Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 lbs ground lamb or 1 1/2 lbs beef
1 cup onion , chopped
1 garlic clove , minced
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon basil
3 tablespoons parsley , chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup red wine or 1 cup white wine
2 medium eggplants
salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 cup light cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs , beaten
1/2 cup cheddar cheese , grated
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese , grated
2 tablespoons butter , melted
Moussaka is a Greek dish that is enjoyed around the world. It is a layered casserole typically made with eggplant, ground meat, and a white sauce. There are many variations of moussaka, but the traditional recipe always includes eggplant. Moussaka is a labor-intensive dish that requires a fair amount of preparation, but the end result is a flavorful and memorable meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Worth the Work Moussaka is a classic recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Instructions

1.Peel eggplants and cut them lengthwise into slices approximately 3/4 inch thick. Salt each slice and place on paper towels for an hour to allow the bitter juices to drain.
2.In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add ground meat and onion and cook until meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
3.Add garlic, oregano, nutmeg, basil, parsley, pepper, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and wine and simmer for 20 minutes.
4.Rinse the eggplant slices and pat dry. Fry the eggplant in the vegetable oil until lightly browned on each side. Remove slices from skillet and place on paper towels to drain.
5.In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, salt, and pepper, and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
6.Preheat oven to 350°F. Layer eggplant slices, meat sauce, and white sauce in a deep casserole dish. Continue to layer until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of white sauce on top. Mix together the beaten eggs, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Pour evenly over the top of the dish and then pour the melted butter on top.
7.Bake for 45-50 minutes or until browned on top.
8.Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

PROS

Moussaka is a hearty meal that will leave your taste buds and your stomach satisfied.
It is a great dish to serve to a crowd, as it is filling and flavorful.
The layers of eggplant, meat sauce, and white sauce create a complex dish that is sure to impress.

CONS

This dish is quite time-consuming to make, as it requires several steps and a lot of preparation.
It is also fairly high in fat, though the addition of eggplant does provide some balance.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Eggplant, one of the main ingredients of moussaka, is high in fiber and low in calories, making it a great vegetable choice for those watching their weight. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against cancer and other diseases. The dish also contains protein from the meat, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.