Description
Classic Greek Moussaka is a traditional dish made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices in batches and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the nutmeg, ricotta cheese, and one egg.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the potato slices on the bottom. Follow with half of the eggplant, then half of the meat mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining potatoes on top.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the final layer and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms.
- Add a layer of béchamel sauce for extra creaminess by mixing in some shredded mozzarella cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg