Kittencal's Traditional Greek Moussaka Delight
Experience a taste of Greece with this exquisite Moussaka recipe, crafted from generations of family tradition. This Mediterranean masterpiece features layers of tender, broiled eggplant and savory ground beef, beautifully enhanced with aromatic garlic and Mediterranean spices. The creamy, rich cheese sauce, seamlessly blended with flavorful herbs, creates a satisfying comfort food experience that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its layered texture and comforting flavors. Plus, the option to adjust the spice levels and add a hint of cinnamon to the meat gives a personal touch that caters to your taste buds. Whether enjoyed on a quiet evening or at a festive dinner, this Moussaka will surely become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
2 (medium, sliced 1/4-inch thick)
olive oil
as needed (for brushing and coating)
lean ground beef
1 lb (or ground lamb)
onions
2 (medium, peeled and chopped)
garlic
2 tablespoons (fresh minced (adjust to taste))
tomato sauce
8 ounces (canned)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
salt
1.5 teaspoons (divided (or to taste))
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
butter
3 tablespoons (for cheese sauce)
flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening cheese sauce)
half-and-half cream
1 cup (for cheese sauce)
egg
1 (beaten for cheese sauce)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (can use more to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan. You can use a 13x9-inch pan for a thinner layer.
2
Peel the eggplants and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3
On a baking sheet brushed with olive oil, coat both sides of each eggplant slice with olive oil, seasoning them with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4
Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and broil them until browned, approximately 4-6 minutes per side, brushing with more oil as necessary. Repeat until all slices are cooked.
5
Layer half of the broiled eggplant slices at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6
In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onions with the ground beef over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain the excess fat.
7
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined.
8
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the first layer of eggplant in the baking dish and then add the remaining eggplant slices on top.
9
To prepare the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, remaining salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually add the half-and-half, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
10
In a small bowl, beat the egg and temper it by adding a bit of the hot sauce gradually, then mix it back into the cheese sauce along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
11
Pour the cheese sauce over the layered dish in the baking pan, ensuring it covers evenly.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kittencal's Traditional Greek Moussaka Delight?
It is a Mediterranean layered dish featuring tender broiled eggplant, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
What meat can I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of lean ground beef, but you can also use ground lamb as a substitute.
How do I prepare the eggplants?
Peel the eggplants, slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds, coat them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and broil them until browned.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
Yes, the instructions specify to peel the eggplants before slicing.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What size baking pan should I use?
You can use a 9x9-inch baking pan, or a 13x9-inch pan if you prefer a thinner layer.
How long do I broil the eggplant slices?
Broil them for approximately 4-6 minutes per side until they are browned.
How many layers of eggplant are there?
There are two layers of eggplant: one at the bottom and one on top of the meat mixture.
What ingredients are in the meat mixture?
The meat mixture consists of ground beef or lamb, chopped onions, minced garlic, tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Can I add cinnamon to the meat?
Yes, the description suggests adding a hint of cinnamon to the meat to provide a personal, traditional touch.
How do I make the cheese sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour, salt, and pepper, then gradually add half-and-half cream until thickened.
How do I incorporate the egg into the sauce?
Beat the egg in a small bowl and temper it by gradually adding a bit of the hot sauce before mixing it back into the main sauce pan.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used, and you can add more than the half-cup recommended to suit your taste.
How long does the Moussaka need to bake?
Bake the assembled dish for 45 minutes or until the top is bubbling and golden.
Why should I let the Moussaka cool before serving?
Allowing it to cool for a few minutes helps the layers set so it can be cleanly cut into squares.
How much garlic is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic, though you can adjust this to your taste.
What type of tomato sauce should I use?
Use 8 ounces of standard canned tomato sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining?
Yes, its layered texture and comforting flavors make it perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests.
Can I adjust the spice levels?
Absolutely, the recipe is designed to be flexible with spice levels like garlic, oregano, and pepper.
How many eggplants do I need?
The recipe requires 2 medium-sized eggplants.
What is the purpose of tempering the egg?
Tempering prevents the egg from scrambling when it is introduced to the hot butter and cream mixture.
Can I use more than 1/2 cup of Parmesan?
Yes, you can use more to taste if you prefer a cheesier topping.
What should the texture of the cheese sauce be?
The sauce should be thick, smooth, and bubbling before you pour it over the eggplant.
Should I drain the meat after cooking?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat after browning the beef and onions.
How thick should the eggplant slices be?
They should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
What kind of cream is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of half-and-half cream.
Is the eggplant fried or baked?
The eggplant is broiled on a baking sheet before being layered into the casserole.
Can I use dried oregano?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much butter is in the cheese sauce?
The cheese sauce requires 3 tablespoons of butter.
How do I know when the Moussaka is done?
It is done when the cheese sauce topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.