Moussaka - Greek Casserole

"This is my mom's recipe :-D Ground lamb is my choice but it's ok to substitute ground beef. I don't like potatoes in my moussaka so I leave them out all together, and it cuts down on overall time I have to spend in the kitchen. You can add them to your dish if you'd like, THEY ARE OPTIONAL, so I included them here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check out the Moussaka potato debate here in the Greek Forum: http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=219564"
 
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photo by Chef h&h photo by Chef h&h
photo by Chef h&h
photo by Outta Here photo by Outta Here
photo by ThatSouthernBelle photo by ThatSouthernBelle
Ready In:
3hrs 30mins
Ingredients:
25
Serves:
12-14
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ingredients

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directions

  • Potatoes:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Toss the potatoes with the olive oil in a large bowl.
  • Put them in a single layer on a baking sheet and season to taste.
  • Roast until soft and starting to brown, about 35 minutes.
  • Béchamel Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add flour and cook, stirring, about 2 minutes until it starts bubbling but does not color.
  • Gradually whisk in the hot milk.
  • Continue whisking for about 6 to 8 minutes until it thickens.
  • Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
  • Put the eggs in a large bowl.
  • Whisk the béchamel sauce into the eggs.
  • Continue whisking for a few minutes until the béchamel has cooled slightly (enough so that the eggs won't curdle).
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap.
  • Make sure to place wrap directly on the surface of the sauce so a skin does not form.
  • Set aside.
  • Lamb:

  • Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add lamb and sauté until cooked through, breaking up with back of spoon, about 6 minutes.
  • Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes.
  • Add wine, cayenne pepper, and oregano and cook 2 minutes.
  • Stir in cinnamon, tomatoes, tomato paste and nutmeg.
  • Reduce heat to medium.
  • Cover and simmer until sauce is very thick and reduced to about 6 cups, stirring occasionally, about 60-70 minutes.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, preheat the grill on medium-high heat.
  • Brush the eggplant slices with oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill until cooked through and golden, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Set aside.
  • To Assemble:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Coat a 14x10x2-inch glass baking dish with oil.
  • Arrange potatoes in bottom of dish.
  • Arrange half of eggplant slices over potatoes.
  • Pour half of lamb sauce over.
  • Arrange another layer of eggplant slices on top.
  • Pour remaining sauce over.
  • Pour béchamel sauce over moussaka, covering completely.
  • Bake moussaka uncovered until bubbling around edges, about 1 hour or until topping is softly set and browned.
  • Transfer baking dish to rack and let rest 20 minutes before slicing.

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Reviews

  1. Using the potatoes, it really did take over 3 hours. Yes, it is worth it. No, it's not any more time consuming than lasagna. Next time I would reduce the cayenne to 1/4 tsp and increase the nutmeg even more than I did. Substituted an 8x8 and 11x7 pan for the 10x14. A pan at least 2 inches deep would have helped. I made only half of the bechamel sauce, but added an extra egg. That was enough to cover both pans of moussaka. They baked in 30 minutes at 400. Next time I will turn it to 350 after ten minutes in the oven. Because I did not add the wine, I might have missed some of the flavor. For that reason I gave this all five stars. Thank you Bella.
     
  2. Definitely use LAMB (and not beef) and all of the seasonings listed for an authentic flavor. I didn't use the potatoes but I have had moussaka made with them (actually substituted for the eggplant.) I really like grilling the eggplant instead of frying. Try this one.
     
  3. Loved it! Lots of work but well worth it. Thanks
     
  4. Very good. I have never had moussaka, and had only had eggplant in lasagna once, so this was a new experience for me. Don't let the long list of instructions put you off. It is worth it. I did use the potatoes. Love the subtle flavor of the lamb. I am not very familar with Greek food, but this makes me want to explore a little! Made for Fall 2007 PAC.
     
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