Greek moussaka is a popular dish in Greek cuisine that resembles lasagna but has an eggplant base instead of pasta. The dish is topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden brown. The article provides a step-by-step guide and recipe for preparing moussaka at home. The ingredients required include eggplant, ground beef or lamb, cinnamon, oregano, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, red wine, butter, flour, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. The eggplants are first prepared by placing them on paper towels and then frying them until golden brown. Then, the meat sauce and béchamel sauce are prepared and layered over the eggplants before being baked.
Greek Moussaka: A Classic Mediterranean Recipe for a Hearty Meal
Introduction
Moussaka is a classic dish in Greek cuisine. It is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for serving at dinner parties, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners. Moussaka is a layered dish that is similar to lasagna but with an eggplant base instead of pasta. It is topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden brown. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide and recipe for making Greek moussaka at home.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Salt
- Oil for frying
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup red wine
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- For the Béchamel sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants
Lay the eggplant slices in a single layer on paper towels and sprinkle them with salt. The salt will help draw out the moisture from the eggplant and make them less bitter. Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Fry the Eggplants
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large frying pan, cook the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add in the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Stir in cinnamon, oregano, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and red wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
Step 4: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until the mixture turns golden. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Moussaka
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the fried eggplant slices in a single layer. Spoon half of the meat sauce on top of the eggplant. Layer the remaining eggplant on top of the meat sauce and spread the remaining meat sauce over the eggplant. Pour béchamel sauce over the top of the moussaka, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake the Moussaka
Bake the moussaka in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Greek moussaka is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for serving to your family or guests. It is a classic Mediterranean dish that combines the flavors of meat, eggplant, and creamy béchamel sauce to create a perfect blend of flavors. Follow the steps in this recipe to make your own moussaka at home – it’s a great way to enjoy a taste of Greece without having to leave your own kitchen!