Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka, an exquisite dish that harmonizes layers of spiced ground lamb or beef, tender eggplant, and a creamy béchamel sauce. This comforting Mediterranean casserole is perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners, showcasing rich textures and tastes that will impress your guests. Bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, this moussaka recipe invites you to experience the heart of Greek cuisine right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 eggplants
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 large sweet onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) canned tomatoes
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice eggplants into rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
- Sauté eggplant slices in olive oil until golden brown; set aside.
- Cook onions until translucent; add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the ground lamb or beef; stir in canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, and a cinnamon stick. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk until thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplant followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat layers and finish with béchamel sauce on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice to enhance flavor.