Moussaka Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375掳F (190掳C). Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
• STEP 2.Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry. Brush both sides with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden.
• STEP 3.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Add the onions and garlic, and cook until softened.
• STEP 4.Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• STEP 5.In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
• STEP 6.Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the egg yolks. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• STEP 7.To assemble the moussaka, layer half of the roasted eggplant slices in a greased baking dish. Spread half of the meat sauce over the eggplant. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant and meat sauce.
• STEP 8.Pour the b茅chamel sauce over the top layer of meat sauce, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
• STEP 9.Bake the moussaka in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
• STEP 10.Serve the moussaka warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• Salting the eggplant slices helps to remove excess moisture and improve their texture.
• You can use ground beef, lamb, or a combination of both for the meat sauce.
• Feel free to add additional spices or herbs to the meat sauce, such as thyme or bay leaves, for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms.
• Moussaka tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover moussaka can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
• Serve moussaka as a main course with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• It pairs well with a Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.