Ingredients
– 2 large eggplants, sliced
– 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 pound ground beef or lamb
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil, for frying
– 2 cups béchamel sauce (see recipe below)
– 1 cup grated cheese (e.g., kefalotyri or Parmesan)
Instructions
Creating Traditional Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka can be straightforward if you follow these detailed steps:
1. Prepare Eggplants:
– Slice the eggplants into ½-inch rounds. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Fry Eggplants:
– In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare Potatoes:
– In the same skillet, fry the potato slices until they are lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Meat:
– In the skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft. Add ground meat, cooking until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Make Béchamel Sauce:
– In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in beaten eggs, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Assemble the Moussaka:
– In a baking dish, arrange a layer of potatoes at the bottom. Then, add a layer of meat sauce followed by a layer of fried eggplants. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with the béchamel sauce on top.
7. Top with Cheese:
– Sprinkle grated cheese over the béchamel layer, creating a delicious crust when baked.
8. Bake:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45-60 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
9. Cool Before Serving:
– Allow the moussaka to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing; this helps it to hold its shape.
Following these simple steps will lead you to create an amazing Traditional Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka that will delight everyone at the table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 25g