Moussaka – Aubergine and Chickpea Stew with Herby Rice

Gorgeous aubergine and chickpea stew called moussaka. Rich tomato sauce with soft aubergine and then a little of texture from the chickpeas. Lovely!
Moussaka - aubergine and chickpea stew with herby rice

Middle Eastern food is a strong contender for one of my favourite cuisines.

It has everything that I love, tapas style bowls of delicious vegetable dishes, incredible dips (creamy hummus and smoked pepper dip are always good) amazing pulse based dishes and of course big flatbreads to scoop with.

One of my favourites is a gorgeous aubergine and chickpea stew called maghmour or moussaka.

The flavour is intensely rich tomatoes with soft aubergine and then a little of texture from the chickpeas.

It always amazes me how simple ingredients can create such incredible flavours.

I think dishes like this are best eaten with lots of complimentary yet contrasting flavours, so creamy hummus, smoky red pepper dip, crunchy flatbreads and a big rice salad with generous amounts of fresh herbs.

My classic tahini dressing is the perfect topping for both the moussaka and my herby rice.

I really hope you like my Middle Eastern feast!

Enjoy, love Niki xx

The Recipe

Moussaka - aubergine and chickpea stew with herby rice

Moussaka–Aubergine and Chickpea Stew with Herby Rice

Gorgeous aubergine and chickpea stew called moussaka. Rich tomato sauce with soft aubergine and then a little of texture from the chickpeas. Lovely!
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
2-4 servings
5 from 5 votes

Ingredients

For the moussaka

  • 2 organic aubergines diced
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped finely
  • 4 clove garlic sliced
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 5 large organic tomatoes–skinned and de-seeded or 1 tin
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint–finely chopped
  • 1 can organic cooked chickpeas–drained

For the rice

  • 2 cups cooked rice–brown or white
  • 2 big handfuls coriander
  • Handful fresh mint
  • Handful basil or parsley
  • 8 cherry tomatoes chopped
  • 1 red onion finely chopped
  • Zest 1 lemon
  • Juice I lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sea salt
  • Twist black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chilli flakes–optional

For the tahini dressing

  • 1 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Juice 1/2 lemon

Serve with

  • Hummus
  • Pepper dip
  • Flatbreads

Instructions

To make the moussaka

  • Add the aubergines to a large baking tray and toss them in 2 tbsp of olive oil. Roast on for 30 minutes until browned.
  • Add the remaining oil to a large pan and add in the onion, fry on a low to medium heat until soft and slightly browning. Add in the garlic and cook for a further few minutes.
  • Next, add the tomatoes, tomato purée, paprika, aubergine & chickpeas. Cook to approx 20 minutes. Add water if needed. Finally, season with salt and the fresh mint.

To make the rice

  • In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with the herbs, onion, lemon, olive oil and seasonings.

To make the tahini dressing

  • Add all the ingredients to a mini chopper or pestle and mortar and blitz until you get a paste.
  • Add more water to get the deserved consistency.
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