Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka recipe, featuring layers of eggplant, minced beef, and creamy bechamel sauce. A classic Greek dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base
- 2 cups olive oil for frying
- 4 potatoes
- 4 zucchini
- 4 eggplants
- 200 grams Kefalograviera cheese, finely shredded
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon pepper
Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium-sized garlic bulb, minced
- 1 kg beef mince meat
- 1 cup red wine
- 800 grams crushed canned tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
Bechamel
- 150 grams unsalted butter
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 liter milk
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 250 grams Kefalograviera cheese, finely shredded
Instructions
- Vegetable Base: Slice the potatoes, zucchini, and eggplants. Fry in olive oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Meat Sauce: Cook onion, garlic, beef, then add wine, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer.
- Bechamel: Make roux, add milk, yolks, nutmeg, and cheese. Cook until thick.
- Assembly: Layer vegetables, meat sauce, and bechamel in a baking dish. Bake until golden.
Notes
- Cheese Substitute: Parmesan, Kasseri, or Pecorino can replace Kefalograviera.
- Veggie Tips: Fry vegetables in batches and drain well to avoid sogginess.
- Meat Sauce Flavor: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for authentic taste.
- Bechamel Hack: Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
- Rest Before Serving: Let moussaka rest for 30 minutes after baking.
- Make Ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for richer flavor.
- Freezer-Friendly: Cool, slice, and freeze portions for later.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg