Balkan-Style Moussaka

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 0
Balkan-Style Moussaka, a traditional dish from the Balkans
in Dinner

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 hr

Ready In

1 hr 35 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 - 2 1/2 lbs eggplants , sliced lengthwise about 1/3-inch thick
salt
1 lb lean ground lamb or 1 lb lean ground beef
water
4 tablespoons olive oil , divided , plus additional for greasing
2 medium onions , chopped
2 large garlic cloves , minced ( or pressed )
14 1/2 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste , heaping
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika , divided , rounded
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon , rounded
3 whole cloves , ground in a mortar
3 allspice berries , ground in a mortar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 bay leaf
fresh ground black pepper , to taste
7 eggs , divided
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley , chopped
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup fresh kefalotiri , grated

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
531
Sugar
9g
Fat
38g
Balkan-Style Moussaka is a traditional dish from the Balkan region, specifically from Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia. It is a hearty meat-based casserole that typically consists of layers of fried eggplants, ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and cheese, all baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to feed a crowd. Get ready to enjoy a rich, savory and flavorful casserole that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean!

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2.Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 20-30 minutes to release their bitter juices. Rinse and pat dry.
3.In a skillet, cook the ground lamb or beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain the fat.
4.In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, onions, and garlic. Cook until softened.
5.Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, sugar, bay leaf, 1/4 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
6.In a different bowl, beat 2 eggs, parsley, yogurt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and grated kefalotiri cheese until blended.
7.In a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange one layer of eggplant slices. Spread half of the meat mixture over the eggplant. Repeat layers.
8.Pour the egg mixture over the layers. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

PROS

Balkan-Style Moussaka is a hearty, delicious, and comforting dish that is perfect for cold and lazy weekends.

This dish is packed with flavor and spices, and it is easy to make in large batches.

CONS

This dish is high in fat and calories due to the ground meat and cheese.

It may not be suitable for people on a low-fat or low-calorie diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish contains eggplant, which is low in calories and high in fiber and nutrients.
Eggplants may also help lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and aid in weight loss.

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