TRADITIONAL MOUSSAKA RECIPE WITH EGGPLANTS (AUBERGINES) AND POTATOES
The very best traditional Greek Moussaka recipe. Imagine layers of juicy beef mince, sweet eggplants, and creamy béchamel sauce baked to perfection!
Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos
Categories Main
Time 1h45m
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- To prepare this Greek moussaka recipe, begin by preparing the eggplants. Remove the stalks from the eggplants and cut them into slices, 1 cm thick. Season with salt and place in a colander for about half an hour.
- and squeeze with your hands, to get rid of the excessive water. Pat them dry and fry in plenty of oil, until nicely colored. Place the fried eggplants on some paper, in order to absorb the oil. (For a lighter version of the traditional Greek moussaka try drizzling the aubergines with some olive oil and bake them for 20 minutes instead of frying them). Set aside when done.
- If you are adding potatoes to your moussaka, now its time to slice them into 0.5cm, half a finger width slices. Fry them or bake them in the same way as the eggplants. Season with some salt and set them aside when done.
- for the moussaka. Heat a large pan to medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Stir in the chopped onions and sauté, until softened and slightly colored. Stir in the mince breaking it up with a wooden spoon and sauté. When it starts to brown, add the the garlic and tomato paste and sauté until the garlic starts to soften. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the meat juices and wait to evaporate. Add the tinned tomatoes, the sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, 1 bay leaf and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to the boil then turn the heat down and simmer with the lid on for about 30 minutes or until most of the juices have evaporated. Set aside when done.
- for the moussaka. Use a large pan to melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add the flour whisking continuously to make a paste. Add warmed milk in a steady stream; keep whisking in order to prevent your sauce from getting lumpy. If the sauce still needs to thicken, boil over low heat while continuing to stir. Its consistency should resemble a thick cream.
- Remove the béchamel pan from the stove and stir in the egg yolks, salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg and the most of the grated cheese. Reserve some cheese to sprinkle on top! Whisk quickly, in order to prevent the eggs from turning an omelette! Season with salt to taste. Take one spoon full of béchamel and stir it in the meat sauce. Set the béchamel sauce aside.
- Now its time to assemble the moussaka. For this moussaka recipe you will need a large baking dish, approx. 20x30cm / 8x12inch and 8cm/3 inch deep). Butter the bottom and sides of the pan and layer the potatoes first (if you're using them), then half the eggplants. Pour in all of the meat sauce and spread it out evenly. Add a second layer of eggplants, top with all of the béchamel sauce and smooth out with a spatula.
- . Preheat you oven at 180C/350F and bake your musaka for about 60 minutes or until its crust turns light golden brown. Even though it will be really hard to do so, you should wait for the moussaka to cool down and be just warm to the touch before cutting into pieces. This will prevent the béchamel sauce from pouring out when you're cutting your pieces.
- Serve the Moussaka with a refreshing Traditional Greek Salad and enjoy over a glass of wine!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Piece, Calories 455kcal, Sugar 11g, Sodium 84.6mg, Fat 19.1g, SaturatedFat 8.2g, UnsaturatedFat 9.7g, TransFat 0g, Carbohydrate 61g, Fiber 5.3g, Protein 14.7g, Cholesterol 72.1mg
BEST RECIPE FOR GREEK MOUSSAKA
Moussaka is a layered one of a kind baked dish full of flavor. Saucy, creamy with deep-fried potatoes and eggplants. A must try!
Provided by [email protected]
Categories Main Course
Time 2h
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Start by making the GROUND BEEF SAUCE.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 823 kcal, Carbohydrate 59 g, Protein 44 g, Fat 41 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Cholesterol 229 mg, Sodium 201 mg, Fiber 7 g, Sugar 10 g, UnsaturatedFat 10 g
MOUSSAKA
Make our easy moussaka for an instant crowd pleaser. This classic Greek dish of layered thinly sliced potato, aubergine and lamb is topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.
Provided by Esther Clark
Categories Dinner, Main course
Time 2h45m
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Heat a frying pan over a high heat. Drizzle 4 tbsp of the oil over the slices of aubergine and fry them in several batches for 5-7 mins or until golden brown and beginning to soften. If they look a little dry during cooking, add a dash more olive oil. Set aside on a plate lined with kitchen paper.
- Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish or saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add the mince and fry for 8-10 mins until a deep golden brown, regularly stirring and breaking up with a wooden spoon. Tip into a bowl and set aside. Add the remaining oil to the casserole. Tip in the onion along with a pinch of salt and fry gently for 10-12 mins or until softened and turning translucent. Add the garlic, oregano, cinnamon, chilli and bay cooking for a further min. Return the lamb to the pan and pour in the red wine, bring to a bubble and reduce the wine by half. Stir through the tomatoes, tomato purée and brown sugar, along with 200ml water. Season. Lower the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, for 20 mins, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened.
- Heat oven to 200C/180 fan/gas 4. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the potato slices and cook for 6 mins, drain in a colander and leave to steam dry for 10 mins.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan, stir in the flour and cook over a medium heat for 1 min. Remove from the heat and whisk in the milk, pouring in a bit at a time, until smooth. Return to the heat and bring to a simmer, cooking for 3 mins. Remove from the heat and whisk through the parmesan, a little grated nutmeg and some seasoning, and finally the whole egg as well as the yolk.
- Take a large rectangular ovenproof dish. Spoon a third of the meat into the dish and spread out evenly, followed by half the aubergine and half the potato, then the rest of the meat and another layer of aubergines, followed by potatoes. Finish with the béchamel, smoothing the top over with a palette knife. Put in the centre of the oven and cook for 50 mins or until deep golden brown. If it browns too much during cooking, cover the dish. Set aside for 10 mins to cool before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 516 calories, Fat 31 grams fat, SaturatedFat 13 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 24 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Fiber 5 grams fiber, Protein 28 grams protein, Sodium 0.37 milligram of sodium
MOUSSAKA
Provided by Bobby Flay
Time 3h15m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 29
Steps:
- For the lamb: Soak the currants in warm water for 30 minutes. Drain.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a 6-quart saucepan over high heat. Add the lamb, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cayenne, and salt and pepper and cook, stirring to break up the meat, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a large strainer set over a bowl and drain; discard any liquid left in the pan. Return the pan to the heat and add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the onions and bell pepper and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the serrano and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the lamb to the pan, add the wine, and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost completely evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato puree and currants and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes. Stir in the parsley and oregano and season with salt and pepper and honey, if needed. Remove from the heat.
- For the eggplant: Heat the canola oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season the eggplant slices on both sides with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add the eggplant slices and fry until tender and lightly golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the eggplant slices to paper towels.
- For the bechamel: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until pale and smooth, 2 minutes. Still whisking constantly, add the milk and bay leaf and cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg and discard the bay leaf. Let the sauce cool for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, goat cheese, and lemon zest and whisk into the bechamel sauce until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 3-quart baking dish or casserole dish.
- To assemble: Put half the eggplant slices in the dish and cover with half the meat sauce. Top the sauce with the remaining eggplant slices, and then the remaining meat sauce. Pour the bechamel over the top of the meat sauce and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle Romano evenly over the top, place the dish on a baking sheet, and bake until browned and bubbly, 45 to 50 minutes. Top with more chopped parsley, if desired. Let cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.
MOUSSAKA
Here is a great recipe for moussaka, a Greek dish. It includes sliced eggplant baked in a ground beef sauce and then smothered in a thin white sauce.
Provided by PEGGY AYSCUE
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek
Time 1h45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Lay the slices of eggplant on paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and set aside for 30 minutes to draw out the moisture. Then in a skillet over high heat, heat the olive oil. Quickly fry the eggplant until browned. Set aside on paper towels to drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the ground beef, salt and pepper to taste, onions, and garlic. After the beef is browned, sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, fines herbs and parsley. Pour in the tomato sauce and wine, and mix well. Simmer for 20 minutes. Allow to cool, and then stir in beaten egg.
- To make the bechamel sauce, begin by scalding the milk in a saucepan. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Lower heat; gradually pour in the hot milk, whisking constantly until it thickens. Season with salt, and white pepper.
