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Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka recipe. Layers of hearty vegetables, flavorful meat sauce, and creamy béchamel come together to create a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy meal to enjoy at home, this moussaka is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. The combination of flavors in this dish is truly unforgettable, with each layer adding its own unique taste to the overall experience.
  2. Despite its impressive presentation, this moussaka is surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Ingredient Notes:

Vegetable Base

  • Olive oil for frying
  • Potatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Eggplants
  • Kefalograviera cheese
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Meat Sauce

  • Olive oil
  • Red onion
  • Garlic
  • Beef mince
  • Red wine
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Salt
  • White pepper
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Sugar
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Bay leaves
  • Fresh parsley

Bechamel

  • Unsalted butter
  • Plain flour
  • Milk
  • Egg yolks
  • Nutmeg
  • Kefalograviera cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Start by preparing the vegetable base, slicing the potatoes, zucchini, and eggplants, and frying them until golden brown.
  2. Next, make the meat sauce by sautéing the onion and garlic, browning the beef mince, and adding the remaining ingredients.
  3. Prepare the béchamel sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk until thickened. Stir in cheese and nutmeg.
  4. Assemble the moussaka by layering the vegetables, meat sauce, and béchamel in a baking dish.
  5. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, then let it rest before serving.

Helpful Tips:

  • For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.
  • To save time, prepare the vegetable base and meat sauce in advance and assemble the moussaka when ready to bake.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Be sure to slice the vegetables thinly and evenly for even cooking and layering.
  2. Let the moussaka rest for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this moussaka with a side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a glass of red wine for the perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I make this moussaka ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and bake it when ready.
  2. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this moussaka freezes well for up to 3 months.
  3. Can I use different vegetables in this recipe? Feel free to customize the vegetable base with your favorite veggies.
  4. Is there a vegetarian version of this moussaka? You can omit the meat sauce and double the vegetable layers for a meatless version.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the rich flavors and comforting layers of this Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka. Whether you’re a fan of Greek cuisine or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and share your feedback with us!

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Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka

Indulge in the rich flavors of this traditional Greek moussaka, featuring layers of vegetables, flavorful meat sauce, and creamy bechamel sauce, all baked to perfection.

  • Author: Any
  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 mins
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Base

  • 2 cups olive oil for frying
  • 4 potatoes
  • 4 zucchini
  • 4 eggplants
  • 200 grams Kefalograviera cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon pepper

Meat Sauce

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium-sized garlic bulb, minced
  • 1 kg beef mince meat
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 800 grams crushed canned tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

Bechamel

  • 150 grams unsalted butter
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 1 litre milk
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 250 grams Kefalograviera cheese, finely shredded

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetable Base: Slice potatoes, zucchini, and eggplants. Fry in olive oil until golden. Layer in a baking dish with cheese, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook Meat Sauce: Saute onion and garlic. Add beef, wine, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. Layer over vegetables.
  3. Make Bechamel: Melt butter, stir in flour, then slowly add milk. Cook until thickened. Stir in egg yolks, nutmeg, and cheese. Pour over meat sauce.
  4. Bake: Bake moussaka until golden and bubbly. Let it rest before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute cheese options based on availability.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: Greek moussaka, traditional recipe, baked casserole, Mediterranean flavors

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