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Traditional Greek Moussaka

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  • Author: Emma Delaney
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A timeless Greek comfort dish made with layers of roasted eggplant, rich spiced meat sauce, and velvety béchamel—baked until golden and bubbling for the ultimate Mediterranean casserole.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • Salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warm
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit 20 minutes. Pat dry, brush with olive oil, and roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
  2. For the meat sauce, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Deglaze with red wine (if using).
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
  4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, then stir in nutmeg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cool slightly, then whisk in the egg.
  5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant, all of the meat sauce, the remaining eggplant, and finish with the béchamel sauce.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground lamb for a more traditional flavor.
  • Red wine adds depth but can be omitted if desired.
  • Allowing the dish to rest helps it set for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/traditional-greek-moussaka/