AWESOME AUBERGINE BAKE

Introducing this comforting Awesome Aubergine Bake! This recipe is incredibly simple to make, full of flavour and it’s both gluten free and vegan! It is the perfect recipe for a quick and easy healthy dinner with minimal ingredients and prep. The best part about it is that it is so versatile – it can be a dinner main, side dish or even used the next day in your lunch sandwiches/wraps!

This Awesome Aubergine Bake is the perfect recipe to make in January, especially if you are doing ‘veganuary’! It is comforting, warming and healthy, plus it is a recipe that all the family will enjoy! Using simple ingredients that can easily be found at all supermarkets, I can guarantee this is a recipe you will love!

I was inspired to create this recipe as my Peanut Butter & Miso Roasted Aubergines were such a hit! Aubergine is a great vegetable to cook with, it is so versatile and is also packed full of fibre! Plus, it is relatively cheap to purchase! Paired with my Herb Salted Hasselback Potatoes this is a recipe you’ll be making time and time again!

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE AWESOME AUBERGINE BAKE

HOW TO MAKE AWESOME AUBERGINE BAKE

Firstly, preheat your oven to 200C / 390F. To a large pot on medium heat add oil, diced red onion, garlic cloves, coriander, paprika, chilli flakes and fry for a couple minutes. Then add the drained lentil and tinned tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and pepper and stir

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Lentils – if you aren’t vegetarian or vegan you could substitute the lentils for mince

• Onion – I’ve used a red onion in this recipe, however a white onion would also work

• Aubergine – Due to their similarities, you could substitute the aubergine for another vegetable such as courgette

• Cheese – I have used vegan cheese as I am dairy free, however you could use standard cheddar cheese if you aren’t

VARIATIONS

• Kid-friendly – this is a great recipe to make for children. It’s packed full of hidden veggies and nutrients! Plus it’s simple to make, so a great recipe to get the children involved in. If you have a child that isn’t aubergines biggest fan, then check out my Plant-Based Sausage Tray Bake. This is another great recipe to get some vegetables on their plate!

• Deluxe – This is a delicious recipe to make if you have dinner guests over. It is quick and simple to make and can also be made ahead of time. To make it look really impressive, I would serve this with grated cheese and top with chopped fresh parsley, alongside either a crisp green salad, my Herb Salted Hasselback Potatoes or my Gluten Free Focaccia!

• Spicy – I wanted this recipe to be mild, so that everyone can enjoy it. If you are sensitive to spice then reduce or remove the quantity of chilli flakes. However, if spice is your vice then you can increase this quantity! You could even top with some freshly chopped chilli flakes!

EQUIPMENT

• Chopping board

• Knife

• Saucepan

• Large baking dish

LEFTOVERS

The thing I love most about this recipe, aside from the insane flavour, is how versatile it is. You can save leftovers and use them as a side dish the following day, as a work lunch idea or even served cold in your sandwiches or wraps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this recipe. To freeze, simple allow to cool and freeze in an airtight container. Allow to fully defrost before gently re-heating in the over until piping hot.

FAQ’S

Do you need to soak the aubergine for before baking?

No this isn’t necessary in this recipe. There is a step to boil the sliced aubergines before placing them in the baking dish. This helps to soften them and speeds up the baking time.

Do I have to peel the aubergines?

No the skin of an aubergine is entirely edible. Give them a quick rinse under the tap to wash them before slicing them.

Can I add other ingredients into this Aubergine Bake recipe?

Certainly, this is the perfect recipe to make if you have other vegetables that need using in your fridge. Adding vegetables like mushrooms would definitely enhance this recipe!