Delicious Layered Moussaka

This tantalizing moussaka dish is a hearty, comforting meal combining layers of succulent meat, tender vegetables, and creamy sauce. It’s a beautiful culinary marriage of flavors and textures, truly a delight for anyone who loves robust, savory dishes. Eggplant and potatoes create a splendid base, providing a contrasting flavor to the richly seasoned, browned meat. Complemented by a velvety white sauce, the dish is further enriched with the tangy depth of Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked in the oven, the moussaka becomes a golden masterpiece. Garnishing with fresh or roasted tomato slices adds a refreshing burst of color and flavor. Traditionally served with Greek salad, this dish is flexible, making it suitable for various palates. This recipe effortlessly showcases the joy of cooking and the satisfaction of creating a homemade feast. Mastering this dish will undoubtedly add an impressive option to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 eggplant (or 2 if space allows)
2 large potatoes
500 g minced lamb (can be substituted with beef)
400 g (380 ml) tomato sauce with olives (or fresh/marinated tomatoes, see notes below)
1-2 medium tomatoes for garnish

Spices and Sauces:

Salt
Pepper

White Sauce:

40 g butter
4 tbsp flour (level)
5 l milk
60 g grated Parmesan cheese (more if desired)

Preparation Time

Total: 100 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant thinly, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and roast in the oven at 150°C until lightly browned. Alternatively, grill or pan-fry them.
Cook the Meat: In a pan, brown the minced lamb. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer covered on low heat for about 15 minutes. If using fresh tomatoes, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic first before adding the tomatoes.
Prepare the Potatoes: Thinly slice the potatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast on a rack (or grill/pan) until barely browned.
Make the White Sauce (Béchamel): Melt butter in a pot, slowly add flour while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the meat sauce in an oven-proof dish. Layer sliced potatoes over it, followed by a layer of eggplant. Repeat the layering with the remaining meat sauce, then add a layer of white sauce (about 1/3 of your total). Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, eggplant, and finally, cover with the rest of the white sauce.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the assembled moussaka until the top is lightly browned (30-50 minutes). Add tomato slices garnish either fresh or slightly roasted.
Finish and Serve: Once baked, let the moussaka rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with Greek salad for a complete meal.

Tips

For a richer taste, use fresh or marinated tomatoes and add onions and garlic when making the sauce.
Cheese options: Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino or a cheese of your choice.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the white sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 25g
Fats: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g

Variations

For a vegetarian option, replace meat with lentils or a mixture of mushrooms and zucchini.
Consider making a vegan version by using dairy-free alternatives for cheese and milk, and olive oil instead of butter.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fresh Greek salad and warm pita bread.
Enjoy with a glass of red wine like Chianti or a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay.

Best Places

Taverna Opa - Known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent Mediterranean dishes. Location: 9101 International Drive, Orlando, USA.
Dionysos Zonar's - Offers amazing views of the Acropolis with its exquisite Greek cuisine. Location: 43 Rovertou Galli, Athens, Greece.
Estia - Renowned for authentic Greek dining in a cozy setting. Location: 1405 Locust St., Philadelphia, USA.
Lola - Famed for its rich, traditional Greek flavors. Location: 2600 1st Avenue, Seattle, USA.
Greko - Delightful casual spot serving Greek street food. Location: 704 Main st., Nashville, USA.
Elyros - Offers upscale Greek flavors in a chic decor. Location: 871 Burke Rd, Camberwell VIC, Australia.
Milos - Celebrated for its fresh seafood selection and elegant settings. Location: 125 W 55th St, New York, USA.
Hellenic Republic - High-quality Greek eats with a modern twist. Location: 434 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC, Australia.
Mythos - Offers delicious Greek cuisine with vibrant live music. Location: 95 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa.
Karamanlidika - A charming deli offering delicious meze and traditional Greek platters. Location: Sokratous 1, Athens, Greece.

Enjoy crafting this incredible dish for your next special occasion or whenever you crave something truly delightful!