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Greek Moussaka

Greek Moussaka That Will Warm Your Heart and Soul

Indulge in this Greek Moussaka—a comforting dish with layered flavors of eggplant, meat, and béchamel that brings Mediterranean warmth to your table.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Vegetable Layers
  • 2 medium Eggplants Choose firm ones
  • 3 medium Potatoes Cut into ¼-inch rounds
  • 2 medium Zucchini Cut into ¼-inch rounds
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Meat (Beef or Lamb) Beef is milder; lamb offers authenticity
  • 1 medium Onion Sweet red onion is ideal
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes Canned varieties work perfectly
  • ½ cup Red Wine Optional but enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme
  • ¼ cup Parsley Fresh, chopped
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Essential for a creamy basis
  • ¼ cup Gluten-Free Flour Can use regular flour if not gluten-free
  • 3 cups Milk For a creamy consistency
  • 3 large Egg Yolks Fresh
  • ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg Enhances flavor
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Kefalograviera Cheese Substitute with Parmesan or Pecorino if needed

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • cutting board
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Slice the eggplants, zucchini, and potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the salted eggplant, zucchini, and potato slices in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  3. In a large pot, sauté the chopped red onion over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, stirring for another minute. Incorporate ground meat, browning it for approximately 6-8 minutes, then deglaze with red wine and simmer briefly.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes along with cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat until it thickens. Stir in chopped parsley just before removing from heat.
  5. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in gluten-free flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened, around 5-7 minutes. Blend in egg yolks and nutmeg.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Layer potato slices at the bottom of a greased baking dish, followed by eggplant and zucchini. Season each layer with salt, pepper, and cheese. Finish with the meat sauce on top.
  7. Spread the béchamel sauce over the layered moussaka and sprinkle more cheese on top.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Cover with foil at the 30-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
  9. Let the moussaka rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing for easier serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the flavors to meld by resting the moussaka before serving. This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals.

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