Moussaka –Today, I want to share with you a delicious recipe for Moussaka, a classic Mediterranean dish that is perfect for any occasion. This hearty baked casserole layered with eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dish.
Moussaka
Here’s a beautiful picture of the finished Moussaka, just waiting to be served.
Ingredients
To prepare Moussaka, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your tasty Moussaka:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle salt on the sliced eggplant and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic, followed by ground meat, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- In a separate pan, heat milk for the béchamel sauce. In another pot, whisk the flour with olive oil until smooth. Slowly add warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the eggs and half the cheese.
- Now, in a baking dish, layer half the eggplant, followed by the meat mixture, and then the remaining eggplant.
- Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Moussaka!
This dish is not only comforting and rich in flavor but also a wonderful way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your home. Serve it with a fresh salad, and you’re all set for a delightful meal!