Moussaka

Moussaka is a popular Greek dish that is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients. This hearty casserole is a perfect choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This dish is traditionally made with layers of sliced eggplant, minced meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, but today I will provide you with a plant-based version that is equally delicious and satisfying. In this blog post, I will guide you through the ingredients and steps needed to make this indulgent dish.

Ingredients

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 medium eggplant, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
• 1-1/2 pounds ground lamb or ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1-1/4 cups hot water
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste, divided
• 1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups 2% milk
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°. Arrange potato and eggplant slices in 2 greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans, overlapping as needed. Bake until cooked through, 20 minutes. Set aside; reduce oven setting to 400°.
2. In a large skillet, cook lamb, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, 7-9 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in tomatoes, water, tomato paste, 1/4 teaspoon salt, oregano, paprika, cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
4. Arrange parcooked potatoes in a greased 13×9-in. baking dish, overlapping as needed. Top with lamb mixture. Arrange eggplant over top, overlapping as needed.
5. Top with bechamel sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.

Making moussaka can take some time, but the end product is definitely worth it. This Greek dish is perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike. Give this recipe a try at your next dinner party, and impress your guests with a delicious and nutritious homemade meal. Remember, you can always switch up the ingredients to make it your own!

Nutrition Facts

• 1 serving: 453 calories
• 25g fat (13g saturated fat)
• 99mg cholesterol
• 700mg sodium
• 30g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber)
• 28g protein.