Greek Moussaka: A Mediterranean Comfort Food Classic

Dive into the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with Greek Moussaka: A Mediterranean Comfort Food Classic!

This iconic dish features layers of tender eggplant, hearty ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to golden perfection.

Moussaka is a beloved comfort food in Greece, offering a warm and satisfying meal that's perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

How to Make Greek Moussaka 👇👇👇

Ingredients

For the Eggplant Layer:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• Olive oil for brushing
• Salt

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.

• Roast the eggplant slices in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and lightly browned. Set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.

• Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), cinnamon, oregano, allspice, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

• Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Moussaka:

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

• In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant slices at the bottom. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the eggplant layer.
• Place the remaining eggplant slices on top of the meat sauce. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the entire dish.

5. Bake the Moussaka:

Bake the Moussaka in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the Moussaka to cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Grocery List for Easy Shopping

• Eggplants
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Ground beef or lamb
• Onion
• Garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Red wine (optional)
• Ground cinnamon
• Dried oregano
• Ground allspice
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Nutmeg

This Greek Moussaka is perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal, bringing the rich tastes of the Mediterranean right to your table. Enjoy every delicious bite! 🌟🍽️

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