- Arrange a layer of eggplant in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover eggplant with all of the meat mixture, and then sprinkle 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the meat. Cover with remaining eggplant, and sprinkle another 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Pour the bechamel sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the nutmeg. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 567 calories, Carbohydrate 29.1 g, Cholesterol 123.1 mg, Fat 39.4 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 23.6 g, SaturatedFat 18.3 g, Sodium 1017.4 mg, Sugar 14.1 g
MOUSSAKA
Moussaka is the iconic hearty Greek dish composed of layers of eggplants, saucy ground meat and topped with Béchamel sauce.
Provided by Mike Benayoun
Categories Main Course
Time 2h20m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Peel potatoes and cut them into ¼ inch (5mm) slices.
- Slice off stalk and bottom ends of eggplant. Cut them lengthwise into ¼ inch (5mm) slices.
- Place eggplant slices in a large bowl filled with salty water and leave to soak for 30 minutes, then remove eggplant from water and leave to dry well on paper towel.
- Over medium heat, add ¼ cup (100ml) of olive oil to a large frying pan and fry the sliced potato in batches. Make sure to turn them over to cook both sides. The potato slices should be fried until slightly soft, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- When the potato slices are cooked, remove from the hot oil and place them on paper towels.
- In the same frying pan, add ¼ cup (100ml) of olive oil and over a medium heat, start frying the eggplant slices in batches, adding olive oil regularly.
- Remove each batch from the hot oil and place them on spread paper towels.
- In the same pan, add ¼ cup (100ml) oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add ground meat to the onions in the frying pan and mix well to break up the meat.
- Stir meat continuously over medium-high heat for 10 minutes.
- Add red wine, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper to the pan and stir well to mix.
- Dilute tomato paste in ½ cup (100ml) of water and add to pan.
- Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is entirely reduced.
- Grease the sides and bottoms of a baking pan with olive oil.
- Cover the bottom completely with a layer of potato slices by overlapping where necessary to ensure a complete covering. Cover with a layer of eggplant slices.
- Spoon out a little more than half of the meat mixture and spread to cover the bottom layers evenly.
- Cover meat layer with remaining potato slices, then cover completely with another layer of eggplant slices, overlapping as necessary to ensure complete coverage.
- Spread remaining meat mixture out evenly to cover the eggplant layer. Using a spatula, press down gently on the layers to compact them.
MOUSSAKA: EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
Greek Moussaka is an eggplant casserole with layers of roasted eggplant and spiced meat sauce, topped with creamy bechamel sauce. Once baked, be sure to allow the moussaka a few minutes to rest before cutting through, the casserole needs to settle so it does not fall apart when you slice into it. More tips in the post and recipe notes.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Entree
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Salt the eggplant. Spread the eggplant slices in one layer and sprinkle with salt. Let set for 30 minutes to "sweat out" its bitterness.
- Turn the broiler of your oven on.
- Prepare a large sheet pan or two and brush with extra virgin olive oil. Pat the eggplant slices dry, removing excess salt, and assemble in one layer on the prepared pan. Brush generously with olive oil.
- Place the sheet pan about 6 inches away from the broiler. Broil the eggplant briefly, turning over so that both sides are softened and golden brown (do not worry if parts of the eggplant are slightly charred, but watch carefully so it doesn't burn). Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onions on medium heat until they turn slightly golden brown, stirring regularly (about 5 minutes). Now add the ground lamb. Cook the lamb until fully browned, tossing regularly. Drain the lamb from any excess fat and return to the skillet. Add the dried oregano, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and hot paprika. Stir to coat the meat with the spices. Add the wine and boil for 1 minute to reduce. Stir in the canned tomatoes, sugar, and broth. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350 degrees F and work on the bechamel.
- Make the bechamel. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden (if needed, added a little more olive oil). Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot bechamel mixture with the 2 eggs. Then return all to the pan and stir into the bechamel mixture. Continue to stir or whisk the mixture bringing to a gentle boil for just 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat and allow to cool and thicken a little more. (You should have a creamy, thick and smooth bechamel sauce.)
- Assemble the moussaka. When ready, lightly oil a 9 ½" x 13" oven-safe baking dish. Layer half the eggplant slices on the bottom. Add the meat sauce and spread well. Add the remaining eggplant slices. Pour the bechamel on top and spread to cover all the eggplant, then sprinkle with the bread crumbs.
