Description
Indulge in Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka, a beloved Mediterranean dish that masterfully combines layers of spiced meat, tender eggplant, and a creamy béchamel sauce. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, offering a rich flavor profile that will have your guests coming back for more. With its inviting aroma and satisfying textures, this moussaka is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) canned tomatoes
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup for meat mixture + 1/4 cup for béchamel)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice eggplants, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté eggplant until golden brown. Set aside on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, cook onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add ground lamb or beef to the skillet, browning it before mixing in canned tomatoes and cinnamon stick. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- For the béchamel sauce: melt butter in a saucepan, add flour while whisking until bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices followed by half of the meat mixture; repeat layers ending with béchamel on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg