This classic Greek dish is perfect for entertaining. Because it is
prepared ahead, you will enjoy more time with your guests and spend
less time in the kitchen. Follow the steps for preparation in the order
given and it will go together smoothly and easily. As you complete
each step, take a minute to clean up the cooking utensils used and your
final cleanup will be much easier. You can also prepare the meat sauce
and the cheese sauce a day ahead if convenient. If desired, you can
substitute 2 lb zucchini for the eggplant.
Preheat oven to broil. Spray a 10x14 inch baking pan with non-stick
spray.
Meat Sauce: Cook meat, onion and garlic in a large saucepan, until
lightly browned. Add the remaining meat sauce ingredients and simmer
for 10 to 15 minutes, adding a little water if it is too thick. It should be
like a thick spaghetti 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 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 turn down 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
heat
and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer
1 to 2 minutes, until sauce thickens. Remove from heat again. Place
eggs in a bowl and beat thoroughly. Slowly pour 1 cup sauce into eggs,
beating continuously. Pour egg mixture into remaining sauce, whisking
continuously. Heat just until it comes to a boil. Stir in half of the cheese,
reserving the rest for later.
Assembly: Drizzle 2 Tbsp melted butter in baking pan and spread with
1/2 cup bread crumbs. Sprinkle crumbs with GREEK SALAD DRESSING
BLEND. Lay potato slices on top of crumbs. Spread meat sauce over the
potatoes. Place eggplant slices over meat 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 cheese sauce is browned.
Allow Moussaka to set for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into squares
and serving.
Moussaka can be prepared ahead and refrigerated or frozen unbaked.
If frozen, allow an extra 45 minutes to bake.
Meat Sauce:
Category
All Good Spice
Breads
GREEK SALAD DRESSING BLEND
KIBBIE SPICE
Potatoes
Servings
Makes 8 to 10 servings
Author
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup water
- 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 1/2 Tbsp SPICE BAZAAR GREEK SALAD DRESSING BLEND
- 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 mizethra* or Parmesan cheese
- Additional Ingredients for Assembly:
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- SPICE BAZAAR GREEK SALAD DRESSING BLEND
- ground nutmeg