Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions , finely chopped
2 garlic cloves , crushed
1 kg ground beef
2 cans chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine
3/4 cup pitted kalamata olive , chopped ( approx 175g )
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
salt ( say , 1/2 teaspoon )
600 g potatoes , peeled & sliced into 1/4 inch slices
1 1/4 kg eggplants
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup grated tasty cheddar cheese
70 g butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups hot milk
2 eggs , lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated kefalograviera cheese ( or 1/2 cup parmesan cheese , if unavailable )
Moussaka is a classic Mediterranean dish that's commonly found in Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. This version, known as Baz's Moussaka, is a hearty casserole that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and eggplant with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This dish is a perfect dinner option that will leave you feeling satisfied while also providing a nutritious, well-rounded meal that's perfect for feeding and impressing friends and family. With flavors that burst in your mouth, Baz's Moussaka is sure to become a household favorite.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a large rectangular baking dish.
2.Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and saute the onions and garlic for a few minutes until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3.Add the chopped tomatoes, red wine, olives, oregano, basil, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4.While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the sliced potatoes in a separate frying pan until lightly browned. Once done, set aside.
5.Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch slices and sprinkle with salt. Let rest for around 15 minutes to remove excess water. Rinse off the salt and pat the eggplant slices with a clean kitchen towel.
6.In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese.
7.In a separate saucepan, heat butter and flour over medium heat and whisk until smooth. Add hot milk and keep whisking until the mixture thickens. Take off the heat and let cool for a few minutes before adding in the two lightly beaten eggs. Mix well.
8.To assemble the dish, arrange the potato slices in the greased baking dish. Add a layer of eggplant slices on top of the potatoes, followed by the beef mixture. Sprinkle with the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Add another layer of eggplant slices and cover with the prepared sauce.
9.Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the moussaka is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

Baz’s Moussaka is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s rich in flavor and packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
The dish is also low in sugar and high in antioxidants.

CONS

This dish can be high in calories and fat due to the beef and cheese, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It may also be time-consuming to prepare.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is loaded with nutrients that promote good health, including protein to build and repair tissues, fiber to support digestive health, potassium to regulate blood pressure and heart health, and vitamins A and C to boost immune function and promote healthy skin. The dish also contains antioxidants that can protect against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

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