Aubergine with Lentils and Goat Cheese

Ingredients for Aubergine with Lentils and Goat Cheese

• 2 globe aubergines (450g each), halved lengthwise

• Vegetable oil cooking spray

• 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 diced celery stalks

• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 475ml packaged steamed lentils (such as Melissa's)

• 120ml low-sodium vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus torn leaves for serving

• 60g crumbled goat cheese

Heat oven to 475°. Remove pulp from aubergines; cut pulp from one aubergine into 1/4-inch cubes and discard the rest. Coat aubergine shells with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoons salt. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place aubergine shells open side down. In a bowl, coat aubergine cubes with cooking spray and toss with 1/4 teaspoons salt; place in one layer on a second baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake aubergine shells and cubes until tender, 10 minutes. Remove aubergine; reduce oven to 350°. In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Cook onion, celery and carrot until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook, 1 minute. Add lentils, aubergine cubes, broth, vinegar, pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoons salt; reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in chopped mint. Flip shells on baking sheet and stuff with lentil-aubergine mixture; cover with aluminum foil and bake until warm; 10 minutes. Top with cheese and mint leaves.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.