Ready for the BEST vegetarian moussaka recipe?! Layers of roasted eggplant, potatoes, and zucchini with a tasty chunky tomato-lentil sauce nestled in, and topped with creamy bechamel sauce!
This roasted vegetable moussaka is easier to put together than you think. Be sure to check out my step-by-step tutorial and grab my make-ahead tips below!
A little twist on traditional moussaka
We can all agree that moussaka is Greek comfort food at it's finest!
And, yes, the popular flavor-packed eggplant casserole, topped with creamy bechamel sauce, is a labor of love. There are typically several layers and a few steps involved. But if you've ever made it, you know that it's totally worth the effort for a special family dinner.
I shared my earlier Greek-style moussaka recipe and my Egyptian-style moussaka, both made with a juicy meat sauce. Since then, I have gotten many requests for a meatless version.
I've been playing around with different ingredients, and I finally have the BEST vegetarian moussaka that is as scrumptious and tasty as my meat-lovers' version.
This vegetable moussaka casserole is made of layers of quick-roasted vegetables; a tasty rich tomato sauce with black lentils in place of ground meat; and creamy bechamel to top it all.
Let’s dive more into this vegetarian eggplant moussaka, what's in it, and how to make it!
Vegetable moussaka components
It helps to think of this vegetarian moussaka recipe as having three components: vegetables; a vegetarian sauce; and a top layer of creamy bechamel.
To make the best vegetarian moussaka, it took some tinkering around with ingredients to make a version that felt just as hearty and unctuous as my earlier meaty beef (or lamb) version.
To really knock this recipe out of the park, I had to find the PERFECT meat substitute that held up well in the sauce and provided a great hearty texture. The verdict? Black Beluga lentils.
Black lentils are petite and cook fairly quickly. They have a wonderful, creamy consistency; full-bodied and earthy flavor. Not to mention, they're a great source of protein, polyphenolas, iron, and fiber...(find black lentils here.)
In this vegetarian moussaka, a scrumptious tomato-lentil sauce--with a fragrant pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon--is nestled between quick-roasted vegetables, including tender eggplant. And of course to top our eggplant casserole is none other than creamy bechamel sauce!
What vegetables go in vegetarian moussaka? And what else do you need to make it?
The components of this vegetarian moussaka recipe are not hard to make. There are three components as I mentioned earlier: vegetables, sauce, and a top layer of bechamel. Let's walk through them some more:
1. Roasted Vegetables
For this vegetarian eggplant moussaka recipe, eggplant remains the star. I also add 2 to 3 russet potatoes and 2 zucchini. All the veggies are sliced the long way to create our different layers.
Eggplant needs a little extra TLC. So we start with giving our eggplant slices a sprinkle of kosher salt and leave it alone for 20 to 30 minutes to "sweat out" any bitterness.
To prepare the vegetables for our vegetarian moussaka, we give them a quick roast in hot oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Tomato-Lentil Sauce
This lentil sauce is my vegetarian replacement for meat sauce.
It incorporates cooked black bluga lentils with crushed tomatoes and aromatics like minced garlic, onions, a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon. After a brief simmer, this sauce is hearty and creamy, you won't miss the meat.
3. Bechamel
We're not taking shortcuts here with this roasted vegetable moussaka. The very top layer of creamy bechamel is essential, making this dish as scrumptious and comforting as they come!
Although bechamel sounds scary and intimidating, it is fairly easy to make (we've done it before in this pastitsio recipe.) Essentially, you make a roux with flour and quality extra virgin olive oil (some use butter, but I prefer olive oil here.) Let it brown a tad, add in warm milk (bit-by-bit), whisk, season, and add in tempered eggs, while continuing to whisk a little bit more until nice and smooth.
Let's get to the step-by-step...
How to Make this Vegetarian Moussaka – Step-by-Step
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and salt the eggplant. Slice eggplant length-wise. Sprinkle with kosher salt on both sides and place on a large sheet lined with paper towel. Let eggplant "sweat" for 20 to 30 minutes or so, while you work on other things. This will help the taste and texture of the eggplant. When ready, pat excess moisture.2. Make the bechamel. Pour extra virgin olive oil in a pot and let heat till shimmering but not smoking. Add the flour, salt, and pepper and stir around until the mixture turns a light golden brown. Slowly add your warmed milk, while whisking continuously.
In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot bechamel mixture with the 2 eggs. Then return all to the pan with the remaining bechamel mixture. Continue to stir or whisk the mixture bringing to a gentle boil for just 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool and thicken a little more (you should have a creamy, thick and smooth bechamel sauce).
