Greek Moussaka Recipe: A Traditional Dish of Greek Cuisine

Greek Moussaka is a classic dish from Greece. It combines layers of eggplant, meat sauce, and cheese sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The rich flavours of the ingredients make it a favourite among many. Let's explore how to make this delicious dish step by step.

Eggplant

• 1 large eggplant (aubergine)
• Salt
• Greek olive oil

Meat Sauce

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) minced beef or lamb
• 1 large tin (28 oz/800 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (250 ml) red wine
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Greek basil (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 cups (½ L) milk
• A sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper
• ½ cup (120 ml) freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (250 ml) grated cheese (e.g., Edam)
• 1 egg

1. Cut the eggplant into 5 mm slices. Sprinkle with salt to remove bitterness. Leave for at least an hour.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until the onion changes colour. Add the meat and brown it thoroughly.
3. Add bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Stir until the meat's moisture evaporates.
4. Add tomatoes, herbs, and sauces. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add wine and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Allow to cool.
6. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat, add flour, blend well, then return to heat for three minutes.
7. Add milk to the flour mixture. Boil gently for one minute while stirring. Remove from heat and add cheeses, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper. Allow to cool.
8. Rinse eggplant slices under water and dry on paper towels. Fry in olive oil until soft. Drain excess oil.
9. In a baking dish, layer eggplant slices and meat sauce alternately until near the top.
10. Add an egg to the cooled cheese sauce and mix well. Spoon over the top layer in the dish and sprinkle with extra cheese.
11. Bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for 45 minutes. Let it cool for ten minutes before serving.

This dish pairs well with a Greek salad, red wine, and crusty garlic bread.

Nutritional Values