Try frying the veg up in a cast iron pan, then transferring it to the oven when the lentils broth and rice are added. If you have a cast iron without a lid tin foil works fine.
I usually make this cake vanilla instead of chocolate by adding extra vanilla and cinnamon and omitting cocoa. Ripe bananas can also be added to both chocolate and vanilla versions of this cake. This is the same recipe used by 'food not bombs' in my home town, they call it anar-cake!
I love these! I used puff pastry instead of cresent rolls because I had some in the fridge, and I pressed them shut with a fork for a crispier edge. I also made extra filling and mixed it with tomatoe paste and rice for a side dish.