Traditional Greek Moussaka
Welcome to the heart of Greek culinary tradition with this exquisite Moussaka dish. Combining the earthy flavors of eggplant with the savory richness of ground lamb, this dish is the epitome of heartwarming Greek comfort food. Moussaka is a journey of taste, mingling the gentle sweetness of cinnamon with the robust flavors of lamb, potatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or an adventurous culinary explorer, this recipe promises a rewarding experience, both in the making and the savoring. Dig in and enjoy the harmonious blend of Southern European cuisine in the comfort of your home.
Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert
Preparation time: 45 minutes, Cooking time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
- 250 grams eggplant
- 200 grams ground lamb
- 200 grams potatoes
- 100 grams onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 200 grams tomatoes
- 100 ml olive oil
- 200 ml milk
- 50 grams butter
- 50 grams flour
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 10 grams parsley
- 5 grams oregano
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Slice eggplant and potatoes into thin rounds. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Fry the eggplant and potatoes in olive oil until golden. Set aside to drain.
- In a skillet, cook the ground lamb with chopped onion and garlic until browned, then add chopped tomatoes, parsley, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the lamb is cooked.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to form a béchamel sauce.
- Layer potatoes in a baking dish, add a layer of lamb, then eggplant. Repeat layering, topping with béchamel sauce.
- Bake in the oven for 45 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Tips
- Ensure potatoes and eggplant are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Take the lids off the frying pan to let the flavors of the lamb concentrate.
- Allow the Moussaka to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 140 | 560 |
| Energy (kJ) | 586 | 2344 |
| Fat (g) | 10 | 40 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 4 | 16 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 9 | 36 |
| Sugars (g) | 3 | 12 |
| Proteins (g) | 5 | 20 |
| Salt (g) | 0.5 | 2 |
