Moussaka is the signature dish of Greek cuisine: layers of roasted eggplant, lamb spiced with cinnamon and tomato, and a layer of baked golden bechamel. It is a celebration dish that requires some time but the result is unmatched.
Mediterranean
Eggplant and lamb moussaka with bechamel
Traditional Greek moussaka with eggplant, spiced lamb and bechamel. Festive, comforting dish full of Mediterranean flavor.
- Greece
- MAIN COURSES
- High protein
- High fiber
- Low sugar
- medium-high
- lactosa
30 min
Tiempo de Preparación
6
Servings
Nutrición por ración
- Calories 480 kcal
- Protein 28 g
- Fiber 5 g
- Carbohydrates 24 g
- Fat 28 g
- Sodium 560 mg
Story behind the dish
Preparation
Eggplant and lamb moussaka with bechamel is a Greek preparation with high difficulty. Set aside about 90 minutes in total (30 for mise en place and preparation, 60 for cooking). Follow the 7 phases in order: each step indicates what to do, what to observe and, when applicable, the time or level of fire.
Before you start
- Have ready: 3 large sliced eggplants.
- Have ready: 500 g of minced lamb.
- Have ready: 400 g of crushed tomato.
- Have ready: 1 large onion, chopped.
- Have ready: 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- Salt, oil and spices measured and within reach.
- Clean utensils, board and clear work surface.
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Salt the eggplant slices and let them drain for 20 minutes; dry and roast in…
Salt the eggplant slices and let them drain for 20 minutes; dry and roast in oven 200 °C 15 min. Preheat the oven well in advance so that the temperature is stable from the first minute. In demanding recipes, do not improvise times: precision makes the difference.
Preheat the oven well in advance so that the temperature is stable from the first minute.
-
Sauté onion and garlic; add the lamb and brown well
Sauté onion and garlic; Add the lamb and brown well. Add tomato, cinnamon and oregano; cook 20 min. Look for a uniform golden color; The seal concentrates flavor and prevents it from releasing too much liquid later. In demanding recipes, do not improvise times: precision makes the difference.
Look for a uniform golden color; The seal concentrates flavor and prevents it from releasing too much liquid later.
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Prepare the bechamel: melt butter
Prepare the bechamel: melt butter, add flour, cook 2 min; Pour the milk little by little, stirring. Season with nutmeg; off the heat add yolks and cheese. Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step. In demanding recipes, do not improvise times: precision makes the difference.
Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
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In baking dish (25x35 cm): layer of eggplant
In a baking dish (25x35 cm): layer of eggplant, meat, eggplant, meat, final eggplant. Preheat the oven well in advance so that the temperature is stable from the first minute. In demanding recipes, do not improvise times: precision makes the difference.
Preheat the oven well in advance so that the temperature is stable from the first minute.
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Cover with the bechamel and smooth with a spatula.
Cover with the bechamel and smooth with a spatula. Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step. In demanding recipes, do not improvise times: precision makes the difference.
Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
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Bake at 180°C for 40-45 minutes until the surface is golden brown.
Bake at 180°C for 40-45 minutes until the surface is golden brown. Look for a uniform golden color; The seal concentrates flavor and prevents it from releasing too much liquid later. In demanding recipes, do not improvise times: precision makes the difference.
Look for a uniform golden color; The seal concentrates flavor and prevents it from releasing too much liquid later.
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Let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting to keep its shape.
Let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting to keep its shape. Resting time is not optional: it improves texture, hydrates fibers and balances flavors. In demanding recipes, do not improvise times: precision makes the difference.
Resting time is not optional: it improves texture, hydrates fibers and balances flavors.
Chef's tips
- Resting time is not optional: it improves texture, hydrates fibers and balances flavors.
- Preheat the oven well in advance so that the temperature is stable from the first minute.
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