Lentil ratatouille with a cauliflower cheese crumb

Serves: 4
Prep: 15
Cook: 30

We’ll challenge anyone to pick this as meat-free. A deliciously good mix of two family favourites – cottage pie meets the classic cauliflower cheese. Yummy, filling and so good as leftovers, plus it’s packed with over 30g of protein per serve.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red capsicum, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 eggplant, diced
  • 1 x 400g can diced tomatoes
  • 1 x 250g packet Vegie Delights™ Savoury Mince
  • 1 x 400g can lentils, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets

Bechamel sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups So Good™ Soy Regular
  • 1 cup grated cheese (such as Edam or mozzarella)

Crispy crumb:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Method

  1. Step 1

    Preheat your oven to 180°C.

  2. Step 2

    In a large oven-safe pan or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

  3. Step 3

    Add the Vegie Delights Savoury Mince and brown on high for 2–3 minutes, then add the capsicum, zucchini, and eggplant to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables have slightly softened.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the diced tomatoes and lentils to the veggie mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together. If you have extra time on your side, you can pop this in the oven with the lid for 10-15 minutes for extra gooeyness and flavour.

  5. Step 5

    While the ratatouille is simmering, steam the cauliflower florets until tender. Drain well and set aside.

  6. Step 6

    To prepare the bechamel sauce, heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Continue to whisk while gradually pouring in the soy milk. Whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

  7. Step 7

    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.

  8. Step 8

    Top the ratatouille with the steamed cauliflower then spread the bechamel sauce evenly over the top of the ratatouille in the pan or casserole dish.

  9. Step 9

    In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with oil and mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the bechamel sauce.

  10. Step 10

    Place the pan or casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Tips

  • Instead of Vegie Delights™ Savoury Mince, you can use crumbled tofu.
  • Prep ahead by dicing the vegetables and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to cook. Once the dish is done it can be frozen or stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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