Recipe & Pic From Vanilla & Bean
1 eggplant
1 Cup French Lentils or Puy
3 1/4 C Water
20 oz Cherry Tomatos (or slicers cut into chunks)
1 Bayleaf
2 Tbs Olive Oil extra virgin + more for drizzling if desired
2 1/2 Tbs Fresh Lemon Juice about 1/2 a lemon + more for serving
3 Plump Cloves of Garlic crushed and minced
1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
1/4 + 1/8 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
3/4 - 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
3 Tbs Fresh Chopped Parsley
1/2 C (155g) Greek Yogurt or coconut cream for serving
Fresh Ground Pepper
Preheat oven to 475F (248C). Using the tines of a fork, prick eggplant about eight times all around. Set the eggplant on an unlined sheet pan and roast on the highest rack for about one hour or until the eggplant is soft and slightly chard. Set aside to cool.
Meanwhile arrange the cherry tomatoes (or slicer chunks) on a parchment lined sheet pan. During the last 12-13 minutes of eggplant roasting, place the tomatoes on the lower oven rack and roast until the tomatoes are burst and slightly charred. About 13 minutes.
While the eggplant is roasting, add the lentils to a medium sauce pot. Pour in the water and add a bayleaf with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil then turn the heat to low, simmering for about 25-30 minutes. The lentils should be tender, not mushy, and there should be a few tablespoons of liquid left. Remove the bayleaf, lid, remove from heat and set aside.
Once cool enough to handle, slice the eggplant open and scrape out the flesh. Spoon the flesh and any roasting juices into the pot of lentils along with the roasted tomatoes and all their juices.
To the pot of lentils and veggies add the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, pepper flakes, sea salt and parsley. Stir. Heat on low for just a few minutes to warm through. Add a few twists of fresh ground pepper. Stir and taste for salt adjustment.
Spoon into serving bowls and share with yogurt or coconut cream, ground pepper, fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.
Store in lidded containers in the refrigerator for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to two weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently rewarm on the stovetop.