August 1st, 2013
So many variations of this Mediterranean dish. Layers of lamb and eggplant, topped with a Bechamel sauce. Rainy and somewhat cooler weather, brings this recipe to the table.
MOUSSAKA
2 eggplants, sliced in rounds
Canola Oil
1 onion, chopped
1 lb. ground lamb
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour (I used a gluten free flour.)
1 1/2 cups of milk, room temperature
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
Place eggplant slices in a single layer on a foiled lined baking sheet. Brush both sides with canola oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. Baked until softened and browned, about 15 minutes.
In a skillet add 1 tablespoon canola oil and cook the onions until they are soft. Add the lamb, breaking it into small pieces. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, salt and pepper. Stir in the tomatoes and simmer until the flavors have combined and the sauce thickens. It will take about 25 minutes. Adjust seasonings, if you wish.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk. Season with salt and pepper, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Bring to a simmer, and cook until it thickens.
In a 9 x 9 baking pan place a layer of eggplant. Spread the lamb mixture evenly over the top. Place another layer of eggplant on top.
Then, pour the Bechamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until browned and you see it bubbling. This could take about 30 minutes.
Remove from the heat….letting it rest a bit. Then, Enjoy!!
Note: Make it your own…more cinnamon, less cinnamon, beef instead of lamb…you know what to do. If you are choosing to make this recipe gluten free, plenty of sauces and all purpose flours are now on the market. Please grate your own cheese!!
January 29th, 2012
A Greek Moussaka is similar to an Italian lasagna. There are different variations of moussaka. Mine is from a recipe I got in 2004. No potatoes are used in this recipe. You can use beef or lamb. I wanted lamb but, of course, could not find it at my Giant; ground beef was then used.
I also decided not to peel the eggplants. I picked eggplants that were medium size. The flour I used was rice flour because I needed to make this recipe gluten free.
My Greek Moussaka is comfort food and great for Sunday meals.
Greek Moussaka
3 eggplants
3 cups milk
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour (rice flour if making it gluten free)
3 eggs
a few dashes of Tabasco
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons of Olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large onion, diced
2 lbs. of either ground beef or ground lamb
8 ounces Tomato juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon oregano
3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (More if you love mint.)
2 cups shredded mozzarella (I shredded my own to make sure it was gluten free.)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (Again, I shredded my own.)
1 cup bread crumbs (I bought gluten free ones.)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Slice eggplants 2/3 inch thick and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
White Sauce:
Heat milk in a separate saucepan. Melt butter and mix in flour, whisk and cook for 2-3 minutes to release flour taste. Add to heated milk, stir. Set aside.
Beat eggs until frothy and add to the warm milk, stir. Heat again, but do not boil. Whisk in nutmeg and Tabasco. Remove from heat.
Red Sauce:
In a frying pan add Olive oil, garlic and onion. Saute until tender, then, add beef or lamb and cook breaking into small pieces until meat is done. Add tomato juice, cinnamon, oregano and mint. Set aside.
Dredge eggplants in flour and sear on each side in olive oil.
In a casserole dish layer eggplant slices, then meat mixture, white sauce, cheese, and bread crumbs. Repeat until dish is filled. The last layer being the eggplant topped with white sauce, cheese and bread crumbs.
Bake for 20 minutes. I decided to use my convection oven and it took about the same time. You want it to have a nice crusty top.
Slice, enjoy, add a salad or vegetable, and remember to make it your own.
Have a good one!!
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