Mouthwatering Moussaka Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide to a Traditional Greek Dish

Are you ready for a delicious taste of Greece? If so, you’re in for a real treat with a classic Greek dish called moussaka. Moussaka is a mouthwatering baked dish that is often seen as one of the most well-known Greek flavors.

Moussaka is one of the most popular traditional Greek dishes, and it is made with layers of potato, aubergine, and minced meat, classical spices, and a delicious bechamel, and baked in the oven to perfection. The dish also has its tasty vegetarian alternative, known as “vegetarian moussaka”.

If you’re wanting to try out this tempting and mouthwatering moussaka recipe for yourself, the following step-by-step guide will help you achieve the perfect Greek-style moussaka dish easily and successfully:

Ingredients for Moussaka:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, chopped finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:

• 2-3 large aubergines, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, sliced
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bechamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups warm milk
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions for Making Moussaka:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

• In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat, and add the onions and garlic. Saute them for 2-3 minutes or until they become fragrant and translucent.
• Add the ground beef or lamb, and stir it into the mixture for 5-7 minutes or until it is fully cooked and golden-brown in color.
• Stir in the canned tomato paste and water, followed by the sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and it reaches a nice, thick consistency.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

• Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C.
• Place aubergines on a large baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and tender.
• Meanwhile, do the same with the potatoes, using the remaining olive oil.
• Transfer both the aubergines and the potatoes to a large plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bechamel Sauce

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add flour and stir constantly for 5-7 minutes or until it becomes golden-brown and fragrant.
• Gradually add warm milk, and whisk constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
• Remove the saucepan from the heat, and whisk in the egg yolk, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Moussaka

• Spread half of the meat sauce into the bottom of a large oven safe dish.
• Place a single layer of the roasted aubergines on top of the meat sauce.
• Add another layer with the sliced potatoes.
• Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top and spread it out evenly.
• Pour the bechamel sauce over the top to cover the whole of the dish.
• Bake the moussaka in the oven for 45-50 minutes or until the bechamel sauce has turned golden-brown.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Your mouthwatering Moussaka is now ready to enjoy!

Whether you are looking for the perfect comfort dish on a cold winter’s day, or a traditional Greek treat to impress your friends and family, moussaka is sure to be a delicious choice. This simple and flavorful recipe will have you feeling like you’re in sunny Greece in no time!