Turkish Eggplant (Aubergine) Lentil Stew

Submitted by chia2160

"Thanks to friedel for sending me some pomegranate molasses! I am having so much fun with it, and this is a great vegetarian recipe. This really tastes better if you make it a day in advance and let the flavors blend. It can be served hot, warm, or at room temp."

 

• Ready In: 3hrs
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1⁄2 cup lentils
• water
• 2⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 anaheim chilies, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 cup pomegranate molasses
• 1⁄2 cup kosher salt

directions

1. Peel eggplant in strips, then cut lengthwise into strips.
2. Cut each strip into 3 pieces, salt heavily with kosher salt and let it sit in a colander for 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, cover lentils with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
4. Lower to simmer and cook 15 minutes, drain.
5. In a bowl add 1 tbsp olive oil and onion, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, mint, tomato paste, and red pepper.
6. Rinse the eggplant and dry.
7. In a dutch oven layer half of the onion mixture.
8. Top with a layer of eggplant, and a layer of lentils.
9. Repeat.
10. Pour remaining olive oil around sides and over the top.
11. Drizzle with the pomegranate molasses.
12. Bring to a boil, lower heat to simmer and cook 1 1/2 hours.

Reviews

[Maito]

I really liked these flavors together. The pomegranate molasses gives it a nice tang. I did end up adding some liquid for fear of sticking, since I used only a tablespoon of oil. I increased the tomato paste and pomegranate molasses though, so the flavor would not be diluted. I ate the leftovers with some Indian spices and cilantro, and that was really good too.

 

[Rita1652]

Loved this! I skipped the salting part! No bitterness here. I used dried chilies that I rehydrated. Love all the flavors. You are not going to believe this but I just went to get some more. Oh my it`s good cold too. It`s sweet rich and just yummy! Thanks Chia!