Moussaka: A Mediterranean Delight
Indulge in the comforting layers of moussaka, a luscious Mediterranean dish that combines roasted eggplant, seasoned ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners, this recipe invites everyone to gather around the table. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, each bite feels like a warm hug. Easy to customize for dietary needs, moussaka is sure to become a beloved staple in your home!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplant by slicing into rounds and salting them to draw out moisture for 30 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and ground meat; cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce and spices; let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while stirring continuously until thickened. Season with nutmeg and salt.
- In a baking dish, layer sliced potatoes at the bottom followed by half of the meat mixture and eggplant slices. Repeat layers ending with meat on top.
- Pour béchamel over the top layer and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg