Lentil and lamb moussaka
“Lentil and lamb moussaka is a delicious and affordable family meal that puts a healthy twist on the classic dish. By using more lentils and reducing the amount of ground meat, this recipe offers a nutritious and wallet-friendly alternative. The lentils provide a filling texture and increase the fiber content, making them a filling and healthy dinner option. With its rich flavors and savory ingredients, this moussaka is sure to become a family favorite without breaking your budget.”
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 250 g lean minced lamb
- 400g can of lentils in water, drained
- 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
- 500g boiled potatoes, diced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 150 ml hot vegetable broth
- 500g cup of Greek yogurt
- 1 egg, beaten
Preparation steps
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan.
- Add the onion and cook until it begins to color and soften, 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic, eggplant and lamb and cook for 5-10 minutes until the minced meat is brown and the eggplant is soft.
- Stir in lentils, tomatoes, potatoes, oregano, cinnamon, some spices and the broth.
- Increase the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Heat the grill to the highest level.
- Place the lentil and lamb mixture in an ovenproof dish.
- Mix the Greek yogurt with the beaten egg and then pour it over the lentil and lamb mixture.
- Grill for 5 minutes, until top is golden brown and bubbly.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 343 | 17g | 9g | 29g | 8g | 6g | 20g | 0.59g |
Equipment and tools
To make this lentil and lamb moussaka recipe, you will need the following equipment and tools:
- Pot
- frying pan
- baking pan
- Knife
- cutting board
- wooden spoon
Allergen information
This lentil and lamb moussaka recipe may contain the following allergens:
- Eggs
- Dairy products (Greek yogurt)
Storage and leftovers
If you have any leftovers after making this lentil and lamb moussaka recipe, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, make sure to heat it thoroughly before consuming.
Health Benefits of Lentil and Lamb Moussaka
Lentil and lamb moussaka is not only a delicious and filling dish but also offers several health benefits. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines the goodness of lentils, lean ground lamb, eggplant, and a variety of spices into a flavorful and nutritious meal. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of the key ingredients:
lenses
Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans and those looking to reduce their meat consumption. They are also rich in fiber, which supports healthy digestion and can help with weight control. Lentils provide a good amount of iron, folic acid and other essential minerals, making them beneficial for maintaining healthy blood circulation and preventing anemia.
Lean minced lamb
Lean ground lamb is a great source of high-quality protein. It contains important nutrients such as vitamin B12, zinc and iron. Vitamin B12 is crucial for brain function and red blood cell production, while zinc plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. It’s important to choose lean lamb meat to minimize your saturated fat intake.
aubergine
Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a low-calorie vegetable that provides important nutrients. It is an excellent source of fiber, which contributes to healthy digestion and can help control cholesterol levels. Eggplants are also rich in antioxidants, including nasunin, which may help protect against cell damage and support brain health. In addition, it contains important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium.
Spices
The combination of dried oregano and cinnamon in this moussaka recipe not only provides a wonderful depth of flavor, but also offers potential health benefits. Oregano is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help strengthen the immune system and protect against chronic diseases. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is associated with improved blood sugar control and may help reduce insulin resistance.
Greek yogurt
Using Greek yogurt in this recipe adds a creamy and tangy touch, but also offers numerous health benefits. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium and probiotics. Protein promotes satiety, while calcium is crucial for bone health. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health and aid digestion. For maximum health benefits, it is important to choose plain Greek yogurt with no added sugar.
egg
The addition of beaten egg in this moussaka recipe provides essential vitamins and minerals. Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein and contain all the essential amino acids required for optimal function. They also provide vitamins A, B2, B12 and choline, which support brain health. In addition, eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that contribute to healthy eyes.
Overall, this lentil and lamb moussaka recipe offers a delicious flavor combination and a number of health benefits. It provides a good amount of proteins, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Remember to use lean lamb and Greek yogurt with no added sugar to get the most out of this nutritious dish.
