Description
Moussaka is a delightful Mediterranean casserole made with layers of fried eggplant, ground meat (optional), and creamy béchamel sauce, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Salt, for purging
- Olive oil, for brushing or frying
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to purge excess moisture.
- Rinse and pat dry the eggplant slices.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan and fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Layer half of the fried eggplant in a baking dish, add the sautéed onions, then layer the remaining eggplant on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Notes
Although this version is vegetarian, traditional moussaka often includes ground meat like lamb or beef. Consider serving with a side of yogurt or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: moussaka, Mediterranean, casserole, vegetarian dish, eggplant