Tip: if your olive oil and flour mixture is too dry and looks chunky, drizzle in a little more olive oil until it looks like a smooth paste.
3. Prepare the tomato-lentil sauce. First, saute the onions and garlic briefly until they smell delicious. Add your already COOKED black lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Season and add spices. Let it come to a boil and then over part way with a lid, turn the heat down, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
How to cook black lentils for this sauce? To cook the black lentils first before you add them to sauce, begin with ½ cup dry black lentils. Add 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until lentils are tender (about 20 to 25 minutes, adding more water as needed to keep the lentils submerged.) Drain.
4. Roast the Vegetables. While the lentil sauce is simmering, take your dry eggplant and place it with the potatoes and zucchini on lightly-oiled baking sheets (you'll need more than one baking sheet to spread the veggies in one layer.) Sprinkle the zucchini and potatoes with salt (eggplant is already salted.)
Give the veggies a brush of extra virgin olive oil. Roast in heated oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Assemble to moussaka. You have made it, time to put it all together!
Ladle a little bit of the lentil sauce on the bottom of a lightly oiled casserole pan. Layer the roasted veggies on top...
Now add the rest of the tomato lentil sauce...
Add bechamel on top. Be sure to spread the bechamel and smooth it out with the back of a spoon.
6. Bake! The vegetarian moussaka casserole can take somewhere between 45 minutes to 1 hour in your heated oven.
You're looking for the top bechamel layer to turn a nice golden brown (if needed, place it under the broiler for a tiny bit, watching very closely to make sure you get the color you want.)
Can you eat eggplant skin?
Many people think eating eggplant skin is a no-no, but the exact opposite is true. When eggplant is cooked, the skin becomes tender and soft and is great to eat. It packs lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
(If you need to, you can partially peel the eggplant leaving just some of the skin on.)
Why do you salt eggplant?
The first step I take whenever I work with eggplant, whether to fry or roast it, is salting it. This is important for two reasons:
First, it allows a lot of the moisture in the eggplant to release. If you cook eggplant without salting and patting dry with paper towels, your moussaka can get watery and make your dish soggy and less flavorful. Nobody wants that!
Second, eggplant tends to be a little bitter and the salt counteracts that bitterness. You are left with a much sweet and milder slice of eggplant after salting.
To save time in this recipe, as you saw in the step-by-step above, I start by salting the eggplant then move on to working on the bechamel etc. if you are going to make moussaka, do it right!
Can this vegetable moussaka be prepared ahead?
Despite the number of steps involved, this vegetarian moussaka is not too complicated to prepare. And, even better, you can prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time. You have a couple of options...
You can cut and roast all your veggies, make the tomato lentil sauce, and even prepare the bechamel 1 night in advance (I've done it 2 nights in advance as well, but since there may be leftovers, I try not to work too far ahead.)
You can store the different components in separate containers in the fridge, and when you are ready, assemble and bake!
If you decide to make the bechamel in advance, you will need to warm it up in pot before you can pour it on the top of your moussaka. As it sits in the fridge, it will get very thick and slightly gelatinous. You may need to add an extra splash of milk to thin the sauce out and get it back to its pourable consistency.
If you don’t want to worry about this, just make the bechamel right before you are going to assemble. That way it’s fresh and requires no extra steps.
Leftovers
You’re likely to have leftovers, which is great because it tastes just as good the next day. You can place them in an airtight container for about 3 days.
Can you freeze vegetarian moussaka?
If you need to freeze your leftovers, it is a perfect solution for making the vegetarian moussaka last longer. It will keep well for up to 1 month in the freezer. Plus, no thawing needed, it can be baked right away from freezer to oven!
What do you serve with this eggplant casserole?
This type of eggplant casserole is a full meal in and of itself. But if you are looking for a little something extra, add a big Greek salad or simple Shirazi salad to start.
Still want some meat? Server a few Keftedes or a couple skewers of souvlaki along.
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BEST Vegetarian Moussaka Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces 1x
Description
Ready for the BEST vegetarian moussaka recipe?! Layers of roasted eggplant, potatoes, and zucchini with a tasty chunky tomato-lentil sauce nestled in, and topped with creamy bechamel sauce!
