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Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Greek cuisine with this Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka recipe. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a comfort food classic that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of vegetables, meat sauce, and creamy bechamel, this moussaka is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors that will transport you to Greece with every bite.
  2. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
  3. Perfect for meal prep, making it a convenient and satisfying dish for busy weeknights.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Vegetable Base: Olive oil, potatoes, zucchini, eggplants, Kefalograviera cheese (substitutes: parmesan, kasseri, or pecorino), salt, pepper.
  • Meat Sauce: Olive oil, red onion, garlic, beef mince meat, red wine, crushed tomatoes, salt, white pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, parsley.
  • Bechamel: Unsalted butter, flour, milk, egg yolks, nutmeg, Kefalograviera cheese (substitutes: parmesan, kasseri, or pecorino).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the vegetable base by frying sliced potatoes, zucchini, and eggplants in olive oil.
  2. Cook the meat sauce with onions, garlic, beef, red wine, tomatoes, and spices.
  3. Make the creamy bechamel sauce by cooking butter, flour, milk, egg yolks, nutmeg, and cheese.
  4. Layer the vegetables, meat sauce, and bechamel in a baking dish.
  5. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of Greek moussaka.

Helpful Tips:

  • Allow the moussaka to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
  • Substitute ground lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile.
  • Store leftover moussaka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Be generous with the layers of vegetables and meat sauce for a hearty moussaka.
  2. Use freshly grated cheese for a more flavorful bechamel sauce.
  3. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or dill for a pop of freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this moussaka with a Greek salad, crusty bread, and a glass of red wine for a complete Mediterranean meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To reheat, cover the moussaka with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For best results, allow it to come to room temperature before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I make moussaka ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight before baking.
  2. Can I freeze moussaka? Yes, freeze the unbaked moussaka for up to 3 months.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese in the bechamel? Yes, experiment with your favorite cheese for a different flavor.
  4. Can I make moussaka without meat? Yes, omit the meat for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Conclusion:

Experience the flavors of Greece with this Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka recipe. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

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Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka, featuring layers of fried potatoes, zucchini, eggplants, savory beef mince meat sauce, and a creamy Kefalograviera cheese bechamel topping.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 mins
  • Yield: 810 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
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon pepper

Meat Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large red onion
  • 1 medium-sized garlic bulb
  • 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 teaspoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley

Bechamel:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetable Base: Slice the potatoes, zucchini, and eggplants. Fry them until golden and set aside. Shred the Kefalograviera cheese.
  2. Make the Meat Sauce: Sauté onions, garlic, and beef. Add wine, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. Stir in parsley.
  3. Prepare the Bechamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Cook until thick. Remove from heat, add cheese and egg yolks.
  4. Assemble: Layer vegetables, meat sauce, and bechamel. Repeat. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can substitute the Kefalograviera cheese with parmesan, kasseri, or pecorino.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the beef mince meat and double the vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 840 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: Greek moussaka, savory dinner, comfort food, Mediterranean cuisine

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