Moussakas

Moussakas; a famous greek word !!!

In the frying pan

Ingredients

5-6 big potatoes

6-7 aubergines (eggplants)

Extra virgin olive oil

Method

Peel the potatoes, cut to slices about 1.5 cm thick and fry. Put aside to heat off when fried.

Cut the aubergines to slices about 1.5 cm thick and let them in a bowl with water for half an hour. After that they should be less bitter in taste. Let them dry, season with sea salt and fry on medium heat until they become redish. 

The "kima" (minced meat)

Ingredients

750gr veal, minced

2 big dry onions

1 glass of white wine

70ml extra virgin olive oil

2 ripe tomatoes grated

100ml "Tomato and Eggplant"

½ teaspoon grated nutmeg 

Sea Salt – pepper - cinnamon

½ teaspoon of grated cloves

3 laurel leaves

Method

Put a large pan on strong heat, pour in some extra virgin olive oil, add the chopped onions and let cook for a while.

Now sautee the minced meat until it's all browned (5 - 7 minutes)

Deglaze the pan with the white wine and simmer

Add the tomatoes and all the other ingredients, pour in 2 glasses of water and let cook on medium heat until all the fluids are absorbed (35-45 mins)

Sauce béchamel

This is the traditional greek variation for the Moussaka recipe

Ingredients

800ml milk

3 tablespoons of butter

3 tablespoons flour 

1/3 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Sea Salt - pepper

1 cup of grated cheese (creatan graviera or parmigiano - like) 

Method

Melt the butter in a small pan, add the flour in order to make a roux, and cook on gentle heat while stirring with a whisk

Then add the heated milk gradually, keep working with the whisk, until the sauce is cooked, thickened and smooth.

Finally, stir in the nutmeg and cheese

Final Phase - In the oven

Lightly oil a baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs

Spread the potato slices in the dish, be sure not to leave any void space

Top the potatoes with the aubergine slices

Then apply a layer of "kima"

Potatoes and aubergines again!

Pour over the sauce béchamel and top with the fine-grated cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven, at 180ο C for about 50 mins.

When a crispy crust is formed, your famous greek moussaka is ready !!! 

Bon appétit !!