Discover the rich flavors of Greek Moussaka, an authentic Mediterranean delight. This classic dish features layers of eggplant, seasoned ground meat, and creamy béchamel sauce. Perfectly balanced and full of aromatic herbs and spices, Greek Moussaka is a crowd-pleasing favorite. Try our easy-to-follow recipe and bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Recipe: Greek Moussaka
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle them with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse the slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and cook the onion until softened. Add the minced garlic and ground meat, and cook until browned. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and whisk until well combined. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth sauce. Remove from heat and stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cool slightly before whisking in the beaten eggs.
- To assemble the moussaka, spread half of the eggplant slices in a single layer on the bottom of a baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then repeat with another layer of eggplant and meat sauce. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the authentic flavors of Greek Moussaka!
Note: Moussaka is even more flavorful if allowed to rest for a while before serving, so consider making it ahead of time and reheating it when ready to serve.
This authentic Greek Moussaka recipe is sure to impress with its layers of deliciousness and comforting flavors. Serve it as a main course with a side salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen!