Greek
Moussaka
Eggplant Potato Casserole
Moussaka may not have originated in Greece, but it has undoubtedly become the most iconic Greek dish.
This authentic Moussaka is a rich, flavorful casserole featuring layers of tender eggplant and seasoned ground lamb, all topped with a velvety béchamel sauce.
Spice Blend
Black pepper, thyme, cinnamon, bay leaves
Quick Moussaka a la Kleftiko
For a delightful twist, try pairing it with Kleftiko, a succulent lamb dish slow-cooked in parchment paper. It’s easy to prepare, fun to eat, and brings a robust Moussaka flavor to the table.
Vegetarian Moussaka
Substitute lentils for lamb to enjoy a hearty, plant-based version of this classic dish.
What You Need for Moussaka
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Main Ingredients
Alternative Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
Greek Moussaka
Moussaka may not have originated in Greece, but it has undoubtedly become the most iconic Greek dish. This authentic Moussaka is a rich, flavorful casserole featuring layers of tender eggplant and seasoned ground lamb, all topped with a velvety béchamel sauce.For a delightful twist, try pairing it with Kleftiko, a succulent lamb dish slow-cooked in parchment paper. It’s easy to prepare, fun to eat, and brings a robust Moussaka flavor to the table.Vegetarian option: Substitute lentils for lamb to enjoy a hearty, plant-based version of this classic dish.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground meat [1] lamb or beef recommended
Fresh Produce/Dairy
- 1/2 large eggplant cut lengthwise into thin 1/4 slices
- 1/2 lb large potatoes cut into thin 1/4 slices
- 1 cup diced tomatoes fresh or from can
- 1 lettuce of your choice; for salad (optional)
Packaged Goods
- 2 tbsp red wine [2] for the protein (optional)
Cherry-Picked Staples [Fat, Liquid, Dairy]
- olive oil for frying
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1-2 tbsp grated cheese of your choice [3]
- 1 egg or substitute
- 1 cup milk dairy or nut milk
Cherry-Picked Staples [Salty, Sour, Sweet]
- salt & pepper
- 1 orange for salad dressing (optional)
Cherry-Picked Staples [Coating, Aroma]
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
Moussaka Culinary Spice Kit
- 1 pouch Black pepper, thyme, cinnamon, bay leaves
Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggplants
- You need: eggplants, salt
- 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.
2. Fry the Vegetables [4]
- You need: olive oil, potatoes, eggplants
- In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Fry potatoes in several batches until all potatoes are almost cooked.
- Note: For an authentic taste, try not to brown the potatoes!
- Fry eggplants in several batches until they turn slightly brown.
3. Fry the Protein
- You need: chopped onion, chopped garlic, Moussaka Spices, meat, salt
- In the meantime, in another PAN, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until they are fragrant.
- Add meat or lentils, Moussaka Spices, and salt to taste.
- Stir-fry until meat is crumbled.
- Optionally, add wine and cook over medium heat until all liquid is absorbed.
- Add tomatoes and 1/4 cup of water.
- Cook over medium heat until all liquid is absorbed.
4. Prepare the Sauce (shortly before baking)
- You need: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1-2 cups of cold milk, 1 egg, 1-2 tbsp cheese (opt.), salt, nutmeg (opt.).
- In a POT, melt 2 tbsp of butter over low heat.
- Note: Pay attention not to burn the butter.
- Gradually add 2 tbsp of flour, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of cold milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Note: For a thicker topping, add another cup of milk.
- Continue to cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot.
- Quickly stir in 1 egg until fully incorporated.
- Optionally, add 1-2 tbsp of grated cheese.
- Season with salt to taste. Optionally, add a pinch of nutmeg.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the oven is heated and your Moussaka is assembled for baking.
5. Assemble & Bake
- Preheat the OVEN to 350°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
- - cooked meat or lentils
- If you use a small BAKING DISH, you can repeat the layers.
- Pour the sauce over the Moussaka layers.
- Bake in oven for 30-60 minutes until the sauce has set and the top turned slightly brown.
6. Salad (Optional)
- Mix 3 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp oil, salt & pepper to taste. Toss over lettuce.
- Enjoy!
Notes
[1] Substitute meat with a can of black lentils or sautéed mushrooms or sautéed onions and rice.
[2] Substitute wine with grape juice or other fruit juice.
[3] Recommended cheese: Swiss, gruyere, or parmesan.
[4] Tip to reduce the amount of oil: cook or bake one or more of the vegetables.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!