This meatless version of the famous Moussaka is surprisingly satisfying. Follow the steps for preparation in the order given and it will go together smoothly and easily. As you complete each step of the preparation, take a minute to clean up the cooking utensils used and your final cleanup will be much easier.
Preheat oven to broil. Spray a 10x14-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
Meatless Tomato Sauce: Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and garlic and sauté until lightly browned. Add the remaining tomato sauce ingredients, except zucchini, and simmer for 10 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick more water may be added. It should be like thick spaghetti sauce. While the sauce is cooking, blanch zucchini until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. Or microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Stir in the sauce.
Potatoes and Eggplant: Place sliced potatoes in boiling water to cover and simmer until done, but still firm, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and set aside. Line a shallow baking pan with foil. Drizzle with olive oil. Place eggplant slices on the pan and turn to coat both sides with oil.
Sprinkle with GREEK SALAD DRESSING BLEND. Place under broiler
for 5 minutes on each side, until browned. Set aside. Immediately set the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and All Good SPICE, whisking briskly until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the milk. Return to medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat again. Place eggs in a small bowl and beat thoroughly. Slowly pour 1 cup sauce into eggs, beating continuously. Then pour the egg mixture into the remaining sauce, whisking continuously. Return to heat and cook just until it comes to a boil. Stir in half of the cheese, reserving the rest for later.
Assembly: Drizzle baking pan with 2 Tbsp melted butter. Spread with 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Sprinkle crumbs with GREEK SALAD DRESSING BLEND. Lay potato slices on top of the crumbs. Spread tomato sauce on top of the potatoes. Place eggplant slices over the sauce. Then pour cheese sauce on top. Sprinkle with reserved grated cheese and a little nutmeg. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes, until the cheese sauce, is browned. Allow the Moussaka to set for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting it into squares and serving.
Moussaka can be prepared ahead and refrigerated or frozen unbaked. If frozen, allow an extra 45 minutes to bake.
Meatless Tomato Sauce:
Category
All Good Spice
GREEK SALAD DRESSING BLEND
KIBBIE SPICE
Main dishes
Potatoes
Servings
Makes 8 to 10 servings
Author
- 2 Tbsp
- 1 cup
- 2 cloves olive oil diced onion garlic, crushed
- 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1 1/2 Tbsp SPICE BAZAAR GREEK SALAD DRESSING BLEND
- 1 Tbsp SPICE BAZAAR ATHENIAN GARDEN SPICE
- 3 medium zucchini, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 medium eggplants, cut into 1/2-inch round slices
- 1/4 cup olive oil SPICE BAZAAR GREEK SALAD DRESSING BLEND
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 tsp SPICE BAZAAR All Good SPICE
- 3 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup grated mizithra* or Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs