Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka

Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka

Nigella’s Vegetarian Moussaka is made with layers of fried eggplant, parboiled potatoes, and spiced vegetable sauce, and topped with a creamy cheese sauce, creating a savory dish that takes an hour to prepare!

Try More Nigella Lawson Recipes:

💛 Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Moussaka Recipe:

  • Rich Flavors: Savory layers of roasted vegetables and creamy cheese sauce create a delicious and comforting dish.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: A hearty, nutritious meal that’s entirely meat-free.
  • Filling and Satisfying: The combination of vegetables and cheese provides a hearty and satisfying meal.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: This can be prepared in advance and reheated for an easy meal.

❓ Is Nigella’s Vegetarian Moussaka Recipe?

Nigella’s Vegetarian Moussaka Recipe features layers of fried eggplant, parboiled potatoes, spiced vegetable sauce, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked until golden and bubbling.

Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka
Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka

🧅 Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka Ingredients

For the Moussaka:

  • Olive oil
  • 1 tin kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 large eggplant, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 large carrot, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 tin diced tomatoes
  • 2 potatoes, sliced and parboiled
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 2 vegetable broth cubes (or bouillon powder, dissolved in water)
  • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
  • Salt and black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce Topping:

  • 2 oz all-purpose flour
  • 2 oz butter
  • ⅘ pint milk
  • 6 oz grated Cheddar cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp grated nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper

🍲 How To Make Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka

  1. Slice eggplant, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 20 minutes to remove bitter juices. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil, fry the onion until soft, and add garlic and other vegetables (excluding potato and eggplant). Cook for 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Heat 6 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan. Fry eggplant slices until golden on both sides. Drain on kitchen roll.
  4. In a lasagne dish, layer vegetable sauce, potato slices, and eggplant. Top with cheese sauce, extra grated cheese, and black pepper.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.

💭 Recipe Tips

  • Salt the Eggplant: To reduce bitterness, sprinkle salt on eggplant slices and let them sit for 20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly before frying to ensure a pleasant texture.
  • Fry Eggplant Properly: Fry eggplant slices until golden and soft to enhance their flavor and texture. Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
  • Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the vegetable sauce, parboiled potatoes, and fried eggplant in even layers for balanced flavor and consistent cooking throughout the dish.
  • Allow to Rest: After baking, let the moussaka cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka
Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka

🥗 What To Serve With Vegetarian Moussaka?

Serve Vegetarian Moussaka with Quiche Lorraine, Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese, Ratatouille, Mac And Cheese,Potato Salad, Salt And Vinegar Potatoes,Asian Slaw, and Courgette Fritters.

🎚 How To Store Leftovers Vegetarian Moussaka?

  • In The Fridge: Store leftover vegetarian moussaka in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • In The Freezer: Freeze leftover vegetarian moussaka in portions for up to 3 months.

🍤 How To Reheat Leftovers Vegetarian Moussaka?

  • In The Oven: Reheat leftover vegetarian moussaka in a baking dish at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • On The Stove: Heat leftover vegetarian moussaka in a covered pan over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In The Microwave: Heat leftover vegetarian moussaka in a microwave-safe plate on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Why is my vegetarian moussaka watery?

Sweating eggplant removes excess water that can make vegetarian moussaka watery; it’s crucial for preventing a soggy casserole.

Why is my vegetarian moussaka bitter?

Eggplant can be bitter; salting and resting it helps draw out bitterness, making vegetarian moussaka taste better.

Why is my vegetarian moussaka sloppy?

A shorter cooking time can lead to a watery sauce, making vegetarian moussaka sloppy; ensure it’s fully cooked.

How to tell if a vegetarian moussaka is done?

The vegetarian moussaka is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the vegetables are tender throughout.

Try More Nigella Lawson Recipes:

Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

  • Calories 174.7
  • Total Fat 5.8g
  • Saturated Fat 2.8g
  • Cholesterol 72.2mg
  • Sodium 710.7mg
  • Potassium 690.9mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 20.7g
  • Dietary Fiber 6.1g
  • Sugars 1.9g
  • Protein 12.5g

Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 20 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time:1 hour Servings:6 servingsCalories:174.7 kcal Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

Nigella’s Vegetarian Moussaka is made with layers of fried eggplant, parboiled potatoes, and spiced vegetable sauce, and topped with a creamy cheese sauce, creating a savory dish that takes an hour to prepare!

Ingredients

    For the Moussaka:

  • For the Cheese Sauce Topping:

Instructions

  1. Slice eggplant, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 20 minutes to remove bitter juices. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil, fry the onion until soft, and add garlic and other vegetables (excluding potato and eggplant). Cook for 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Heat 6 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan. Fry eggplant slices until golden on both sides. Drain on kitchen roll.
  4. In a lasagne dish, layer vegetable sauce, potato slices, and eggplant. Top with cheese sauce, extra grated cheese, and black pepper.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.

Notes

  • Salt the Eggplant: To reduce bitterness, sprinkle salt on eggplant slices and let them sit for 20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly before frying to ensure a pleasant texture.
    Fry Eggplant Properly: Fry eggplant slices until golden and soft to enhance their flavor and texture. Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
    Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the vegetable sauce, parboiled potatoes, and fried eggplant in even layers for balanced flavor and consistent cooking throughout the dish.
    Allow to Rest: After baking, let the moussaka cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Keywords:Nigella Vegetarian Moussaka

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