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Moussaka: How to Make Greek Moussaka with Bechamel Sauce

Moussaka is creamy, juicy, and delicious. Greek Moussaka is one of the most popular dishes in Greece, served in almost every tavern and prepared on every special household occasion.

The Greek Moussaka recipe entails luscious layers of juicy beef or lamb cooked in a tomato-based sauce, layered with sweet eggplants and creamy bechamel sauce.

The Greek Moussaka recipe never fails to impress and is always a crowd-pleaser. Take a look at our take on the recipe below.

GREEK MOUSSAKA

  • Author: Romae Chanice Marquez
  • Recipe Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Greek Cuisine

The essence of this traditional Greek Moussaka recipe can be summarised in three key stages: Preparing the meat filling, preparing the bechamel sauce, and cooking the eggplants. The classic Greek Moussaka recipe calls for either lamb or a mixture of lamb and beef. The whole preparation and cooking time will last for at least 4 hours and 20 minutes, and the recipe serves 6 to 8 people.

Greek Moussaka is one of the most well-regarded dishes in Greek cuisine. Photo by: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/533113674638614705/?lp=true.

Greek Moussaka Ingredients

For the lamb,

  • 1 pound of ground lamb
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon of ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon of allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne
  • 2 tablespoons of salt and pepper
  • ¼ cup of dried currants
  • ¼ cup of Greek extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 serrano chile
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 cup of red wine
  • 28 ounces of plum tomatoes pureed
  • ¼ cup of freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of oregano

For the eggplants,

  • 1 ½ cups of canola oil
  • 1 ½ pounds of eggplant

For the Bechamel Sauce,

  • 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • ½ cup of flour
  • ½ cup of milk
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/8 of a freshly grated nutmeg
  • 3 egg yolks
  • ½ cup of soft goat cheese
  • 1 cup of grated romano
  • 1 lemon

Greek Moussaka Instructions

For the lamb,

Step 1: Soak currants in warm water for 30 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a 6-quart saucepan over high heat.

Step 2: Add the lamb, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.

Step 3: Return the lamb to the pan; add the wine and cook until it almost evaporates. Add the tomato puree and currants.

For the eggplant,

Step 4: Heat the canola oil and season the eggplant slices on both sides with salt and pepper.

For the Bechamel,

Step 5: Melt the butter in a medium heat saucepan, add the flour, and whisk it continuously until pale and smooth. Whisk it for 2 minutes straight, and add the milk and the bay leaf continually.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F; butter a 3-quart baking dish or casserole.

Step 7: To assemble, put half the eggplant in the dish and cover with half of the meat sauce. Top the sauce with the remaining eggplant slices.

Step 8: Pour the bechamel sauce over the top of the meat sauce.

Greek Moussaka Additional Information

  • Per serving has 210 calories, 13g of fat, 10g of protein, and 13g carbs.
  • Moussaka is a great way to use leftover lamb meat.
  • Serves 6-8 people.
  • Cook/prep time: 4 hours and 20 minutes.

About the Greek Moussaka Recipe

We can find variation in Moussaka throughout the Mediterranean and the Balkans. However, they based the iconic Greek oven-bake on layers of sauteed aubergine minced lamb, fried pureed tomato, onion, garlic, spices like cinnamon and allspice, a bit of potato, and a final fluffy topping of bechamel sauce and cheese.

Greek gourmands craft their special recipe, as does just about every Greek family. There are so many variations of it across the world. There’s no doubt it is known as Greek food, but it is also considered a favorite dish in the Balkan nation.

A medley of fantastic flavors melds when Moussaka is baked to perfection. You’ll love this special recipe.

Conclusion

The Greek gastronomy is a beautiful part of Greek traditional cuisine. Authentic traditional taverns and scenic eateries exist across the country. If you are looking for more tomato-based dips, click here for more information.

Featured Image: @hungryandfussy / Instagram, @vegeteranios_hoy / Instagram

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