Moussaka – Greece’s Most Popular Dish

Moussaka – Greece’s Most Popular Dish

Moussaka is undeniably Greece’s most beloved traditional dish. This classic Greek eggplant casserole features layers of baked or pan-fried eggplants (aubergines) and potatoes, a flavourful tomato-based beef or lamb mince sauce, all crowned with a luscious béchamel sauce.
Ingredients:
* 1 large eggplant, thinly sliced
* 3-4 potatoes, thinly sliced
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
* 700g (24.7 oz) minced beef
* 3 tbsp olive oil
* 3 tomatoes (skinned and chopped, or 1/2 can of tin tomatoes)
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1 tsp red chilli powder (optional)
* 1/2 tsp cinnamon
* 1 tsp thyme
* 1L (4.2 cups) milk
* 150g (5.3 oz) butter
* 150g (5.3 oz) flour
* 85g (3 oz) Parmesan cheese
* 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
* 1/2 tsp nutmeg
* 2 egg yolks
* Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
* Prepare Vegetables:
* Slice eggplants into 1cm thick pieces, then oil, salt, and pepper.
* Peel and slice potatoes, repeating the oil, salt, and pepper seasoning.
* For a lighter version, bake eggplants and potatoes or air fry until golden. Alternatively, shallow fry and absorb excess oil on a paper towel.
* Prepare Meat Mixture:
* Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes.
* Add crushed garlic and tomato paste, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
* Cook minced beef until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, red chilli powder, cinnamon, and thyme. Stir well.
* Add bay leaf, tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened. Set aside.
* Prepare Béchamel Sauce:
* Heat 1 liter of milk.
* In a saucepan, melt butter. Add flour, whisk continuously until a smooth paste forms.
* Gradually add warm milk, whisking to prevent lumps. Whisk until smooth and thick. Remove from heat, add salt, pepper, nutmeg, paprika, and egg yolks. Whisk until smooth.
* Assemble Moussaka:
* Mix 4-5 tbsp béchamel sauce with the meat mixture.
* Layer eggplants and potatoes in an ovenproof dish. Pour meat mixture, spreading evenly.
* Grate Parmesan and cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated (180)oven until golden.