Moussaka is the Greek equivalent of lasagna. It features layers of flavorful tomato meat sauce and eggplant in place of pasta, all topped with a rich, creamy béchamel sauce. Though this traditional Greek dish takes some time to prepare, the result is worth it! It’s the ultimate comfort food and a tremendous low-carb option as well!
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What does “moussaka” mean?
The word “moussaka” is derived from the Arabic term “musaqqâ,” which translates to “moistened. This likely refers to the juicy texture of the tomato-based meat sauce.
What is moussaka traditionally made of?
Moussaka is a traditional Greek casserole, usually prepared with ground lamb, although ground beef is often used as a substitute. Traditionally, it features layers of eggplant, but variations may include potato or even zucchini slices for extra flavor.
Is it similar to lasagna?
Though the ingredients differ, the structure and assembly of moussaka resemble that of lasagna, with layered components. Instead of pasta, moussaka uses eggplant combined with a rich meat sauce and topped with creamy béchamel. Many consider it the Greek counterpart to Italian lasagna.
What is the difference between the Turkish and Greek versions?
The primary difference between Turkish and Greek moussaka is their preparation and ingredients. Greek moussaka is typically made with layers of eggplant, a rich tomato-based meat sauce (often lamb or beef), and a creamy béchamel sauce on top, which is then baked to perfection. It is more of a layered casserole, similar in structure to lasagna. On the other hand, Turkish moussaka is usually a simpler, stew-like dish that does not include béchamel sauce. Instead of being layered, Turkish moussaka combines fried eggplant with ground meat (usually beef or lamb), tomatoes, onions, and spices and is typically served alongside Rice or bulgur. Both versions offer delicious and hearty meals but with different textures and presentations.
Is it healthy?
Moussaka isn’t traditionally considered a healthy food, but it is a lower-carb option because it uses eggplant instead of pasta. Lamb mince, often used in the dish, contains less saturated fat than beef, and the dish is finished with a rich cheese sauce for a satisfying meal.
Our traditional Greek moussaka recipe perfectly captures Greek cuisine’s hearty, comforting essence. This dish evokes fond memories of family dinners where everyone eagerly enjoyed it!
What’s in this traditional recipe?
Moussaka is a beloved Mediterranean dish perfect for any time of year. It features layers of pan-fried eggplant, rich, flavorful lamb, and tomato sauce, all topped with a creamy, smooth béchamel sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Do you need to salt eggplants before making this dish?
Some recipes recommend salting and rinsing eggplants to remove bitterness, but this step isn’t usually needed if the eggplants are fresh. If the seeds seem hard or prominent, it’s best to salt the eggplants as they may be overripe.
Check out these 14 Greek recipe ideas if you enjoy comforting Greek dishes. And if you’re craving more moussaka, don’t miss our slow-cooked beef moussaka, cheesy moussaka pasta bake, and a vegetarian version made with lentils!
How to make this dish?
Ingredients :
- 2 large eggplants, thinly sliced
- Olive oil spray
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 800g ground lamb
- 400g can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/3 cup shredded pizza blend cheese
- Lemon wedges for serving
White Sauce
- 75g butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
Instructions :
Step 1
Lightly spray the eggplant slices with olive oil. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the eggplant in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the cooked slices to a large plate and set aside.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes or until the onion softens. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for around 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft. Add the ground lamb and continue cooking, stirring frequently to break up the meat, for 6 to 8 minutes until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cinnamon, and allspice. Heat the mixture until it reaches a boil, then reduce the temperature to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and much of the liquid has cooked off.
Step 3
While that simmers, make the white sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Incorporate the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for 1 minute until it bubbles. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat.
Step 4
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan-forced). Grease an ovenproof dish with an 8-cup capacity. Arrange one-third of the eggplant slices, slightly overlapping, at the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the eggplant, then repeat the layering, finishing with a final layer of eggplant on top. Evenly pour the white sauce over the eggplant and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is a beautiful golden brown. Let the moussaka rest for 15 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
What is best served with moussaka?
Moussaka is a rich and hearty dish that pairs well with lighter sides that balance its flavors. A fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil and oregano is a perfect choice to add brightness to the meal. Tzatziki, a creamy yogurt dip with cucumber and garlic, also complements the dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory layers of moussaka. Additionally, a side of crusty bread or pita is great for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Conclusion
Moussaka is a rich, flavorful dish that perfectly combines layers of tender eggplant, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. Its comforting taste and hearty texture make it a true classic of Greek cuisine. Although it takes some time to prepare, the result is well worth the effort, offering a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
We invite you to try this delicious moussaka recipe yourself and experience the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean. We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experience and let us know what you think!