Moussaka

Prep time: 40 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Country of Origin: Greece

Description

A baked Greek casserole featuring layers of sautéed sliced eggplant, potatoes, spiced spiced lamb meat sauce, topped with thick creamy béchamel.

Presentation & How It's Eaten

Cut into neat rectangular slices after resting, served warm as a main dish with a Greek side salad.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

• 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced thin

• 1.5 lbs ground lamb (or beef)

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 4 cups milk

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 egg yolks

• 1/2 cup Kefalotyri (or Parmesan) cheese, grated

• Olive oil, salt, and black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roast Veggies: Brush eggplant and potato slices with olive oil, season with salt, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until tender.

2. Cook Meat Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground lamb, browning thoroughly. Stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper; simmer 20 minutes.

3. Make Béchamel: Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in flour for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in warm milk until thick sauce forms. Remove heat, stir in cheese, pinch of nutmeg, and whisk in egg yolks.

4. Layer Casserole: In a 9x13 baking dish, layer potatoes, half the eggplant, all meat sauce, remaining eggplant, and spread béchamel over top.

5. Bake & Rest: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until top is golden brown. Rest for 30 minutes before cutting.

Optional

• Zucchini Layer: Substitute half the eggplant with sliced roasted zucchini.

Cooking Tips

• Crucial Resting Step: Allow moussaka to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing so béchamel sets and layers stay intact.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~560 kcal

• Total Fat: 36g

• Saturated Fat: 17g

• Cholesterol: 145mg

• Sodium: 590mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 34g

• Dietary Fiber: 5g

• Sugars: 8g

• Protein: 26g