{"id":3661,"date":"2021-04-09T13:28:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T13:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/?p=3661"},"modified":"2026-03-30T10:02:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T10:02:57","slug":"aubergine-and-lentil-bake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/aubergine-and-lentil-bake\/","title":{"rendered":"April&#8217;s Recipe of the Month: Aubergine &#038; Lentil Bake | Mindful Chef"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><strong>Here at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mindful Chef<\/a> we\u2019re passionate about making healthy eating easier and we\u2019ve decided to showcase some of our favourite healthy and delicious recipes each month to show the nation you can eat better without sacrificing on flavour. Read on to find out what this month\u2019s recipe is, and what health benefits it can bring you.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This month\u2019s Recipe of the Month is this delicious vegetable bake perfect for a warming Mediterranean kick on a chilly British day. This is one of our favourite aubergine recipes, ideal for a meat-free treat for everyone to enjoy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-recipes\/aubergine-and-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Aubergine &amp; Lentil Bake with Pesto Potatoes<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" class=\"wp-image-3663\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1.jpg\" alt=\"Healthy aubergine and lentil recipe\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This simple yet delicious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-vegan-recipes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-vegan-recipes\">healthy vegan recipe<\/a> features a gooey vegetable bake with fibre-rich aubergine, tomato-stewed lentils, and a scrumptious golden almond crunch. Paired with pesto-covered new potatoes tossed with healthy spinach.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Full of flavour, health benefits, and free from stodgy carbs. What could be better?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Cook time:<\/strong> 50 mins<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Allergens:<\/strong> Nuts<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Cuisine:<\/strong> Mediterranean<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Key ingredient:<\/strong> Filling protein-rich lentils<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Serves:\u00a0<\/strong>4<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Nutritional Information<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Calories: 473kcal<\/li>\r\n<li>Protein: 14g<\/li>\r\n<li>Carbs: 41g<\/li>\r\n<li>Fat: 27g<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This is one of those aubergine recipes that works for smaller servings and makes great leftovers for easy-to-solve after-work hunger! For more of our aubergine ideas, take a look at our other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-recipes?query=aubergine&amp;page=1&amp;configure%5BhitsPerPage%5D=9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">aubergine recipes<\/a> you\u2019ll be sure to love.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Recipe Health Points\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Aubergines <\/strong>are a great source of fibre which helps to keep the gut healthy and moving properly. It\u2019s also a source of vitamins and minerals. When cooked it has a deliciously creamy texture perfect for a heart-warming meal.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Lentils<\/strong> are a great way to promote heart health, lower cholesterol, and get a source of protein. We love using them to pack out a meal to make sure it\u2019s tasty, filling, and nutritious.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Spinach<\/strong> is a source of inorganic nitrate which can help to lower risk of heart problems by reducing blood pressure and providing a source of potassium which is also good for heart function. Spinach is also rich in iron which can help with energy and blood health.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For more information about keeping your heart healthy, take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/heart-healthy-recipe-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keeping A Healthy Heart<\/a> blog for more tips.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Recipe Ingredients<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to create this delicious masterpiece you\u2019ll want to enjoy again and again.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>6 tbsp ground almonds<\/li>\r\n<li>4 garlic clove<\/li>\r\n<li>2 tsp dried Italian herbs<\/li>\r\n<li>480g lentils in water (drained)<\/li>\r\n<li>240g chestnut mushrooms<\/li>\r\n<li>1 red onion<\/li>\r\n<li>400g passata<\/li>\r\n<li>4 tbsp basil pesto<\/li>\r\n<li>400g baby white potatoes<\/li>\r\n<li>80g baby spinach<\/li>\r\n<li>4 tbsp Belazu sundried tomato paste<\/li>\r\n<li>2 aubergine (225g)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cooking Instructions<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This recipe is nice and simple. Soon you\u2019ll have a new favourite recipe the whole family will enjoy! Here\u2019s what you need to do to create this scrumptious dish you\u2019ll never forget.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Preheat the oven to 200C \/ fan 180C \/ gas mark 6. Finely chop the garlic. Dice the onion. Thinly slice the mushrooms. Drain the lentils and rinse.<\/li>\r\n<li>Thinly slice the aubergines into fairly thin rounds. Lay out the aubergine slices on a large baking tray and brush with 2 tbsp oil. Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins, until golden brown and cooked through.<\/li>\r\n<li>Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp oil on a medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic for 5 mins, then add the mushrooms and cook for a further 3 mins. Add the lentils, passata, sundried tomato paste, and dried herbs. Simmer gently for 10 mins. Season with sea salt and black pepper.<\/li>\r\n<li>In a medium ovenproof dish place a few spoonfuls of tomato sauce, followed by a layer or two of aubergine slices (depending on how many slices you have). Follow with a thin layer of pesto (use around half). Repeat twice more, but without the pesto. Sprinkle with the almonds. Place in the oven for 20 mins, until turning golden.<\/li>\r\n<li>While the bake is in the oven, cut the potatoes into quarters. Fill the saucepan with boiling water, sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and add the potatoes. Boil for 15 mins, until softened. In the last minute of cooking, add the spinach, cooking until wilted. Drain the potatoes and spinach and place back in the empty saucepan; mix with the remaining pesto. Season with sea salt and black pepper.<\/li>\r\n<li>Serve the aubergine and lentil bake with the pesto potatoes. Eat and enjoy!<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you try this aubergine recipe, we\u2019d love to hear from you! Tag us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mindfulchefuk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a> or join our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/mindfulchef\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">private Facebook community<\/a> to show us your healthy creations.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>More from Mindful Chef<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Want more healthy recipes? We have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-recipes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">over 1000 delicious, healthy recipes<\/a> for you to choose from. Whether a lover of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-meat-recipes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-meat-recipes\">meat recipes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-vegan-recipes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-vegan-recipes\">vegan recipes<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-fish-recipes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-fish-recipes\">fish recipes<\/a>, we have more than enough choice for you. Take a look and get cooking!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Enjoy cooking but hate the hassle? We offer a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/healthy-recipe-boxes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">healthy recipe box service<\/a> that brings fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients to your door with a healthy recipe to go with it. Simply choose your healthy recipes, pick a delivery date, and we\u2019ll do the rest. All that\u2019s left to do is follow the recipe card and start your healthy food journey!<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here at Mindful Chef we\u2019re passionate about making healthy eating easier and we\u2019ve decided to showcase some of our favourite healthy and delicious recipes each month to show the nation you can eat better without sacrificing on flavour. Read on to find out what this month\u2019s recipe is, and what health benefits it can bring&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/aubergine-and-lentil-bake\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3663,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[34,5,27,8],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3661","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-family","8":"category-lunch","9":"category-on-the-menu","10":"category-vegan","11":"entry"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1.jpg",600,400,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1.jpg",600,400,false],"large":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1.jpg",600,400,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1.jpg",600,400,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1.jpg",600,400,false],"horizontal-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1.jpg",600,400,false],"horizontal-thumbnail-small":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1-340x225.jpg",340,225,true],"vertical-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1.jpg",600,400,false],"vertical-thumbnail-small":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1-340x400.jpg",340,400,true],"square-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/FAMILY-Aubergine-lentil-bake-with-pesto-potatoes_1-320x321.jpg",320,321,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Olivia Parker","author_link":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/author\/olivia\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Here at Mindful Chef we\u2019re passionate about making healthy eating easier and we\u2019ve decided to showcase some of our favourite healthy and delicious recipes each month to show the nation you can eat better without sacrificing on flavour. Read on to find out what this month\u2019s recipe is, and what health benefits it can bring...Read&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3661","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3661"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3661\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7546,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3661\/revisions\/7546"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3661"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3661"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3661"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}