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Authentic Greek Moussaka

Authentic Greek Moussaka: A Cozy Mediterranean Classic

Authentic Greek Moussaka is a layered Mediterranean dish of roasted eggplant, meat sauce, and béchamel, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Eggplant Layer
  • 2 large Eggplant Sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 4 tablespoons Olive Oil For roasting
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Halal-certified
  • 1 large Onion Chopped; yellow or sweet
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Canned
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Concentrated flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Optional
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Fresh or dried, to taste
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Alcohol-free
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Or margarine for dairy-free
  • ¼ cup Flour Can use gluten-free
  • 2 cups Milk Nut milk or cream for dairy-free
  • 1 large Egg Commercial egg replacer for vegan
  • 1 cup Grated Cheese Dairy-free substitute optional
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg Optional seasoning

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Oven

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Slice the eggplants into ½-inch rounds, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic, add ground beef, cook until browned; incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, and beef broth; simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a roux, gradually add warm milk, cook until thickened, then stir in egg and cheese with nutmeg.
  4. Layer eggplant, then meat sauce, another layer of eggplant, and top with béchamel in a baking dish.
  5. Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until top is bubbling and golden.
  6. Let rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Moussaka is best served after resting to ensure perfect slices. Experiment with spices for a personal touch.

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