- Bake. Bake the moussaka casserole on the center rack of the heated oven for 45 minutes. If you need to, transfer the baking pan to the top rack and broil briefly so that the top of the moussaka gains a nice golden brown color (watch carefully).
- Remove from the heat and let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before cutting through into squares to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.9 kcal, Sodium 259.4 mg, Fat 20 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, TransFat 0.1 g, Carbohydrate 19.4 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 12.3 g, Cholesterol 61.2 mg, UnsaturatedFat 10.5 g, ServingSize 1 serving
AUTHENTIC GREEK MOUSSAKA
This traditional moussaka is truly the best, and just as authentic as any you'd try in Greece! While it takes a bit of time, it's actually quite simple to make. Kali orexi! (Bon appetit!)
Provided by Anonymous
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek
Time 2h50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and place in a colander set in the sink or over a plate. Let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour so the salt can draw out any bitterness.
- Meanwhile, make bechamel sauce. Heat milk in a saucepan almost to a boil. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour until a smooth paste forms. Lower heat and gradually pour in hot milk, whisking constantly until bechamel sauce thickens. Season with salt. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Rinse eggplant slices under cold running water. Squeeze out liquid and pat dry with paper towels. Whisk egg yolks into the cooled bechamel.
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet and cook eggplant slices in batches until each side is lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on a large plate lined with paper towels.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Heat remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Cook grated onion until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Cook and stir until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Season with allspice, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook until all excess liquid has evaporated and mixture appears dry, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in parsley and remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly, then stir in the egg white.
- Arrange a layer of eggplant in the prepared baking dish. Cover eggplant with all of the beef mixture and sprinkle with 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Cover with remaining eggplant and sprinkle another 1/3 of Parmesan cheese on top. Pour bechamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top of the moussaka is set and golden, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from oven and let rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 628 calories, Carbohydrate 35.3 g, Cholesterol 172.8 mg, Fat 44.2 g, Fiber 11.2 g, Protein 26.2 g, SaturatedFat 18.5 g, Sodium 718.3 mg, Sugar 16.7 g
MOUSSAKA
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 2h35m
Yield about 6 to 8 main course servi
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Bake the eggplant: Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Brush the eggplant slices on both sides with the oil and lay on 2 small or 1 large foil-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake until the eggplant is soft, about 25 minutes. Set aside covered.
- Make the meat sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beef, oregano, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon. Break the meat up into small pieces and season with the 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring, until just cooked but still slightly pink inside, about 1 minute more. Add the tomato and bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Cover, and cook until the sauce is thickened and fragrant, about 20 minutes.
- Make the custard sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and add the milk, salt, and nutmeg. Return to the heat and while whisking constantly, bring to a boil. Simmer 2 minutes. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and stir to cool. When the sauce is cool, whisk in the egg and yolks.
- Assemble the moussaka. Lower the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush a 9 x 13 x 2-inch casserole dish with the oil. Scatter the breadcrumbs over the bottom of the pan. Lay half of the eggplant in the pan, overlapping the slices if needed. Cover with half of the meat sauce and smooth with a rubber spatula. Repeat with the remaining eggplant and meat sauce. Pour the custard sauce over the layered mixture and smooth with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle with the Pecorino Romano and bake, uncovered, until lightly browned and the custard is set, about 1 hour.
- Remove the moussaka from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or spatula to serve.
TRADITIONAL MOUSSAKA
Delicious authentic moussaka!
Provided by wendylove
Time 1h
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees C/fan 180 degrees C. Heat 1tbsp oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 5 minutes, stirring until soft. Add the garlic and cumin and fry for 1 minute. Add the puree and fry for 1 more minute. Turn up the heat, add the lamb, season and fry for 5 minutes until browned all over. Pour away any excess oil.
- Add the wine and cinnamon, then, after 2-3 minutes, add the tomatoes, 100ml water, the sugar and oragano. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 45 mins, stirring occasionally, until thick. Season.
- Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan until very hot. Brush the aubergines with the rest of the oil, season and griddle on both sides until golden brown. Set aside on kitchen paper.
- Make a white sauce. Melt the butter in a small pan, add the flour and stir to make a roux (paste). Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the milk. Place over a gentle heat and simmer, stirring until thickened. Remove from the heat, stir in the egg yolk and half the cheese. Season to taste.
