Moussaka Delight

Ingredients List

• 3 eggplants, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick slices

• salt to taste

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 2 onions, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ground black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon fines herbs

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, divided

• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

• ½ cup red wine

• 1 egg, beaten

• 4 cups milk

• ½ cup butter

• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ground white pepper, to taste

• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Place eggplant slices on a layer of paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt. Allow them to rest for 30 minutes to release excess moisture, then blot them dry with more paper towels.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until the beef is browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Stir in parsley, mixed herbs, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Pour in the tomato sauce and wine, mixing everything together. Let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes. Once cooled, stir in the beaten egg.

Meanwhile, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Whisk the flour into the melted butter until smooth. Reduce the heat and slowly pour in the scalded milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season the béchamel sauce with salt and white pepper to taste.

Place a single layer of eggplant slices in the prepared baking dish.

Spread a layer of meat sauce over the eggplant, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese on top. Add another layer of eggplant and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over it.

Pour the béchamel sauce over the layers, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Top with the rest of the cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Serve the moussaka hot and enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information (per serving)