How to Make the Perfect Classic Greek Moussaka
Greek · Hard · 120 min · 8 servings
Layers of seasoned ground lamb, roasted eggplant, and a rich bechamel sauce come together in this iconic Greek comfort dish. It is baked until golden and bubbling, creating a hearty meal that is perfect for family gatherings.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Greek Moussaka recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 120 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 large eggplants sliced into rounds
- 500 grams ground lamb
- 400 grams crushed tomatoes
- 60 grams unsalted butter
- 500 ml whole milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Salt and Roast Eggplant
Sprinkle eggplant slices generously with salt and let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry and roast at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
Brown ground lamb in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crushed tomatoes and cinnamon, then simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 3: Make the Bechamel
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in equal parts flour to form a roux. Gradually add whole milk, whisking constantly until the sauce is thick and smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Layer eggplant slices in a greased baking dish, top with the meat sauce, then pour the bechamel evenly over the top. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 45 minutes until the top is deeply golden and set.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground lamb → ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
- eggplant → zucchini sliced lengthwise for a lighter version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not salting and draining the eggplant first, which leads to a watery final dish
- Assembling the moussaka while the components are still hot, causing the layers to collapse
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 28g protein, 32g carbs, 31g fat, 5g fiber.
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