This roasted vegetable moussaka is easier to put together than you think. Be sure to check out my step-by-step tutorial and grab my make-ahead tips.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1 ½ lb), partially peeled and sliced length-wise
- Salt
- 3 Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced lengthwise (½-inch in thickness)
- 2 large zucchini, sliced length-wise (½-inch in thickness)
- Extra virgin olive oil (I used Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil)
For Bechamel:
- ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt, more if you like
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 cups 2% milk, warmed
- 2 large eggs
For Lentil Sauce:
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ¼ cup COOKED black lentils (from ½ cup uncooked black lentils. See notes)
- 1 14-oz can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup broth or water
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch cinnamon
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Salt Eggplant. While oven is heating, spread eggplant slices on a large pan lined with paper towel and sprinkle with kosher salt set aside for 20 to 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels
- Make the Bechamel. While the eggplant is sitting, work on the bechamel sauce. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Cook until golden (if needed, added a little more olive oil). Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Add nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot bechamel mixture with the 2 eggs. Then return all to the pan with the remaining bechamel mixture. Continue to stir or whisk the mixture bringing to a gentle boil for just 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool and thicken a little more (you should have a creamy, thick and smooth bechamel sauce).
- Make Lentil Sauce. In a cooking pot or large non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Sautee onions and garlic for a brief 3 to 4 minutes till fragrant, tossing regularly. Stir in COOKED black lentils, crushed tomatoes and broth or water. Season with a dash of kosher salt, and add oregano, nutmeg and a small pinch of ground cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover only part-way. Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or so.
- Bake Vegetables. While lentil sauce is simmering, bake the vegetables. Arrange the potatoes, zucchini and eggplant slices on lightly oiled baking sheets. Brush with extra virgin olive oil. Bake in heated oven for 15 to 20 minutes just until tender.
- Assemble Vegetarian Moussaka in a 9 x 13 baking dish. First, pour a bit of the lentil sauce on the bottom of the baking dish and spread. Layer the vegetables on top. Add the remainder of the lentil sauce. Finally, spread bechamel sauce on top, making sure to smooth it out well with the back of a spoon.
- Bake. Place moussaka casserole on the middle rack of your heated oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until top bechamel layer turns golden brown.(If needed, place under broiler and watch very carefully till top turns a nice golden brown.)
- Remove from heat and let sit for at least 20 minutes before cutting and serving. Cut into 12 squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cook's Tip 1: Do not skip salting the eggplant. This step helps season the eggplant, while allowing it to sweat out any bitterness. It also helps relax it's spongy texture.
- Cook's Tip #2: Once moussaka is baked, be sure to let it rest for about 20 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the bechamel topping to settle so it's easier and less messy to serve.
- Prepare Ahead Tips: You can prepare each component of this recipe--bake the veggies, make the bechamel topping and the lentil sauce one night in advance. Store each in separate containers in the fridge and assemble when you are ready to bake. If you decide to make the bechamel in advance, you will need to warm it up in pot before you can pour it on the top of your moussaka. As it sits in the fridge, it will get very thick and slightly gelatinous. You may need to add an extra splash of milk to thin the sauce out and get it back to its pourable consistency.If you don’t want to worry about this, just make the bechamel right before you are going to assemble. That way it’s fresh and requires no extra steps.
- How to cook black lentils for this sauce? To cook the black lentils first before you add them to sauce, begin with ½ cup dry black lentils. Add 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until lentils are tender (about 20 to 25 minutes, adding more water as needed to keep the lentils submerged.) Drain.
- Leftovers? Store leftovers in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 3 days.
- Visit Our Online Shop to purchase black bluga lentils and browse all-natural and organic spices and extra virgin olive oils including Private Reserve Greek EVOO used in this recipe!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Vegetarian
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Greek
This recipe is fantastic. Will be making again.
Hi, Jen! So glad you liked it! Thank you for taking time to leave a comment and let us know. You might also like this recipe for vegetarian Whole Roasted Cauliflower. It's one of my favorites.
Excellent recipe. Tonight will be the third time I have made it. The only change I incorporated is switching out the zucchini for large multicolored sweet peppers.
Hi, Mary! So glad you love the recipe enough to make it 3 times! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. We really appreciate it!
Hello, delicious!
Made the sauce (canned green lentils) and roasted the veggies ahead of time (3 Italian eggplant and 4 medium zucchini). The eggplant really shrinks up so 1/2 thickness is not a typo : ). Vegetarian guests were happy to have something different from the usual lasagna. Next time, will take the time cook black lentils for a stronger flavour.
Would love a video on making a Greek bechamel sauce. Felt the ratio of oil to flour was wrong to make a roux but it all worked out in the end.
Hi, Ann! You can check out Suzy's other Greek Moussaka recipe for a video where she talks more in detail about the bechamel sauce.
Hiya! I'm trying this recipe. Where do you add the potatoes? Do you slice them and roast them with the eggplant and zucchini and layer it? Or do you mash it and add it to the top? Thanks so much.
