Authentic Greek Moussaka Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to a delicious journey into the heart of Greek cuisine with this authentic moussaka recipe. Moussaka is a rich and flavorful dish that layers eggplant, minced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce to create a comforting meal that is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to prepare this iconic Greek dish.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sprinkle salt over the sliced eggplants and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out the bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
3. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the eggplant slices until golden. Set aside.
4. In the same pan, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil and cook the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened.
7. Remove the béchamel sauce from heat and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and beaten eggs.
8. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices, followed by the meat sauce, and then the remaining eggplant slices. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
10. Let the moussaka cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Greece!

FAQ About Authentic Greek Moussaka Recipe

What is moussaka?

Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish consisting of layers of sautéed eggplant, minced meat (often lamb), tomatoes, and onions, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked to perfection.

Is moussaka difficult to make?

While moussaka may seem complex due to its layers and preparation steps, following a traditional recipe can help simplify the process. With attention to detail, anyone can create a delicious, authentic Greek moussaka.

What makes a moussaka authentic?

Authentic Greek moussaka sticks to traditional ingredients like eggplant, minced meat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and warming spices such as cinnamon and allspice. The creamy béchamel sauce is a must for an authentic flavor.

Can I customize my moussaka?

Indeed! While maintaining the essence of the dish, feel free to add personal touches like using ground beef instead of lamb, adjusting spices to your taste, or incorporating additional vegetables for variety.