Traditional Greek Moussaka

Moussaka is a classic Greek dish that beautifully layers eggplant, spiced ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. This hearty casserole is rich in flavors, combining the earthiness of eggplant with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg in the meat sauce, topped with a velvety béchamel that adds a luxurious finish. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is both comforting and satisfying, adhering to traditional Greek culinary practices.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices in batches and fry until golden brown on both sides. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and beaten eggs.
6. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the eggplant, followed by the meat sauce, then the remaining eggplant. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.