<aside> 📋 Vegan Moussaka

You’ll fall deep into comfort food heaven after tasting this Vegan Moussaka. This Greek layered casserole is delightfully indulgent, featuring layers of roasted potatoes and eggplant, a rich “meat” sauce, and an incredible vegan bechamel, all baked to creamy perfection. A must for special occasions!

8 servings • Prep time: 60 minutes • Cook time: 75 minutes • Total time: 135 minutes

Ingredients

• [ ] 1 1/2 pounds (680g) eggplant ((medium-to-large sized works best))
• [ ] Kosher salt
• [ ] 2 pounds (900g) Yukon gold potatoes
• [ ] 6 tablespoons olive oil, (divided)
• [ ] 2 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, (divided)
• [ ] 3 garlic cloves, (grated or minced )
• [ ] Freshly cracked black pepper
• [ ] 2 tablespoons olive oil
• [ ] 1 medium yellow onion, (chopped)
• [ ] 4 garlic cloves, (grated, minced, or finely chopped )
• [ ] 1 cinnamon stick*
• [ ] 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves* ((no need to chop, small bunches are fine too))
• [ ] 1 pinch of ground cloves
• [ ] 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes ((optional; omit for mild; use 1 tsp for a kick))
• [ ] 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• [ ] 12 to 16 ounces (340 to 450g) vegan ground meat ((we like Impossible Burger)**)
• [ ] 8 ounces (227g) cremini mushrooms (or mushrooms of choice), (finely chopped or pulsed in food processor)
• [ ] ⅓ cup (80 mL) dry red wine ((see notes for substitute)***)
• [ ] 1 28-ounce (800g) can of crushed tomatoes
• [ ] 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• [ ] 1 bay leaf
• [ ] 1/2 teaspoon porcini mushroom powder ((optional for extra savory oomph) )
• [ ] 1 large handful of fresh basil (or parsley, chopped)
• [ ] 1 cup (140g) raw cashews, (soaked overnight or quick soaked*)
• [ ] 1 3/4 cups (420 mL) water
• [ ] 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• [ ] 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• [ ] 1/2 cup (40g) nutritional yeast
• [ ] 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, (more to taste)
• [ ] 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick / 56g) vegan butter ((or extra virgin olive oil))
• [ ] ⅓ cup (42g) all-purpose flour**
• [ ] 1/2 cup (38g) panko bread crumbs* ((optional for a crispy top))
• [ ] Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• [ ] Flaky sea salt
• [ ] 1 large handful of fresh basil (or parsley, chopped (optional)) </aside>