not achieving that golden color after 25 minutes, feel free to leave it in for an extra 5 minutes, checking periodically to prevent burning. The eggplant should feel soft when pierced with a fork. If you prefer a slightly smoky flavor, you can try grilling the eggplant instead of roasting, but remember to keep a close watch to avoid charring.

Handling Lentils and Flavor Building

For the lentils, using green or brown varieties is key as they hold their shape during cooking, providing a hearty texture that contrasts the softness of the eggplant. Rinse the lentils under cold water before cooking to remove any debris, contributing to both cleanliness and flavor enhancement. As they cook with the spices, the lentils absorb the flavors from the broth, tomatoes, and herbs, developing a well-rounded taste that marries beautifully with the eggplant layers.

Feel free to adjust the smoked paprika and oregano to match your taste preferences. If you like a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper for warmth. If you're looking for a plant-based protein boost, adding a can of drained chickpeas works wonderfully in place of lentils without altering the cooking process.

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

This Baked Eggplant Lentil Bake is an excellent option for meal prep; you can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. To do this successfully, just prepare the eggplant and lentil mixture as instructed, layer, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to cook, remove from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.

For leftovers, this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors develop further, so it tastes even better the second time around! To reheat, simply slide it back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated throughout, usually about 15-20 minutes. If you're looking to freeze portions, make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it will preserve well for up to 3 months.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for this warming bake:

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, sliced
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Olive oil, for drizzling

Make sure to prepare the ingredients as listed for optimal results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Baked Eggplant Lentil Bake:

Prepare the Eggplant

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes until golden and tender.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cook the Lentils

Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, and oregano to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Assemble the Bake

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant, followed by the lentil mixture, and top with the remaining eggplant slices. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top if desired.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until heated through. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil.

Enjoy your warm and nourishing baked dish!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavors further, consider adding a sprinkle of feta cheese right before serving for a delightful contrast to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Baked Eggplant Lentil Bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs wonderfully with a light salad or crusty bread to round out the meal. A side of lemony arugula salad adds a refreshing contrast that enhances the savory flavors of the bake. You could also serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini for an added creaminess and nutty flavor, elevating the dish even further.

If you're hosting friends or family, consider serving the bake straight from the oven in your favorite casserole dish for a rustic presentation. Topping it with freshly torn basil just before serving not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of fresh flavor, creating a striking dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You could swap out the vegetables based on what you have handy – zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms are great additions or alternatives to eggplant. Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture, ensuring you can customize the dish to your liking. Additionally, using different types of lentils like red lentils can give the dish a creamier texture; just be mindful that they cook faster.

If you're looking to add more protein, consider incorporating cooked quinoa or farro for a chewy texture. For a dairy-free option, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can lend a cheesy flavor without the use of actual dairy. These substitutions open up a world of flavors while keeping this dish both wholesome and comforting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products!

→ What can I substitute for lentils?

If you want to substitute lentils, try black beans or chickpeas, although the cooking time may vary.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! The Baked Eggplant Lentil Bake freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.