Hearty Vegetarian Pastitsio Bake
A delightful twist on the classic Greek pastitsio, this Hearty Vegetarian Pastitsio Bake combines layers of saucy lentils, tender eggplant, and al dente macaroni, all topped with a creamy custard sauce and rich Parmesan cheese. Inspired by 'The Vegetarian Epicure' by Anna Thomas, this comforting casserole showcases a medley of Mediterranean flavors, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. With its generous portion of protein-rich lentils and fresh vegetables, it's both satisfying and nutritious, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked lentils
1 1/2 cups (Use brown lentils; cooked until tender.)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (For cooking.)
butter
6 tablespoons (3 tablespoons for sautéing, 3 for the custard sauce.)
onions
2 (Finely chopped.)
eggplant
1 large (Chopped into small pieces (unpeeled).)
garlic
1-2 cloves (Minced.)
cinnamon
1/2-1 teaspoon (To taste.)
oregano
1/2-1 teaspoon (To taste.)
salt
to taste (For seasoning.)
pepper
to taste (For seasoning.)
tomatoes
8 medium or 1 (32 ounce) can (Peeled and chopped, or drained if using canned.)
tomato paste
8 ounces (For thickening the sauce.)
parmesan cheese
1/2-1 cup (Grated.)
cooked macaroni
16 ounces (Cooked and drained.)
milk
3 cups (Heated.)
eggs
3 (Beaten.)
flour
3 tablespoons (For the roux.)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions, eggplant, minced garlic, and seasonings (cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper). Cover the skillet and sauté for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
3
Stir in the peeled and chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes if using) and the cooked lentils, adding a splash of liquid if necessary. Cook the mixture until it thickens significantly, stirring often.
4
Mix in the tomato paste and heat through, adjusting the seasonings to your taste. Set aside.
5
To assemble, butter a large oblong baking dish. Spread half of the cooked macaroni across the bottom evenly, then sprinkle one-third of the grated Parmesan cheese over the macaroni. Layer half of the lentil sauce over this.
6
Repeat the layering process with the remaining macaroni, another one-third of the Parmesan cheese, and the rest of the lentil sauce. If desired, you can refrigerate the assembled dish at this point for later baking.
7
For the custard sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, then stir in the flour to create a roux. Allow it to cook for a couple of minutes until blonde.
8
Gradually pour the warmed milk into the roux while whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
9
Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly whisk the hot sauce into the beaten eggs to temper them, being careful not to scramble the eggs.
10
Pour the custard sauce evenly over the casserole, ensuring it seeps through the layers. If the sauce sits on top, gently slide a butter knife through the layers to help the sauce penetrate.
11
Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese, cover the dish, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Once done, serve the pastitsio hot, savoring each flavorful layer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetarian Pastitsio Bake?
It is a vegetarian twist on the classic Greek pastitsio, combining layers of saucy lentils, eggplant, and macaroni topped with a creamy custard sauce and Parmesan cheese.
What is the primary protein source in this vegetarian dish?
The dish uses protein-rich brown lentils as the primary protein source instead of the traditional meat used in pastitsio.
Who inspired this specific pastitsio recipe?
This recipe is inspired by 'The Vegetarian Epicure' by Anna Thomas.
What type of lentils should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of brown lentils that have been cooked until tender.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
No, the eggplant should be chopped into small pieces while remaining unpeeled.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the pastitsio need to bake?
The assembled dish should be baked in the oven for 1 hour.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of cooked and drained macaroni.
Can I use canned tomatoes for the sauce?
Yes, you can use either 8 medium fresh tomatoes (peeled and chopped) or one 32-ounce can of tomatoes.
What spices give the dish its Mediterranean flavor?
The seasonings used include cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the vegetable base?
Sauté chopped onions, eggplant, and minced garlic in olive oil and butter for approximately 10 minutes until tender.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The tomato paste is used to thicken the sauce and add rich flavor to the lentil mixture.
How is the dish assembled?
It is assembled by layering half the macaroni, then Parmesan, then half the lentil sauce, repeating the process once more.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, the dish can be assembled and refrigerated for later baking.
How do I make the custard sauce?
Create a roux with butter and flour, whisk in heated milk until thickened, and then temper in beaten eggs.
What is a roux?
In this recipe, a roux is a mixture of melted butter and flour cooked for a couple of minutes until blonde.
How do I temper the eggs for the custard?
Slowly whisk the hot milk and flour mixture into the beaten eggs to gradually raise their temperature without scrambling them.
How do I ensure the custard sauce penetrates the lower layers?
Gently slide a butter knife through the assembled layers after pouring the custard on top to help it seep through.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a vegetarian alternative to a classic Greek meat dish.
What size baking dish should be used?
A large oblong baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much milk is needed for the custard?
The custard sauce requires 3 cups of heated milk.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The recipe requires 3 beaten eggs.
How much butter is needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 6 tablespoons of butter is used: 3 for sautéing and 3 for the custard roux.
What are the recommended amounts for cinnamon and oregano?
Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of each, adjusted to your personal taste.
What type of garlic preparation is required?
The recipe calls for 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 finely chopped onions.
Should the macaroni be pre-cooked?
Yes, the macaroni should be cooked and drained before you begin assembling the layers.
How should the finished dish be served?
The pastitsio should be served hot to fully enjoy the flavorful layers and creamy topping.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include vegetarian, Greek, casserole, lentils, eggplant, comfort food, and healthy.