Classic Greek Moussaka with Eggplant

20 115 407
Ingredients Minutes Calories
Prep Cook Servings
15 min 1 h 40 min 10
Classic Greek Moussaka with Eggplant
Health Highlights
A true flavourful classic that can be prepped and frozen for quick dinners.

Ingredients


6 eggplant Eggplant (large)
2 tbsp Olive Oil, Extra Virgin
4 medium Yellow onion (chopped)
454 gm Beef, ground, lean
1 cup Bread crumbs, seasoned
3 cup chopped Tomato
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
3 clove(s) Garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
2 leaf Bay leaf
1 dash Allspice, ground
1/2 cup Wine, table, red (see notes)
3 tbsp Tomato sauce, canned
1 tbsp Butter, unsalted
1/2 cup All-purpose white flour
4 cup Partly skimmed milk, 2% M.F.
1/2 tsp Salt and pepper
1 large Egg (beaten)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions


1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

 

2. Prepare the eggplant. Wash the eggplants and trim off stems. Peel part of the eggplant only leaving several strips of skin on each eggplant. Cut the eggplant lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices.

 

3. Put the slices in a large bowl, sprinkle liberally with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes. Rinse well, drain, and pat dry. Brush slices lightly on both sides with olive oil and run them under the broiler on an ungreased cooking sheet until lightly browned and soft. Remove and set aside to cool.

 

4. To prepare the meat sauce, preheat the frying pan or skillet over low heat. When the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and increase the heat to medium low.

 

5. Sauté the onions with a wooden spoon until they are translucent, add the ground beef and continue to sauté until lightly browned. Add tomatoes, 1/2 the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic, cinnamon, bay leaves, allspice, wine, and tomato sauce and mix well. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 45 minutes to an hour.

6. To prepare the bechamel sauce:
Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Stir 2 minutes until golden-brown. Gradually add milk while stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in one beaten egg, whisk constantly.

7. To build the moussaka:
Lightly oil the baking pan and sprinkle the bottom with the remaining breadcrumbs. Place a layer of eggplant slices on the breadcrumbs and spread the meat mixture evenly on top. Cover with the remaining eggplant slices, and carefully pour the bechamel evenly over the top. Bake in preheated oven at 350F degrees for 30 minutes, then sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top, and continue to cook for another 15 minutes until golden.

8. Remove the moussaka from the oven and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes:

Quick Tips:

You can substitute red wine with vegetable stock or grape juice. Add 1 tbsp of vinegar per cup of stock or juice.

Safety

This meal can be frozen for quick dinners. Ensure to fully heat through to a safe internal temperature of 74C or 165F degrees.


Nutrition Facts

Per Portion

Calories 407
Calories from fat 152
Calories from saturated fat 61
Total Fat 16.9 g
Saturated Fat 6.8 g
Trans Fat 0.4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat 6.4 g
Cholesterol 69 mg
Sodium 713 mg
Potassium 1312 mg
Total Carbohydrate 45 g
Dietary Fiber 12.3 g
Sugars 20.8 g
Protein 22.2 g

Dietary servings

Per Portion


Grain 0.7
Meat 0.5
Milk 0.4
Milk Alternative 0.2
Vegetables 8.7

Energy sources


Pygal2%385.017981325814890.9197572667733939%452.3783133863102148.4337013381663437%338.6277709068544226.6555038894685822%332.9010031467909107.6001132804131539%37%22%AlcoholCarbohydratesFatProtein

Meal Type(s)





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