Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced eggplant and cook for another 5 minutes, until slightly browned.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Serve the stew over cooked white rice.