Vegan Traditional Greek Moussaka

Indulge in the comforting flavors of the Mediterranean with this Vegan Traditional Greek Moussaka—a plant-based twist on the classic Greek casserole. Layers of tender roasted eggplant, golden potato rounds, and a hearty lentil-tomato filling are topped with a luxuriously creamy vegan béchamel sauce, spiced with a hint of nutmeg for an authentic touch. This dish beautifully balances savory spices like cinnamon, oregano, and thyme, while nutritional yeast adds richness to the dairy-free sauce. Perfect for dinner parties or meal prep, this wholesome recipe is naturally gluten-free adaptable and baked to golden perfection. Serve it warm and savor the culmination of bold flavors and creamy textures, all in one satisfying dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 large Eggplants
• 6 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups Cooked green or brown lentils
• 1 15-oz can Canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 0.5 cup Red wine (or vegetable broth)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 cups Unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, oat)
• 5 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
• 3 tablespoons Vegan butter or olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices, brush both sides lightly with olive oil, and place them on baking sheets. Roast the eggplants in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're tender and golden. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4

Stir in the cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (or vegetable broth), cinnamon, oregano, thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces. Remove from heat.

Step 5

While the lentil sauce cooks, place the potato slices into a pot of boiling salted water and cook for 8 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 6

To prepare the vegan béchamel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the vegan butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the plant-based milk until smooth.

Step 7

Stir in the nutritional yeast, ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Continue whisking the béchamel sauce over medium heat until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches), assemble the moussaka: Layer the bottom with the potato slices, followed by a layer of roasted eggplant slices. Spread half of the lentil sauce evenly on top.

Step 9

Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant slices and lentil sauce, then pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top.

Step 10

Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the béchamel layer for a golden crust.

Step 11

Bake the moussaka in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Slice and enjoy your Vegan Traditional Greek Moussaka!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3867.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3186.1

Total Fat 143.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.6g
Cholesterol 8.5mg	0%
Sodium 6266.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 386.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 108.1g	0%
Total Sugars 78.1g
Protein 100.5g	0%

Vitamin D 200.0IU	0%
Calcium 1182.5mg	0%
Iron 34.3mg	0%
Potassium 9837.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.8%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 47.8%