MOUSSAKA - STAVROS' KITCHEN - GREEK AND CYPRIOT CUISINE

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

bechamel sauce

🥗Healthier: cauliflower puree

💰Cheaper: milk + flour

Cauliflower puree offers a lighter option, while a simple milk and flour mix is cost-effective.

grated cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor with fewer calories, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

red wine

🥗Healthier: grape juice

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Grape juice adds sweetness without alcohol, while vinegar is a budget-friendly alternative.

Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F).

Sprinkle olive oil in a roasting tin and cover the base.

Brush aubergines with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place under the broiler until golden brown.

Prepare courgettes the same way as aubergines.

Fry the potatoes in half a glass of vegetable oil until cooked.

In the same frying pan, add three tablespoons of olive oil and fry onions until translucent.

Add minced meat to the onions and brown it all over.

Add wine, tomato paste, cinnamon, pepper, and salt; cook until liquid evaporates.

Add parsley and cook for a few seconds, then set aside.

Prepare bechamel sauce by melting butter, adding flour to form a paste, and gradually adding boiled milk while whisking until thickened.

Season the bechamel with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then add eggs one at a time while whisking.

Layer potatoes in a baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon, then layer aubergines, courgettes, and halloumi cheese.

Spread the minced meat evenly over the vegetables, then add remaining layers of potatoes, aubergines, and courgettes, sprinkling with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cover with bechamel sauce and sprinkle with halloumi cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Let the moussaka rest for a couple of hours before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens