Moussaka is a traditional dish full of flavor and history. With layers of roasted eggplant, seasoned meat, and a tasty sauce, this recipe is perfect to surprise your family.
The preparation involves roasting the eggplants to reduce their bitterness, preparing a well-seasoned meat filling, and cooking everything in a sauce enriched with tomato, garlic, and spices.
Cooking in the oven helps to meld the flavors and achieve a perfect texture. It’s a dish that wins hearts and fills the table with warmth and good taste, ideal for celebrations or a special lunch.
Classic Moussaka
Ingredients
1 Eggplant slices
450 grams of Ground meat
1 Grated onion
2 teaspoons of Sweet bell pepper
¼ teaspoon of Cumin
4 tablespoons of Olive oil
1 Chopped onion
½ Green chili in slices
2 Shredded tomatoes
225 grams of Tomato sauce
3 Chopped garlic cloves
1 tablespoon of Tomato paste
2 tablespoons of Sweet bell pepper
1 tablespoon of Powdered chicken broth
½ teaspoon of Cumin
1 ½ cup of Boiling water
Preparation
Step 1 : Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Step 2 : Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them rest for about 10 minutes; this helps remove excess bitterness.
Step 3 : After that time, gently dry them with paper towels.
Step 4 : Place the eggplant slices on the tray and spray with cooking spray, then bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden and tender.
Step 5 : Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the ground meat with grated onion, salt, pepper, bell pepper, and cumin to form the filling.
Step 6 : To assemble the sandwiches, place an eggplant slice on a surface, top with a generous portion of the meat mixture, and cover with another slice, forming a sandwich.
Step 7 : Repeat this process until all the meat and eggplants are used up.
Step 8 : To prepare the sauce, heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion until golden.
Step 9 : Then add the chili and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 10 : Next, add the shredded tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste, and spices, mixing well all ingredients.
Step 11 : Carefully add boiling water and bring to a boil.
Step 12 : Place the eggplant sandwiches with meat gently into the sauce, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 13 : Once ready, cover the pot and remove it from the heat to place in the oven.
Step 14 : Bake at 350°F (175°C) for one hour, then reduce the temperature to 285°F (140°C) and bake for another hour.
Step 15 : This cooking process allows the flavors to meld deeply and harmoniously.
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