What are some key authentic Greek ingredients used in this dinner recipe?
Indulge in Greek Authenticity with this Mouth-Watering Dinner Recipe
When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, Greek food is one of the most popular and well-known. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Greek food is the perfect choice for anyone looking to add a bit of variety to their diet.
One of the most iconic Greek dishes is moussaka, a hearty casserole made with layers of eggplant, ground beef or lamb, and a creamy béchamel sauce. While moussaka can be a bit time-consuming to prepare, the end result is well worth the effort.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and authentic moussaka that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (whole milk is best)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until tender and slightly browned. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, wine, tomato paste, oregano, basil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Remove from heat.
- Add a bit of the milk mixture to the beaten eggs, whisking constantly, to temper the eggs. Gradually add the egg mixture to the remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Place a layer of the cooked eggplant slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with a layer of the meat mixture. Repeat layers, ending with meat mixture.
- Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the meat mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your moussaka with a salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that will transport you straight to Greece.
We hope you enjoyed this authentic Greek dinner recipe. If you’re looking to explore more Mediterranean cuisine, be sure to check out our other recipes for delicious and healthy meals.
Bon appétit!