Moussaka is a traditional dish of Greek cuisine. It usually consists of layered ingredients, including eggplant slices, minced beef or lamb, tomato sauce and creamy bechamel sauce. Eggplant is very often first roasted or fried. The moussaka is covered with béchamel sauce and cheese and baked in the oven until the top layer forms a golden crust. It is served as a main course.
The recipe may vary from region to region, but usually includes the following layers:
Eggplant slices: Sliced eggplants are often used as the base layer. The eggplant slices are usually salted and left to rest for a while to draw out excess moisture before being roasted or fried until golden.
Thin potato slices: Baked or lightly fried.
Minced meat: Usually minced beef is used. Often roasted with onions, garlic, and homemade tomato sauce.
Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is usually made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
Bechamel: The top layer of moussaka is covered with a béchamel sauce. This creamy sauce is made from milk, butter, flour, eggs, and cheese. This layer ends up being golden and creamy after baking.
The dish is assembled by layering the ingredients in a baking dish and then baking until it’s cooked through and the top is golden brown. Moussaka is often enjoyed as a main course, and variations of the recipe exist across different regions. It’s a hearty dish.