Casseroles: Greek Moussaka

Greek Moussaka

SpiceBreeze
Though Moussaka doesn’t origin in Greece, it became the best known of all Greek dishes. Authentic Moussaka is a casserole made with ground lamb and eggplant covered with a thick layer of béchamel sauce. The latter is quite tricky to master. Alternatively, try a combination with Kleftiko, a lamb dish baked in parchment paper. It’s easy to prepare, fun to eat, and has a rich Moussaka flavor.
Hands-on Time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1 lb ground meat lamb or beef recommended
  • 1/2 large eggplant cut lengthwise into thin 1/4 slices
  • 1/2 lb large potatoes cut lengthwise into thin 1/4 slices
  • 2 tbsp red wine
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes fresh or from can
  • 1 cup grated cheese of your choice
  • 1 lettuce of your choice

You might have

  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 orange for juice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Black pepper,thyme, cinnamon, bay leaves

Instructions
 

Prepare

  • In a BOWL, add eggplant and a pinch of salt. Cover with cold water. Let rest for 15 minutes. Drain and dry the eggplants with kitchen paper.

Fry Step 1

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  • Fry potatoes in several batches until all potatoes are almost cooked, but not brown. Careful! It is important that you don't brown the potatoes!
  • Fry dried eggplants in several batches until they turn slightly brown.

Fry Step 2

  • In the meantime, in another PAN, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add meat, onion, garlic, Moussaka Spices, and salt to taste.
  • Stir-fry until meat is crumbled.
  • Add wine and cook over medium heat until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Add tomatoes and 1/4 cup water and cook over medium heat until all liquid is absorbed.

Prepare Sauce (shortly before baking)

  • In a POT, melt 2 tbsp butter over low heat.
  • Stir in 2 tbsp flour.
  • Slowly stir in 1 cup of milk.
  • Quickly stir in 1 egg.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • In a BAKING DISH, place single layers in this order:
  • - potatoes
  • - sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste
  • - eggplants
  • - sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste
  • - meat
  • - cheese
  • If you use a small BAKING DISH, you can repeat the layers.
  • Pour sauce over Moussaka layers.
  • Bake in oven for 40-60 minutes until the milk-egg-mix has set and the top turned slightly brown.

Salad

  • Mix 3 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp oil, salt & pepper to taste. Toss over lettuce.
  • Enjoy!