Hi, Alicia. While the lentil sauce is simmering, you arrange the potatoes, zucchini and eggplant slices on lightly oiled baking sheets, brush with extra virgin olive oil and bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes just until tender.
It’s in the oven now, looking good! I didn’t salt the eggplant - modern farming has eradicated the bitterness issue so there’s no need, and it took me an hour exactly to prep everything and get it in the oven. So 1.5hrs is pretty accurate for me!
could I use french green lentils for the tomato-lentil sauce?
Sure, Janice! That will work!
Hi can you use canned green lentils instead, ?
Many thanks
Sure, Lyn. That will work in a pinch!
Absolutely adore this recipe! I dont make any substitutions other than a bit less nutmeg and I typically improvise almost all recipes.
My only gripe with the recipe is the timing. I cook often and have all the required kitchen tools- mandolin, chef's knife and huge 48" oven. After 2 hours my lentil sauce still isn't done and the bechamel is just starting to be made. I would say total time of 1.5hr is accurate if you already have all of your veggies roasted and onion chopped prior to starting the rest. Otherwise, hope you like your kitchen, you'll be there for the next 3 hours.
Maybe a professional chef used to working in a restaurant could do this in 1.5hrs. Not us amateurs cooks. But despite my timing complaints this is the second time I've made this recipe in a week! I do love it and will continue to make it. Just wanted to give a word of warning to others attempting to make this meal in 1.5hrs and then find themselves eating at 9pm when they started cooking at 6pm..
Thank you so much for that feedback, Noelle!
Is the oven temperature 400 degrees for baking the whole casserole once assembled? It seems hot if all the ingredients are already cooked some.
Making it tomorrow for dinner!
Thank you!
Yes, Debbie, that is correct. Depending on your oven, though, it may not take the full 45 minutes.
Thank you!! Can't wait to taste it in a couple hours!!
Excellent,loved it,very tasty indeed.
Uk
Can an almond or oat milk be substituted for the 2% milk? Looking forward to trying this!
Sure, Joanne! Either should work just fine.
My daughters have an egg allergy. Do you have any suggestions for making the bechamel without the eggs? Thanks!
Hi, Ashley! You can just leave the eggs out. The sauce won't be quiet as thick, but it will still be delicious. If you have experience working with flax seed "eggs" you could replace the egg in this recipe with flax seed. I haven't done that before so I'm not sure how exactly it would work but it's an option you might want to try. Good luck!
I made this twice so far. Followed the first time to a tee.
Came out great.
I wondered about using sweet potatoes Bo’s I tried it this time and like it! I ran out of my milk so I used almond milk! Don’t do that! It has a really nutty flavor to the topping.
Try plant based Just egg to substitute egg.
Thank you for the recipe!
Actually a bachamel sauce doesn't need egg in its recipe
Hello Suzie. I am Ted. Not a master chef but a master of a variety of dishes.
I love your recipe for best vegetarian moussaka, and of course we all add additions.
The result is delicious.
My comment, is a question of timing, and the amount of effort required to make the recipe.
More often than not, Internet descriptions are what they are......videos, explanations, etc. are always helpful, however, the reality of the matter is this.......if you have not ever made a sauce, or used the valuable assets we have on hand in our typical kitchens, it requires much more time than you proclaim.
I have experience with your suggestions and recipes, however, the time it takes to make, in this situation, a bechamel, a lentil sauce, etc. is much more than 1.5 hours.
Everthing looks good when you are preparing, however, the mindset people have is different. It take more than 2 hours to prepare your recipe
I do not have a line chef, a restaurant kitchen, and the equipment you may have available to you.
Make it more simple for those of us that will love then contents of your recipe, but have to know, the actual time to prepare, if you have never prepared it before.
thank you for your kindness, and the amount of time you use to make us all better "chefs" in our kitchens.
with fond regards,
Theadore Eschuk
Great Moussaka Recipe. I made it yesterday ( double all ingredients and we have a 2 day dinner for 3 person.
Most deff. I will make it again.
Max
Cranbrook BC Canada
Hi,
What size dish did you use?
Cheers,
Hi, Ian. We use a 9 x 13 inch baking dish here.
Made this last night and it took a bit of effort/coordination but it was so worth it! The leftovers are even better than the original bake 🙂 Next time I will add more zucchini and eggplant, otherwise no changes. Make sure to taste and season the lentils and bechamel as you go, and add a sprinkle of salt when oiling and baking the veggies so that everything is well seasoned. Sublime.