Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Classic Greek Eggplant Moussaka, a traditional Mediterranean dish that layers tender eggplant with spiced meat sauce and creamy béchamel. Perfect for a comforting family meal or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Eggplant:
- 3 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt for sprinkling
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange eggplant slices on baking sheets, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Brown ground meat and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, spices, and herbs. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Make the Béchamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add warm milk. Season and temper eggs before combining with cheese.
- Assemble the Moussaka: Layer eggplant, meat sauce, remaining eggplant, and top with béchamel. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Serve: Cool for 15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For less bitterness, salt eggplant slices before baking.
- Moussaka flavors improve with time, so it’s great as leftovers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg