Mediterranean Moussaka with Creamy Halloumi & Ricotta Topping
Indulge in the warm, comforting layers of Mediterranean Moussaka with this innovative twist on a classic dish. A delectable combination of savory ground lamb simmered with fresh tomatoes and aromatic spices, layered with tender roasted eggplant, and crowned with a luxuriously creamy topping of halloumi and ricotta cheeses. This moussaka introduces a delightful play of flavors and textures—rich, creamy, and slightly tangy—thanks to the fusion of halloumi and ricotta which beautifully complements the earthy layers beneath. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, it's a dish that sings with the vibrant notes of the Mediterranean.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (large, sliced into 1 cm rounds)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for brushing and frying)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
ground lamb
300 g (browned)
tomatoes
250 g (chopped)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (shredded)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
halloumi cheese
90 g (grated)
ricotta cheese
150 g
flour
2 tablespoons
eggs
2 (separated)
milk
1/4 cup (optional, for texture)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for roasting the eggplant slices.
2
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds. Arrange them on a baking sheet, generously brush each slice with olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until they're tender and slightly golden.
3
3. In a large frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Finely chop the onion and sauté it for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4
4. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the ground lamb to the pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it's browned and cooked through.
5
5. Chop the tomatoes and add them to the pan alongside the shredded fresh basil. Season with salt, pepper, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer this mixture for 15-20 minutes until tomatoes have broken down into a thick, hearty sauce.
6
6. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese topping: Grate the halloumi cheese into a mixing bowl, then add the ricotta cheese, flour, and egg yolks. Stir in a splash of milk to reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
7
7. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they just reach soft peaks. Gradually and gently fold the beaten whites into the cheese mixture, ensuring you maintain as much air and lightness as possible.
8
8. In a greased ovenproof dish, layer half of the meat mixture on the bottom. Follow with a layer of roasted eggplant slices, repeating with the remaining meat and finishing with a final layer of eggplant.
9
9. Pour the cheese topping gently over the entire dish, ensuring an even layer.
10
10. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is puffy and a deep, inviting golden brown.
11
11. Let the moussaka rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set perfectly. Enjoy the meld of flavors in each tantalizing bite.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main twist in this Mediterranean Moussaka recipe?
This recipe features an innovative topping made from a fusion of halloumi and ricotta cheeses, providing a creamy and slightly tangy flavor profile.
How many servings does this moussaka recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of meat is used in the savory layers?
The recipe uses 300 g of ground lamb.
How should the eggplant be prepared for this dish?
The eggplant should be sliced into 1 cm thick rounds, brushed with olive oil, seasoned, and roasted.
What is the recommended roasting temperature for the eggplant?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F) for roasting the eggplant slices.
How long do the eggplant slices need to roast?
Roast the slices for 15 minutes or until they are tender and slightly golden.
Which aromatics are sautéed with the lamb?
The lamb is cooked with finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
What fresh herb is added to the meat sauce?
Two tablespoons of shredded fresh basil are added to the meat and tomato mixture.
How long should the lamb and tomato sauce simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.
What are the ingredients for the cheese topping?
The topping consists of grated halloumi, ricotta cheese, flour, egg yolks, and a splash of milk, lightened with beaten egg whites.
How many eggs are required for the topping?
The recipe calls for 2 eggs, which should be separated.
How should the egg whites be incorporated into the cheese mixture?
The egg whites should be beaten to soft peaks and then gradually and gently folded into the cheese mixture to maintain airiness.
What is the correct way to layer the moussaka?
Layer half the meat mixture on the bottom, followed by eggplant slices, then the remaining meat, and a final layer of eggplant before adding the cheese.
What is the final baking temperature?
The dish is baked at 180°C (350°F).
How long does the moussaka take to bake?
It takes approximately 20-30 minutes in the oven.
How do you know when the moussaka is ready to be removed from the oven?
The dish is ready when the cheese topping is puffy and a deep golden brown.
Why should the moussaka rest before serving?
Resting for a few minutes allows the layers to set perfectly, making it easier to serve.
What amount of halloumi is needed?
You will need 90 g of grated halloumi cheese.
What amount of ricotta is needed?
The recipe requires 150 g of ricotta cheese.
Is milk a mandatory ingredient for the topping?
Milk is listed as optional to help reach a smooth, creamy consistency if needed.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
Olive oil is used for both brushing the eggplant and frying the vegetables.
How much flour is used in the cheese topping?
Two tablespoons of flour are used to help stabilize the cheese mixture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, moussaka, lamb, halloumi, ricotta, baked dish, one dish meal, and comfort food.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What amount of tomatoes is required for the sauce?
The recipe uses 250 g of chopped tomatoes.
Can I substitute the meat?
While the recipe specifically calls for ground lamb, you could potentially use ground beef as a variation for a different flavor.
What is the texture of the finished topping?
The topping is described as luxuriously creamy, puffy, and light due to the folded egg whites.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family dinners or special occasions due to its vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
How many total ingredients are listed?
There are 14 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the role of the eggplant in this dish?
Roasted eggplant serves as the earthy, tender structural layers that separate the meat sauce.