Moussaka & Brinjal Canneloni Recipe

Around the world the family meal and the homecook (even the domestic goddess!) have made a comeback. And we’re delighted as we’re sure you are too! 

We’re reinventing our homes and our lifestyles and with slightly smaller money pockets our indulgences are smaller, but equally enjoyable and our eyes are focused on healthy (but very delicious eating).

With Eating In being the new Eating Out, everyone needs that little bit of magic that only mushrooms can bring to everyday meals.

They’re umami rich so packed with flavour; they’re meaty so they can reduce the meat bills when added to your favourite meat meals and they’re low in calories to fill you up without filling you out!

You’ll love the gourmet touch that mushrooms add:

• Mushroom and Brinjal canneloni
• Mushroom Ceviche
• Mushroom Dutch Baby

MOUSSAKA AND BRINJAL CANNELONI (BUTTON)

Serves 4 – 6

Brinjal rolls:

• 2 large brinjals
• olive oil, for brushing

Moussaka filling:

• 5ml oil
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 200g minced lamb
• 200g button mushrooms, minced
• 15ml harissa paste
• 5ml ground cumin
• 3ml ground cinnamon
• ½ jar passata tomato sauce
• 1 (410g) can brown lentils, drained

To assemble:

• 150g fresh ricotta, crumbled
• 50g thick Greek-style yoghurt
• 35g Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ jar passata tomato sauce

Brinjal rolls:

1. Cut the brinjals lengthwise into ½ cm thick slices.
2. Lightly brush both sides of the brinjal with some olive oil.
3. Heat a griddle pan or braai.
4. Cook the brinjal slices, in batches, for 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool.

Moussaka filling:

1. Heat the oil in a pan and gently fry the onion and garlic for 4 – 5 minutes.
2. Fry the lamb and mushrooms for 3 – 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the harissa paste, cumin, cinnamon and tomato sauce.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the lentils and set aside to cool.

To assemble:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C.
2. Combine the ricotta cheese, yoghurt and half of the Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
3. Place a brinjal slice on a work surface and top with a little of the ricotta mixture and a spoonful of the mushroom and lamb mixture.
4. Roll up to enclose filling. Spread the remaining tomato sauce on the base of an ovenproof dish and place the brinjal roll on top.
5. Repeat with remaining brinjal slices and place in a single layer in the baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the brinjals.
7. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes.
8. Top with fresh herbs, if desired, before serving.