Grekos Moussaka
Course: MainCuisine: Greek, MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes2
hours30
minutes335
kcal2
hours50
minutesMoussaka, a popular Greek meal, has a particular place in the hearts and taste buds of foodies all over the world. Grekos Moussaka stands out as a brilliant star among the variety of Greek culinary delights. Layers of luscious ingredients and aromas merge in this delectable meal to produce a really unique gourmet experience.
Grekos Moussaka is a casserole dish made up of three main ingredients: eggplant, ground lamb or beef, and a rich béchamel sauce. The meal highlights Greece’s rich cultural legacy by fusing Mediterranean elements with local traditions. Grekos Moussaka epitomizes the essence of Greek food through its blend of ingredients, cooking techniques, and artistic presentation.
The preparation of the eggplant is the first step in making Grekos Moussaka. The eggplant is lightly salted and laid aside to release any bitterness after being sliced into thin rounds. The eggplant slices are grilled or fried after being cleaned and dried to obtain a soft and smokey texture. This first stage gives the dish depth and intricacy.
The ground lamb or beef is then cooked to perfection before being seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices like cinnamon, oregano, and nutmeg. These ingredients give the meat a delectable scent and a distinct Greek flavor. The cooked eggplant is then layered with the meat, creating a beautiful blend of textures and flavors.
The silky béchamel sauce at the center of Grekos Moussaka adds a creamy and decadent layer to the dish. The béchamel, made from butter, flour, and milk, is seasoned with a dash of nutmeg, providing a delicate warmth and depth of flavor. The sauce is gently poured over the layered eggplant and beef, completely engulfing the components.
The Grekos Moussaka is roasted in the oven until the top is golden brown, resulting in a crunchy and delicious crust. The dish is then allowed to cool somewhat before serving so that the flavors can combine and reach their full potential.
Grekos Moussaka, a true celebration of Greek culinary tradition, tantalizes the taste with its beautiful blend of textures and flavors. Each bite is a symphony of soft eggplant, flavorful beef, and silky béchamel sauce. Grekos Moussaka never fails to captivate the senses and make a lasting impression, whether served as a cozy family meal or as the star of a joyful party.
Ingredients
500g of minced meat
4 tablespoons of olive oil
4 eggplants
4 zucchini
4 potatoes
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
200ml of red wine
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of salt
Pepper
Parsley
1 glass of tomato juice
1 teaspoon of tomato puree
3 teaspoons halloumi cheese
- Béchamel sauce
4 cups of milk
2 tablespoons of butter
4 tablespoons of flour
1 egg
½ halloumi cheese or grated cheese
Salt
Pepper
Directions
- Cut the eggplants into thin slices and let them stand for 15 minutes, then drain the water.
- Put them in a tray on foil.
- Bake in a heated oven for 25 minutes.
- Clean the zucchini and potatoes and chop them.
- Put potatoes and zucchini on foil and bake in the oven.
- Clean the black and white onions and chop them.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Add minced meat, wine, tomato juice, puree and spices.
- Put potatoes, then zucchini, then eggplant, then minced meat and vegetables again at the bottom of the bowl.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the bechamel sauce.
- Fry the flour in butter.
- Add the milk, stirring constantly.
- Let the sauce boil.
- Remove from heat and add grated Trappist cheese, salt and pepper.
- Pour the moussaka with bechamel sauce and bake for another 15 minutes.
