Vegan eggplant & bean casserole with spicy tomato sauce
This Vegan Eggplant & Bean Casserole features a medley of eggplant, white beans, and chickpeas, all simmered in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s a hearty, plant-based dish that’s easy to prepare and full of robust flavors.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 eggplant1.50 cups white beans
1.50 cups chickpeas
1 tsp chili powder
1.50 tsp paprika
1 tbsp canned tomato paste
2 cans canned tomatoes
1 tbsp sesame butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
Our Vegan Eggplant & Bean Casserole with Spicy Tomato Sauce is a nutritious, flavor-packed dish that combines robust vegetables, hearty beans, and a zesty tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based meal that's bursting with taste and easy to prepare. Whether you're a lifelong vegan or just trying plant-based dishes, this casserole will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dice the eggplant into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain and rinse the white beans and chickpeas if using canned ones.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced eggplant and sauté until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the eggplant cooks evenly.
- To the same skillet with the eggplant, add the chili powder and paprika. Stir to coat the eggplant pieces with the spices and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the canned tomato paste and canned tomatoes (including their juices) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the skillet.
- After the sauce has simmered, add the cooked white beans and chickpeas to the skillet. Stir everything together until the beans and chickpeas are evenly incorporated into the tomato sauce and eggplant mixture.
- Add the sesame butter to the skillet and stir well to combine. Sesame butter will give the casserole a rich, creamy texture.
- Season with a dash of salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
With its medley of flavors and satisfying textures, this Vegan Eggplant & Bean Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. The spicy tomato sauce perfectly complements the tender eggplant and hearty beans, creating a delightful, nutritious meal. Enjoy this dish as a comforting dinner or a wholesome lunch, and savor the benefits of a delicious, plant-based diet.
Vegan eggplant & bean casserole with spicy tomato sauce FAQ:
A standard 9x13-inch casserole dish works well for this recipe, providing enough space for the eggplant and bean mixture to spread evenly.
The casserole is done when the top is slightly browned and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, which typically takes about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Yes, you can substitute other beans like black beans or kidney beans depending on your preference, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage, up to 2-3 months.
To reduce the spice, you can decrease the amount of chili powder used or omit it entirely. Alternatively, you can use mild paprika instead of regular paprika.
Tips:
- For best results, salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out extra moisture before cooking. Rinse and pat them dry to reduce bitterness and improve texture.
- Customizing the spice level is easy; simply adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your preference.
- To save time, you can use canned beans instead of cooking them from scratch. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
- Adding a handful of fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, can enhance the flavor profile of the casserole.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. It may even taste better as the flavors meld together.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 290kcal
Protein 16g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 16g
Sugar 10g
Fat 8g
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