Mouthwatering Greek Moussaka Recipe

Moussaka Recipe

Description: Dive into the delectable flavors of this authentic Moussaka recipe from lovewithrecipes.com, a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with Mediterranean flair. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this Greek-inspired dish layers tender eggplant with a rich meat or mushroom sauce, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. With just under 4 hours from start to finish, including prep and cook time, this dish is sure to become a household favorite for its hearty, satisfying taste and straightforward preparation.

Recipe Overview:

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants
• 1 large mushroom (optional)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 3 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Prepare Eggplant: Trim the stems from the eggplants, then slice them lengthwise and crosswise into 1/2-inch slices, resembling half-moons. Place the slices on paper towels, lightly salt them, and set them aside.

3. Cook Meat or Mushroom: In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the meat or mushrooms until browned. If necessary, drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender.

4. Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, salt, ground nutmeg, white pepper, dried oregano, chopped parsley, tomato paste, and dry red wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.

5. Prepare Eggplant (Optional): Blot any excess moisture from the eggplant slices with paper towels. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, brush them with olive oil, and bake until lightly browned, around 10 minutes, turning them halfway through.

6. Make Cream Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, ground nutmeg, and white pepper. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk. Return the pan to the heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

7. Temper Eggs: In a small bowl, beat the eggs and an additional yolk. Temper the eggs by gradually adding a small amount of the hot milk mixture, then slowly pour the eggs into the sauce, stirring continuously over low heat until well combined.

8. Assemble Moussaka: In an ungreased square or oval casserole dish, layer half of the eggplant slices. Top with the meat or mushroom sauce and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Layer the remaining eggplant slices on top, pour the cream sauce over them, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

9. Refrigerate (Optional): At this stage, you can cover the assembled moussaka and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.

10. Bake: Bake the moussaka in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

11. Serve: Once baked, let the moussaka cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 344.9
• Fat Content: 23.7g
• Saturated Fat Content: 8.1g
• Cholesterol Content: 131.4mg
• Sodium Content: 930.1mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 17.9g
• Fiber Content: 5.8g
• Sugar Content: 5.3g
• Protein Content: 13.7g

Recipe Notes:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use additional mushrooms or other vegetables.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices according to your taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious meal the next day.

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this classic Moussaka recipe, a hearty dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a main course or served alongside a fresh salad, this comforting dish is sure to impress with its rich layers of flavor and satisfying texture. Treat yourself to a taste of the Mediterranean tonight! 🍆🍅🧀