Traditional Greek Moussaka

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced
• 500g ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g canned tomatoes, crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplants: Slice the eggplants into rounds, salt them, and let them sit for 30 minutes to remove bitterness. Rinse, pat dry, and fry them in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large pan, sauté the onions and garlic until soft. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and red wine. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the eggs, Parmesan, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Moussaka: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices. Spread the meat sauce over the eggplants. Add the remaining eggplant slices on top. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top layer.
5. Bake: Bake the Moussaka for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes:

Moussaka can be made a day ahead and reheated, which enhances the flavors. Serve with a crisp salad and a glass of red wine for a perfect meal.

About This Dish:

Moussaka is a classic Greek comfort food, combining tender layers of eggplant, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. It's a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

Nutritional Information:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	560 kcal
Fat	35g
Carbohydrates	25g
Protein	30g

User Reviews:

Elena G.: "This is the best Moussaka recipe I've ever tried! The cinnamon and allspice make a huge difference. My family loved it."

Michael T.: "The béchamel sauce is so creamy and flavorful. The dish turned out perfect, and I'll definitely be making it again."