Traditional Iraqi Moussaka

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: canned lentils

Ground turkey reduces fat while lentils provide a vegetarian option.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt is lower in calories and richer in protein.

breadcrumbs

🥗Healthier: ground oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Ground oats are gluten-free and healthier, while crushed crackers are economical.

Peel and wash the potatoes; slice them about a quarter inch thick.

Add oil to a pan for frying; once hot, add the potatoes and fry until golden brown.

Use a fork to check if the potatoes are cooked; drain excess oil on a plate with paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

Dice the onions into small pieces; add about 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan.

Once the oil is hot, add the onions and green chilies; sauté until golden brown, sprinkling a little salt to help cook the onions faster.

Add the ground beef to the onions; break it up and sauté until it turns light brown.

Add 1.5 teaspoons of baharat (allspice) to the meat mixture and continue to cook on medium to low heat.

Add the stewed tomatoes to the browned meat.

To make the tomato sauce mixture, combine 2 heaping tablespoons of tomato paste with 1 cup of hot water; mix until dissolved.

Add the tomato sauce mixture to the meat and add half a cup of water; season with salt to taste.

Cover and cook on low heat for 7 minutes.

Layer half of the meat mixture in the pan, then layer the potatoes, repeating until the final layer is meat mixture.

Add pepper on top and let it cook on low heat for 5 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: