Name: Greek Moussaka (Mediterranean - Main Course )
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Eggplant - 2 (2); Olive oil - 6 tbsp (6 tbsp); Onion, chopped - 1 (1); Garlic, minced - 4 cloves (4 cloves); Ground beef or lamb - 1 lb (1 lb); Tomato paste - 2 tbsp (2 tbsp); Red wine - 1/2 cup (1/2 cup); Canned tomatoes, crushed - 14 oz can (14 oz can); Cinnamon - 1 tsp (1 tsp); Nutmeg - 1/2 tsp (1/2 tsp); Salt - 1 tsp (1 tsp); Black pepper, freshly ground - To taste (To taste); Butter - 1/4 cup (1/4 cup); Flour - 1/4 cup (1/4 cup); Milk - 2 cups (2 cups); Eggs - 2 (2); Parmesan cheese, grated - 1/2 cup (1/2 cup)

Menu: Different Food Styles or browse Other Mediterranean Recipes

Greek Moussaka (Mediterranean - Main Course) Recipe

Moussaka is a classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, ground meat (often beef or lamb), and a creamy béchamel sauce. The dish is baked until golden and bubbling, creating a rich and flavorful main course. Moussaka is often served with a side salad and crusty bread, offering a satisfying and comforting option that represents the heartiness of Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean region.

Ingredients:

Eggplant - 2
Olive oil - 6 tbsp
Onion, chopped - 1
Garlic, minced - 4 cloves
Ground beef or lamb - 1 lb
Tomato paste - 2 tbsp
Red wine - 1/2 cup
Canned tomatoes, crushed - 14 oz can
Cinnamon - 1 tsp
Nutmeg - 1/2 tsp
Salt - 1 tsp
Black pepper, freshly ground - To taste
Butter - 1/4 cup
Flour - 1/4 cup
Milk - 2 cups
Eggs - 2
Parmesan cheese, grated - 1/2 cup

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds and brush with olive oil on both sides. Place on baking sheets and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until onions are translucent. Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in red wine and let it cook until it has reduced by half. Add crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Gradually whisk in milk until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs and Parmesan cheese.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices on the bottom. Pour the meat mixture over the eggplant and spread evenly. Layer the remaining eggplant slices on top. Pour the béchamel sauce over the eggplant and meat, and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

More Mediterranean Recipes

Greek Revani

Revani is a traditional Greek cake made with semolina flour, yogurt, sugar, and flavored with lemon zest or rosewater. It is soaked in a sweet syrup made from sugar, water, and lemon juice. Revani has a soft and moist texture and is often garnished with almonds or powdered sugar. It offers a delightful combination of flavors and represents the use of semolina and citrus in Greek desserts and the culinary heritage of the Mediterranean region.

Italian Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana, also known as Melanzane alla Parmigiana, is an Italian dish that features layers of breaded and fried eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, typically mozzarella and Parmesan. The dish is baked until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Eggplant Parmigiana is a comforting and flavorful main course that represents the richness and indulgence of Italian cuisine and the Mediterranean region. It is often served with pasta or a side of salad.

Lebanese Grilled Chicken Tawook

Chicken Tawook, also known as Shish Tawook, is a popular Lebanese dish made from marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic spices, creating tender and flavorful skewers. Chicken Tawook is often served with pita bread, garlic sauce, and a side of salad or rice. It offers a delicious and protein-rich main course option that represents the grilling traditions of Lebanese cuisine and the flavors of the Mediterran

Moroccan Briouat aux Amandes

Briouat aux amandes are Moroccan almond pastries made with thin pastry dough filled with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and orange blossom water. The pastries are typically shaped into triangles, fried until crispy, and dusted with powdered sugar. Briouat aux amandes represent the sweet and delicate flavors of Moroccan pastry, offering a delightful and nutty appetizer or dessert option in the Mediterranean region.

Italian Bresaola e Rucola

Bresaola e rucola is an Italian appetizer made with thinly sliced cured beef (bresaola) and fresh arugula leaves. The combination of the tender and salty beef with the peppery arugula creates a delightful contrast of flavors. Bresaola e rucola represents the quality and simplicity of Italian cured meats, offering a light and elegant appetizer option in the Mediterranean tradition.

Lebanese Shish Tawook

Shish Tawook is a popular Lebanese dish that features marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Shish Tawook is often served with garlic sauce, rice, or pita bread, creating a satisfying and flavorful main course. It is a beloved dish in Mediterranean cuisine and a favorite for gatherings and barbecues.

Lebanese Fatayer bi Lahmeh

Fatayer bi lahmeh are Lebanese meat-filled pastries made with thin pastry dough filled with a mixture of seasoned ground meat (such as lamb or beef), onions, and herbs. The pastries are often shaped into triangles or boats and baked until golden and flaky. Fatayer bi lahmeh represent the savory and aromatic flavors of Lebanese cuisine, offering a delicious and handheld appetizer option in the Mediterranean tradition.

Italian Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a simple and refreshing Italian salad that showcases the flavors of the Mediterranean. It consists of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves arranged on a plate and drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Caprese Salad offers a combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, creating a light and vibrant main course or side dish that celebrates the Mediterranean ingredients.

Fancy Something Else?

Tamales de Puerco

Traditional Mexican tamales made with a savory masa dough and filled with seasoned pork, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection. They are a delicious and comforting staple in Mexican cuisine.

Pâté en Croûte

A savory pie made with a pastry crust and a filling of ground meat, poultry, or game, along with other ingredients such as herbs, spices, and sometimes vegetables. Pâté en Croûte is a gourmet appetizer that showcases the artistry of French charcuterie.

Almond Jelly (Xing Ren Dou Fu Fa)

A soft and delicate jelly dessert made from almond milk, agar-agar, and sugar. It has a subtly sweet almond flavor and is often served with fruit or syrup.

Kala Jamun

Similar to gulab jamun, kala jamun is a darker variation where the milk solids dumplings are fried until they turn dark brown. Kala jamun has a slightly caramelized flavor and is often enjoyed as a dessert.

Beef and Broccoli

Tender beef slices stir-fried with broccoli florets in a savory sauce. It's a popular and nutritious dish often served with steamed rice.

Karidopita me Meli

Karidopita me Meli is a luscious Greek walnut cake made with honey and topped with a thick layer of honey glaze.

Zaru Soba

Cold buckwheat noodles served on a bamboo mat (zaru) with a dipping sauce, along with toppings such as sliced green onions and grated daikon radish. Zaru Soba is a refreshing and light Japanese main course, perfect for hot summer days.

Berenjenas con Miel

Berenjenas con Miel is a sweet and savory appetizer that combines crispy fried eggplant with a drizzle of honey. The eggplant slices are battered and deep-fried until golden and then served with a drizzle of honey on top. This unique combination of flavors creates a delightful contrast that is both satisfying and delicious. Berenjenas con Miel is a popular tapas dish in Andalusia, where honey is often used as a natural sweetener.