How do I elevate my moussaka with a mediterranean twist?

Take your taste buds on a Mediterranean adventure with our flavorful Moussaka recipe. Featuring aromatic spices and herbs, this Greek casserole will transport you to a seaside paradise!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I elevate my Moussaka with a Mediterranean twist. Items include: Eggplant Onion Garlic Ground Meat Diced Tomatoes Tomato Paste Oregano Cinnamon Salt Pepper Butter Flour Milk Nutmeg

Eggplant 1 large
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Ground Meat 1 pound
Diced Tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces)
Tomato Paste 2 tablespoons
Oregano 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Butter 4 tablespoons
Flour 1/4 cup
Milk 2 cups
Nutmeg a pinch

Take note
Be careful when handling hot dishes and sharp knives. Also, keep in mind that this recipe requires a little bit of prep work, but trust me, it's totally worth it!

1

Prepare the Eggplant

Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides of each slice and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture and reduce the bitterness.

2

Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant. This will take about 5 minutes.

3

Brown the Ground Meat

Add ground meat (lamb or beef, your choice) to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.

4

Add the Mediterranean Flavors

Stir in some diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, so that all the flavors can meld together beautifully.

5

Layer the Moussaka

In a baking dish, start layering half of the eggplant slices on the bottom. Add a layer of the meat mixture on top. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used.

6

Top it Off with Béchamel Sauce

To make the creamy béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, while whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

7

Bake to Perfection

Pour the béchamel sauce over the layered Moussaka, covering it completely. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

8

Time to Dig In!

Remove the Moussaka from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut into squares or rectangles, serve on plates, and get ready to indulge in a Mediterranean masterpiece!