Moussaka is a layered Greek dish with eggplant, potatoes, meaty sauce and béchamel sauce. This dish is a staple of Greek cuisine and perfect for family dinner or a dinner party. Preparing moussaka from scratch may seem daunting, but it is quite simple. First, slice eggplants and potatoes, grill them, and prepare the meat sauce using onion, garlic, and ground beef. Then prepare the béchamel sauce with milk, flour, and Parmesan cheese, and layer the grilled vegetables, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce in a large baking dish. Bake the dish for 45 minutes, and let it sit before serving.
Greece on a Plate: How to Make Moussaka from Scratch
Introduction
Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish that consists of layers of grilled eggplant, potatoes, and a rich meaty sauce, all topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. This delicious meal is a staple of Greek cuisine and is perfect for a hearty family dinner or a dinner party. Making moussaka from scratch may seem daunting, but the process is actually quite simple. In this step-by-step guide, we will teach you how to make moussaka from scratch.
Ingredients
Before we start making our moussaka, let’s gather all the ingredients we will need to prepare it.
- 2 large eggplants
- 4-5 potatoes
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
The first step in making moussaka from scratch is to prepare the vegetables. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to remove any excess moisture. In the meantime, peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.
Step 2: Grill the Vegetables
After the eggplants have released their moisture, rinse them with cold water and pat them dry. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/4 cup of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the eggplant slices and grill them until golden brown on both sides. Do the same with the potatoes.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
While the vegetables are grilling, we can prepare the meat sauce. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil to a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and ground beef and cook until the beef is browned. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon stick, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the meat sauce simmer for about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
Now we move on to preparing the béchamel sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously. Cook the béchamel sauce until it thickens, and then add 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
We are now ready to assemble the moussaka. In a large baking dish, layer half of the grilled eggplant slices, followed by a layer of sliced potatoes. Pour the meat sauce over the potatoes and spread it evenly. Cover the meat sauce with the remaining eggplant slices and then pour the béchamel sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake the Moussaka
Bake the moussaka in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the béchamel sauce turns golden brown. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Making moussaka from scratch is a great way to enjoy Greek cuisine in the comfort of your own home. With this easy-to-follow guide, you will be able to make a delicious moussaka that will impress your guests and make your family members happy. So, go ahead and give it a try, and let us know how it turns out. Happy cooking!