Ingredients
– 2 large eggplants
– 2 medium potatoes
– 1 pound ground beef or lamb
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup red wine (optional)
– 1 cup grated cheese (Kefalotyri or Parmesan)
– Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
Creating your own Traditional Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka involves several steps, but don’t worry! With this straightforward guide, you’ll have no trouble creating this incredible dish. Follow these steps:
1. Prepare Eggplants: Slice the eggplants into ½-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into thin slices. Boil them for about 10 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned.
4. Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cinnamon, oregano, salt, pepper, and red wine. Simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened.
5. Fry the Eggplants: In another skillet, heat olive oil and fry the eggplant slices until golden. Drain on paper towels.
6. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour, stirring for 2-3 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking until thickened. Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly, then whisk in eggs, nutmeg, salt, and cheese.
7. Layer the Moussaka: In a large baking dish, layer half of the potato slices at the bottom, followed by half of the eggplants, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers and finish with the Béchamel sauce on top. Sprinkle additional cheese.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
9. Cool Down: Remove from the oven and let the Moussaka cool for about 30 minutes to help the layers set.
These clear instructions will guide you through the process of creating the Traditional Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka step by step.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 25g