Moussaka

Creamy béchamel sauce tops layers of eggplant, potatoes and a hearty meat sauce in this classic eggplant casserole. 

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant, cut in 1/4" slices

3 medium potatoes, cut in 1/4" slices

salt

olive oil for frying

Meat Sauce:

2 tbsps olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

3 tsps minced garlic

1 lb ground lamb or beef

2 tsps dry oregano

2 tbsps tomato paste

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 cup beef broth

salt and pepper to taste

pinch of sugar

2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley or 2 tsps dry parsley

Béchamel Sauce:

1/2 cup butter

2/3 cup flour

4 cups milk

pinch of nutmeg

salt and pepper to taste

2 eggs

2 tbsps parmesan, romano or mitzithra cheese

Lay the eggplant slices out in a single layer and sprinkle salt over each slice. Let them sit for 30 minutes then pat dry with paper towels wiping away excess salt. Brush with oil and put 6" under the broiler. Broil until soft and slightly golden.

While the eggplant sweats fry the potato slices in oil until browned and fork tender. Lay the potato slices in an oiled 13 X 9" baking dish. Layer half the eggplant slices over the potatoes.

Meat sauce: In a skillet cook the onions in oil and add the garlic and lamb or beef. Once no pink remains in the meat add the seasonings, a pinch of sugar, tomato paste and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Spread the meat sauce over the eggplant slices then lay the remaining eggplant slices over the meat sauce.

Béchamel Sauce:  Heat butter on medium heat and stir in the flour, salt and pepper. Whisk in the milk and nutmeg and simmer 5-7 minutes. In a bowl beat the eggs and add a small amount of the warmed milk, then whisk it into the pot. Bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the cheese. Allow to cool slightly a few minutes. It will thicken. Spread the béchamel on top of the eggplant and sprinkle a little more cheese.

Bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes. Cool 15 minutes before cutting to serve. Makes 8-10 servings.

And those Marinated Tomatoes were perfect with the Moussaka!

Here's the recipe:

https://hotandcoldrunningmom.blogspot.com/2020/08/amazing-marinated-tomatoes.html?m=1

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