Moussaka

Moussaka: A Mediterranean Delight

Moussaka is a rich, layered dish that hails from the Mediterranean, celebrated for its deep flavors and comforting qualities. This culinary masterpiece combines succulent layers of eggplant, potatoes, and a savory meat sauce, all topped with a creamy béchamel sauce that browns beautifully in the oven. It’s a dish that embodies the warmth and generosity of Mediterranean cuisine, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love Moussaka

• Complex Flavors: Each layer of moussaka offers a unique taste, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Rich in ingredients, moussaka is a filling dish that’s perfect for satisfying hunger.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, moussaka fits right in with its elegant presentation and delicious taste.

Discover the Layers of Delight

Moussaka’s allure lies in its layers, each contributing its own texture and flavor to the dish. The bottom layer often consists of tender slices of eggplant or potatoes, providing a sturdy base. Atop this sits a flavorful meat sauce, traditionally made with ground lamb or beef, enriched with tomatoes, onions, and a medley of Mediterranean spices. The final touch is a creamy béchamel sauce, which blankets the dish in a rich, velvety layer that turns golden and slightly crispy upon baking. This combination of textures and flavors makes moussaka a dish that’s as pleasurable to eat as it is to present at the table.

Embracing the essence of Mediterranean cooking, moussaka is a testament to the region’s love for fresh, flavorful ingredients and hearty dishes. Its preparation is a labor of love, but the result is undoubtedly worth the effort, promising a dining experience that’s both comforting and exotic. Dive into the layers of moussaka, and savor a dish that’s been cherished across generations, continuing to win hearts with its timeless appeal.

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Moussaka

Author: Annie Cuisine: Mediterranean Courses: Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food F Flavorful H Hearty

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 45 mins Cook Time 60 mins Rest Time 20 mins Total Time 2 hrs 5 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 600

Best Season: all year

Dietary:

N Non Vegetarian Option

Description

Moussaka is a rich, layered dish from the Mediterranean, known for its deep flavors and comforting qualities. It combines eggplant, potatoes, and savory meat sauce, topped with creamy béchamel.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Eggplant

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• Salt (for drawing water out of eggplant)
• Olive oil (for brushing)

For the Meat Sauce

• 500 g ground lamb or beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (400g)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp allspice
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (heated)
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preparing the Eggplant

1. Slice the eggplants and lay them out on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out bitterness.
   
2. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Rinse the eggplant slices with water, pat dry, brush both sides with olive oil, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until soft.
   

Making the Meat Sauce

1. In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, letting flavors meld.

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in heated milk until sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Assembling and Baking

1. In a deep baking dish, layer eggplant slices, then meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of eggplant. Pour béchamel sauce over the top, spreading evenly.
2. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 slice

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

Calories from Fat 300kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33gg51%

Saturated Fat 15gg75%

Trans Fat 0gg

Cholesterol 85mgmg29%

Sodium 700mgmg30%

Potassium 900mgmg26%

Total Carbohydrate 45gg15%

Dietary Fiber 10gg40%

Sugars 15gg

Protein 25gg50%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or a meat substitute. Adjust spices as needed.

Keywords: Moussaka, Mediterranean dish, eggplant, béchamel sauce

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