- Layer the aubergine and mince in a 2-litre ovenproof dish. Repeat then spread the white sauce on top. Scatter with the remaining cheese and sprinke with the nutmeg.
- Bake for 25-30 mins until golden. Serve with a green salad.
CLASSIC GREEK MOUSSAKA
Moussaka is the classic Greek meal! Layers of potatoes, eggplant, spicy meat topped with a béchamel sauce create the ultimate comfort food! From my family to yours, enjoy this delicious staple of Greek cuisine!
Provided by Cleanfreshcuisine
Categories Greek
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 , 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Prepare the meat sauce:.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and brown for about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Chop onions and garlic.
- Add to meat. Continue browning for another 10 minutes.
- Add the spices and tomato paste. Mix well.
- Cook and stir for 5 to 6 minutes. Add wine and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Turn off heat. Mix in lemon juice. Set sauce aside.
- Peel eggplants. Slice off top and bottom. Slice into 1/4″ rounds. Line a broiler pan with foil. Brush with olive oil Broil eggplant slices 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and broil 2 to 3 minutes longer until browned. Remove from pan and set aside. You will be doing this in 3 to 4 batches.
- Wash potatoes. No need to peel if using yellow or red potatoes. Cut into 1/4″ slices. Boil in salted water for 5 to 8 minutes; you don't want them soft, just semi done. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce:.
- Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When melted, whisk in flour. Blend well.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly.
- Add salt and nutmeg. Place egg yolks in a small bowl. Stir with fork. Drizzle in one to two tablespoons of the white sauce. Stir into egg yolks. Pour yolk mixture into béchamel sauce. Whisk constantly until thickened and bubbly. Set aside.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Layer a 9″ x 13″ casserole with sliced potatoes, overlapping slightly. Top with half of the eggplant slices.
- Cover with meat sauce.
- Top meat sauce with remaining eggplant slices.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated cheese.
- Spoon white sauce evenly over everything. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and fresh basil, torn.
- Bake at 350 degrees 30 to 45 minutes or until nicely browned. Let cool 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serves 8.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 716.6, Fat 42.7, SaturatedFat 20.3, Cholesterol 216.7, Sodium 848, Carbohydrate 48.3, Fiber 10.9, Sugar 9.1, Protein 35.5
AUTHENTIC TRADITIONAL MOUSSAKA
Moussaka (or Moussakás as it is pronounced in Greek)needs no introduction as it is now considered one of Greece's national dishes and is probably, by and large, initially responsible for making Greek cooking so popular. This recipe, however, will make you compare all the Moussaka you have ever tried and they will, as unlikely as it may seem, fall short in comparison - it really is that good. Straight from my own dinner table, on Zakynthos Island, Greece, to yours. Any questions? Feel free to contact me. Wishing you kalí órexi - bon appetit, Maria www.authentic-greek-recipes.com
Provided by Chef Maria
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 2h
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 27
Steps:
- Before starting anything it must be noted that Moussaka, in every Greek home, is made in 3 'stages'. The preparation of the meat sauce, the vegetable cooking and layering and finally the bechamel cream.
- FOR THE MEAT SAUCE:.
- Pour the oil into a deep large pan and heat it slightly. Crumble the minced beef into the oil together with the onion and garlic. Brown everything well, stirring constantly so the beef does not clump. Pour in the wine and allow everything to boil until the wine evaporates. Add the fresh tomato, oregano, bay leaf, salt and pepper and stir regularly while waiting for the tomato to soften well. Pour in the tomato juice, stir everything and allow it to cook and thicken. Finally, pour in the water and, over a medium flame, allow the sauce to cook until the beef is tender and the liquids have evaporated by at least 2/3 and the sauce is thick.
- WHILE THE MEAT SAUCE IS COOKING PREPARE THE VEGETABLES:.
- Cut the eggplants into medium slices and soak them in salted water for 1 hour before your commence your sauce so everything will be more conveniently timed. This soaking removes the bitterness in the eggplant skins and also helps them not to absorb so much oil while frying. Remove the eggplants from the eater, strain them well and then dry them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess water. Fry the potato slices and then strain them on kitchen paper. Oil your moussaka plan with the tablespoons of olive oil and created a layer with the fried potatoes taking care not to leave any gaps. Fry the eggplants and again strain them on kitchen paper and place then in a layer on top of the sliced potatoes. Sprinkle some salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of the grated cheese on the eggplant layer.
