Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Classic Greek Eggplant Moussaka Recipe

Classic Greek Eggplant Moussaka Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Make the Béchamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add warm milk. Season and temper eggs before combining with cheese.
  4. Assemble the Moussaka: Layer eggplant, meat sauce, remaining eggplant, and top with béchamel. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
  5. 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