Best Moussaka Recipe

Cheetahshop

September 12, 2023

Introduction

Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish that is typically made with eggplant, potatoes, ground lamb, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for cold winter nights. While there are many variations of moussaka, this recipe is our favorite. It's easy to make, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Moussaka: - 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds - 2 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds - 1 pound ground lamb - 1 onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice - Salt and pepper - Olive oil For the Béchamel Sauce: - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 4 cups whole milk - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. Lay the eggplant and potato slices on baking sheets, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. 3. In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat. 4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. 5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. 6. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. 7. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. 8. Gradually whisk in the milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. 9. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce has thickened and is smooth. 10. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. 11. Layer half of the eggplant and potato slices in the bottom of the dish. 12. Spoon the lamb mixture over the top of the vegetables. 13. Layer the remaining eggplant and potato slices on top of the lamb mixture. 14. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top of the vegetables, spreading it evenly to cover. 15. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the moussaka is bubbling. 16. Let the moussaka cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

This moussaka recipe serves 8 people. Here is the nutrition information per serving: - Calories: 524 - Fat: 28g - Saturated Fat: 13g - Cholesterol: 107mg - Sodium: 347mg - Carbohydrates: 33g - Fiber: 7g - Sugar: 12g - Protein: 35g

Conclusion

This moussaka recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a comforting dinner on a cold winter night or a dish to impress your dinner guests, this moussaka recipe is sure to please. With layers of tender eggplant and potatoes, flavorful ground lamb, and a creamy béchamel sauce, it's a dish that will become a family favorite. Give it a try and see for yourself why it's the best moussaka recipe around!