- Strain the meat sauce of any excess oil (otherwise your moussaka will be too greasy) and then pour it evenly on top of the eggplant. Sprinkle the sauce with the 2nd tablespoon of grated cheese and then prepare your Bechamel Cream.
- FOR THE BECHAMEL CREAM:.
- This is an age old recipe handed down from mother to daughter, in my family, and then finally from my mother down to me. I strongly recommend that you avoid the temptation to adjust it as the extraordinary delight you will get when you taste it atop of traditional country moussaka, will leave an aftertaste that will linger in your memory for days.
- Melt the butter in a pot, over a low flame, and add the flour stirring with a wooden spoon until the flour and butter combine to make a roux. Quickly add the 4 of the cups of milk and keep stirring with a whisk until the mixture becomes almost creamy and when it starts to thicken a lot, add the remaining milk and the beaten eggs (after the milk). Continue stirring until everything has combined evenly and is a thick creamy texture - this may take some effort (if you have lumps, use an electric hand mixer in it for a couple of minutes and they will dissolve). Add the sugar, mix it in well, the salt, pepper, cinnamon and cheese and mix everything well until it acquires its creamy texture again. Allow it to bubble over a low flame for about 1 minute, while stirring constantly. If your cream is too thick, add a little more milk or water and stir it in well until it obtains the desired thickness. If, on the other hand, your cream is a little too thin, let it stand for about 5 minutes and it will thicken as it cools, and then use it.
- Pour the Bechamel cream evenly on top of the meat sauce and add the dabs of margarine to the surface of the cream in various places. Bake the moussaka in a medium preheated oven at 180ºC - 350ºF, for about 30 minutes, or until the cream unevenly gently browns in places. Allow the moussaka to cool for about 20 minutes and then cut it into servings.
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA
A timeless recipe for a Greek Cypriot classic, Georgina Hayden's authentic moussaka is as good as it gets. Comforting, plentiful and easy to prepare, this is the ultimate dish for family feasts and weekend gatherings.
Provided by Georgina Hayden
Categories Dinner
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Peel the potatoes. Slice some of the aubergine skin off in strips. Slice them both into ½cm rounds. Lay them all out on a couple of baking or roasting trays and brush with olive oil. Season and roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, until golden. Remove and set aside. Trim and finely slice the courgettes and keep to one side. Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onions and garlic. Pour a couple of tablespoons of olive oil into a large saucepan over a medium-low heat. Sauté the onions and garlic for 10 minutes, until starting to soften. Add the ground cinnamon, oregano and all the mince. Break everything up with a wooden spoon and turn the heat up a little. Fry until any liquid evaporates and it starts to turn lightly brown. Stir in the purée, then add the wine and bring to the boil. Leave to rapidly simmer for 5 minutes, until the wine has reduced by more than half, then stir in the passata, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Season generously, bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook on a low heat for 30 minutes, until thickened and reduced. Heat the milk in a small pan. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat and stir in the flour and baking powder. Once they have made a paste, slowly start to whisk in the warmed milk, until you have a smooth white sauce. Leave it to thicken over a low heat until it coats the back of a spoon. Grate in half the cheese and a generous amount of nutmeg. Season to taste. When the meat and white sauce are ready, layer up the moussaka. You'll need a large roasting tray, about 25cm×30cm in size. Layer a third of the baked veg and courgettes in the base of the tray and spoon over half of the mince. Repeat with half the remaining veg, the rest of the mince and then the last of the vegetables. Whisk the eggs into the white sauce and pour over the moussaka. Grate over the remaining cheese and place the dish in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling and everything is cooked through. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving, if not longer.
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MOUSSAKA | RICARDO
From ricardocuisine.com
5/5 (85)Category Main DishesServings 8Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
- In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cheese and remove from the heat.
