Moussaka
Moussaka, a classic Mediterranean dish, combines layers of tender eggplant, seasoned ground meat, and creamy béchamel sauce into a comforting culinary experience. This hearty casserole not only warms the soul but also tantalizes your taste buds with its rich flavors and inviting aromas. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home, moussaka is a dish that promises to impress everyone around the table.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 tbsp butter (for béchamel sauce)
- 4 tbsp flour (for béchamel sauce)
- 2 cups milk (for béchamel sauce)
- 1 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare eggplants: Sprinkle sliced eggplants with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to remove bitterness.
- Sauté meat mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onions until golden brown. Add minced garlic and ground meat; cook until browned.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in canned tomatoes, diced bell pepper, and cinnamon stick. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Make béchamel: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour until bubbly. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Layer ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplants, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat layers.
- Add cheese and bake: Pour béchamel over the top layer, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 250g
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg