Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, ground beef, and béchamel sauce. To make it, slice and salt the eggplant, then cook the ground beef with onion, garlic, tomatoes, wine, and spices. Make the béchamel sauce separately. Layer the eggplant, meat mixture, and sauce in a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool before serving. This dish is a flavorful and comforting taste of Greece that is perfect for any occasion. Follow this recipe to recreate the flavors of Greece in your own kitchen.

A Taste of Greece: Sink Your Teeth into Traditional Moussaka

Introduction

If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of moussaka. This delicious dish is a staple in Greek cooking, and for good reason. Layers of eggplant, ground meat, and creamy béchamel sauce come together to create a flavorful and comforting meal that will transport you straight to the streets of Athens. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making traditional moussaka in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the béchamel sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

Start by slicing the eggplants into 1/4 inch rounds. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out the bitter juices. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Moussaka

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a greased baking dish, layer the eggplant slices on the bottom. Top with the meat mixture, followed by another layer of eggplant. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Moussaka

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the moussaka cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this taste of Greece with a side of salad or crusty bread.

Conclusion

Moussaka is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner party. By following this step-by-step guide, you can recreate the flavors of Greece in your own kitchen. So grab your apron and get cooking!