MOUSSAKA - A CLASSIC GREEK LAMB RECIPE | GREEDY …
From greedygourmet.com
Reviews 6Category DinnerCuisine GreekTotal Time 1 hr 30 mins
MOUSSAKA (GREEK BEEF AND EGGPLANT LASAGNA) - …
From recipetineats.com
5/5 (141)Total Time 1 hr 10 minsCategory MainCalories 434 per serving
- Place eggplant slightly overlapping in a large colander. Sprinkle with some salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over high heat, then cook the garlic and onion for 2 minutes.
MOUSSAKA RECIPE - BON APPéTIT
From bonappetit.com
5/5 (34)Estimated Reading Time 3 minsServings 8
- Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 475°. Whisk half of the garlic, ½ cup oil, 1 Tbsp. mint, and 1 Tbsp. oregano in a small bowl. Brush both sides of eggplant rounds with herb oil, making sure to get all the herbs and garlic onto eggplant; season with salt and pepper. Transfer eggplant to a rimmed baking sheet (it’s okay to pile the rounds on top of each other) and roast until tender and browned, 35–45 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400°.
- Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in a large wide pot over high. Cook lamb, breaking up with a spoon, until browned on all sides and cooked through and liquid from meat is evaporated (there will be a lot of rendered fat), 12–16 minutes. Strain fat through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean small bowl and transfer lamb to a medium bowl. Reserve 3 Tbsp. lamb fat; discard remaining fat.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. lamb fat in same pot over medium-high (reserve remaining 1 Tbsp. lamb fat for assembling the moussaka). Add onion, cinnamon, 2½ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender and translucent, 8–10 minutes. Add chiles and remaining garlic and cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until onion is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add paprika and tomato paste and cook until brick red in color, about 1 minute. Add wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and no longer smells of alcohol, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes and break up with a wooden spoon into small pieces (the seeds will shoot out at you if you’re too aggressive, so start slowly—puncture the tomato, then get your smash and break on!). Add lamb and remaining 1 Tbsp. mint and 1 Tbsp. oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is evaporated and mixture looks like a thick meat sauce, 5–7 minutes. Pluck out and discard ci
- Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium until foaming. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until combined, about 1 minute. Whisk in warm milk and bring sauce to a boil. Cook béchamel, whisking often, until very thick (it should have the consistency of pudding), about 5 minutes; stir in salt. Remove from heat and whisk in farmer cheese and half of the Pecorino. Let sit 10 minutes for cheese to melt, then add egg yolks and vigorously whisk until combined and béchamel is golden yellow.
RECIPE FOR AUTHENTIC TRADITIONAL GREEK MOUSSAKA - …
From greekerthanthegreeks.com
Reviews 6Estimated Reading Time 5 mins
WHAT IS MOUSSAKA? GREEK FOOD GLOSSARY - THE SPRUCE …
From thespruceeats.com
Estimated Reading Time 50 secs
TRADITIONAL MOUSSAKA RECIPE - COOKING IN PLAIN GREEK
From cookinginplaingreek.com
Estimated Reading Time 4 mins
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA RECIPE - LOVEFOOD.COM
From lovefood.com
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA - FOOD TO LOVE
From foodtolove.co.nz
Cuisine GreekCategory Midweek DinnerServings 6Total Time 2 hrs 10 mins
- Place eggplant in colander, sprinkle all over with salt; stand 30 minutes. Rinse under cold water; drain. Pat dry with absorbent paper.
- Heat oil in large frying pan; cook eggplant, in batches, until browned both sides; drain on absorbent paper.
- Cook onion and garlic in same pan, stirring, until onion softens. Add lamb; cook, stirring, until lamb changes colour. Stir in undrained tomatoes, wine and cinnamon; bring to the boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, about 30 minutes or until liquid has evaporated.
EASY CLASSIC GREEK MOUSSAKA RECIPE - SIMPLE. TASTY. GOOD.
From junedarville.com
Cuisine GreekTotal Time 3 hrsCategory Main CourseCalories 823 per serving
- 1. Slice the potato and eggplant into finger thick slices. Pour half a cup (120 ml) of olive oil in a large non-stick pan and place it over medium-high until hot. Then add the potatoes. Fry them on both sides for 7 minutes.
- 2. Let the potato slices drain on kitchen paper. Add the sliced eggplant to the hot oil and fry them for 4 minutes on both sides.
- 3. Then let the fried eggplant drain on kitchen paper as well. Place a layer of fried potatoes in a small baking dish and top with fried eggplant.
