Iraqi Baked Dinner

luvinlif2k's Note:

This moussaka recipe originated from Iraq. Submitted for World Tour 3

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 medium eggplant
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in 12 1/2-inch slices
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 3 medium tomatoes, cut in 12 thick slices
• 2 onions, cut in 12 thin slices
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato puree or 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Slice eggplants in half lengthwise then slice into 1/2-inch slices.
2. Spread slices on waxed paper or cookie sheet.
3. Sprinkle with salt then set aside.
4. In a saucepan, cover potato slices with water, bring to a boil and cook for 6 minutes.
5. Mix next 5 ingredients (beef, garlic, salt, pepper and allspice).
6. Shape into 12 2-inch patties.
7. Rinse eggplant.
8. In deep 3-4 quart casserole arrange eggplant, potatotes (drained), tomatoes, meat patties, and onions alternately in rows, standing on end.
9. Mix together remaining ingredients (tomato puree/sauce, water, salt & pepper).
10. Pour sauce over casserole.
11. Bake in 350F oven for 1 hour or until potatoes and eggplant are cooked through.
12. Serve with warm, freshly baked bread.

Reviews

[JustJanS]

This is quick, easy relatively cheap, and tasted OK. We were very underwhelmed with the seasoning of the dish (especially in the meat patties) and I don't know what I'd do to fix that. I'm not sad I made this, but won't be making it again.

[UmmBinat]

Yummy exactly 4 1/2 stars for DH and I. I did exchange the eggplant for zucchini because of an allergy. I also added some small bamia (okra) from frozen, frying them before adding. I added an extra clove garlic but would not do so when I make this again. I used sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, instead of allspice I used my own Baharat Aka Middle East Mixed Spices - the Real Mix. This recipe is similar to Traditional Iraqi 'casserole'- Tepsi Baytinijan but I liked this one more because there was more sauce. I will make this again.

[Staciaa]

I made this last night and my daughter ameenah loved it. It was so yummy! Thanks -Stacia