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Greek Moussaka

Greek Moussaka is a sumptuous layered dish that embodies the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. Featuring tender eggplant, savory ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, this classic Greek recipe delights the palate with its rich flavors and textures. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, Greek Moussaka is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggplants (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice eggplants into rounds; sprinkle with salt and let sit in a colander for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ground meat; cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and cinnamon.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened; stir in nutmeg and cheese.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish, layer eggplant slices, half the meat sauce, more eggplant, remaining meat sauce, and top with béchamel.
  5. Bake for about 1 hour until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, replace ground meat with lentils or mushrooms. - Choose firm eggplants for optimal texture during cooking. - Allow the moussaka to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking for enhanced flavor.