- 4. Leave about 2 tablespoons of hot olive oil in the pan you fried the potatoes and eggplant in. Place it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic and bell pepper. Season with pepper and salt.
A CLASSIC MOUSSAKA RECIPE - THE VIEW FROM GREAT ISLAND
From theviewfromgreatisland.com
3.3/5 (32)Category Main CourseCuisine GreekEstimated Reading Time 6 mins
- Slice the eggplants into 1/2 inch slices. Mix the garlic with about 1/2 cup of olive oil and brush it on both sides of the eggplant slices. Arrange them in a single layer on baking sheets. Roast the eggplant for about 25 minutes, until browned and softened. After the eggplant has roasted, turn the oven down to 350F.
- Put a bit of olive oil in a pan and brown the ground meat. Drain off the excess fat, reserving about 2 tablespoons in the pan, and set the meat aside. In the same pot, saute the onions for a few minutes until they've softened, then add the garlic and sauté a couple of minutes more, stirring often.
- Add the raz el hanout and paprika to the pan and sauté, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add the wine and let it bubble for a minute or so, while you scrape up anything stuck to the bottom of the pan.
JUST A GIRL WHO LOVES CLASSIC MOUSSAKA: CLASSIC MOUSSAKA ...
From amazon.ca
Author Mother Foods HouseFormat Paperback
TRADITIONAL MOUSSAKA RECIPE WITH EGGPLANTS (AUBERGINES ...
From pinterest.com.au
5/5 (1.6K)Total Time 1 hr 45 minsServings 8
EASY MOUSSAKA RECIPE - OLIVEMAGAZINE
From olivemagazine.com
Cuisine GreekTotal Time 2 hrsCategory Meat And PoultryCalories 621 per serving
GREEK FOOD - 35 TRADITIONAL DISHES TO EAT IN GREECE
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA – PALATABLE PASTIME PALATABLE PASTIME
From palatablepastime.com
Reviews 2Servings 12Cuisine Greek, MediterraneanCategory Main Dish
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA - FOOD24
From food24.com
Cuisine BakeCategory BakeServings 4Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
WHAT TO SERVE WITH MOUSSAKA [10 BEST SIDE DISHES]
From theeatdown.com
Ratings 1Category Side DishCuisine Greek, Mediterranean
MOUSSAKA - SIMPLY DELICIOUS
From simply-delicious-food.com
Reviews 4Category DinnerCuisine GreekTotal Time 1 hr 45 mins
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA RECIPE - THE TELEGRAPH
From telegraph.co.uk
Is Accessible For Free FalseEstimated Reading Time 3 mins
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA | GREEK RECIPES | GOODTOKNOW
From goodto.com
3.4/5 (186)Category Main CourseCuisine GreekTotal Time 1 hr 20 mins
CLASSIC GREEK EGGPLANT MOUSSAKA RECIPE - THE SPRUCE EATS
From thespruceeats.com
Ratings 233Calories 716 per servingCategory Entree, Dinner
ROASTED EGGPLANT MOUSSAKA WITH LAMB RECIPE | FOOD & WINE
From foodandwine.com
5/5 (2)Total Time 1 hr 40 minsCategory Eggplant
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA | ONE WORLD KITCHEN | SBS FOOD
From sbs.com.au
4.7/5 (3)Servings 6-8Cuisine GreekCategory Lunch
TRADITIONAL GREEK MOUSSAKA: GIVE IT A TRY - THE GREEK ...
From thegreekdeli.com
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA | OVERSIXTY
From oversixty.com.au
A CLASSIC MOUSSAKA RECIPE - FOOD NEWS
From foodnewsnews.com
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA (THE BEST) | RICARDO
From ricardocuisine.com
RECIPE FOR CLASSIC GREEK MOUSSAKA | FOOD
From food.amerikanki.com
CLASSIC GREEK MOUSSAKA WITH EGGPLANT RECIPES - FOOD NEWS
From foodnewsnews.com
MOUSSAKA: A TASTE OF GREECE - KITCHEN FRAU FOOD BLOG
From kitchenfrau.com
CLASSIC MOUSSAKA – DINNER ON THE TABLE
From dinneronthetable.com.au
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From yelp.com
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