Are you a fan of Greek cuisine? If the answer is yes, then you have to try the Authentic Greek Moussaka recipe. This is a traditional Greek casserole made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, ground beef or lamb, tomatoes, onions, and a seasoning of oregano. The dish is then topped with a creamy sauce and cooked until it’s golden and crispy. This recipe can seem intimidating and unfamiliar, but don’t worry, it’s quite simple and straightforward.
In this article, I’ll be guiding you on how to make your own Authentic Greek Moussaka with ingredients from your local market. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to wow your friends and family with delicious results. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
The Authentic Greek Moussaka recipe requires a few simple and accessible ingredients. The main elements you’ll need are:
- 3 medium eggplants, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup red wine or beef stock
- ⅓ cup oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 ¾ cups milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants and Potatoes
Peel the eggplants and slice them into thin pieces. Place them in a colander and sprinkle them with the salt. Set the eggplants aside for at least 20 minutes to allow them to release any excess moisture.
Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin pieces as well. Set the potatoes aside to use later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef or Lamb
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Add the onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Pour in the wine or stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Bechamel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remove from heat. Let cool for a minute and then stir in the eggs. Set the sauce aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Moussaka
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Squeeze the excess moisture from the eggplants with your hands. Arrange the eggplant slices in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add a layer of the cooked ground beef or lamb on top of the eggplants, followed by a layer of the sliced potatoes. Repeat with another layer of eggplants, ground meat, and potatoes.
Pour the bechamel sauce over the top of the potatoes, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top of the moussaka is golden brown.
Enjoy Your Authentic Greek Moussaka!
Congratulations! You’ve now made your very own Authentic Greek Moussaka. The flavors of the eggplant, potatoes, and seasoned ground beef or lamb combined with the creamy bechamel sauce will leave your tastebuds satisfied. Serve the moussaka with a side salad and enjoy!
