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🍆 EASY MOUSSAKA with Béchamel Sauce - Mediterranean Delight 🍅
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Moussaka is a traditional dish originating from the Balkans, particularly Greece, where it is considered emblematic of Mediterranean cuisine. Originally made with lamb, today it often features minced beef. However, the classic version remains rooted in lamb, giving it a unique and authentic character.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants
- 1 onion
- 250 g of minced meat (lamb, veal, or beef)
- 1 garlic clove
- 4 tomatoes
- 50 g grated cheese
- 10 sprigs of green onion or chives
- olive oil
- 250 ml of tomato sauce (or water)
- 5 knobs of butter
- salt
- pepper
FOR BÉCHAMEL SAUCE
(see my recipe 👩‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE BÉCHAMEL SAUCE - easy recipe 🥧 - • 👩‍🍳 REUSSIR sa SAUCE B... ):
- 50 g of butter
- 50 g of flour
- 50 cl of cold milk (preferably whole)
- salt
- pepper
- grated nutmeg
Preparation:
1. Cut the eggplants into thin slices, salt them, and let them sit for 5 minutes to release excess moisture. Rinse, squeeze dry, and brown them in 4 tbsp olive oil until golden.
2. Prepare the béchamel sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan, add the flour and mix until you get a roux. Gradually add the cold milk, whisking constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Prepare the meat and sauce: cook the minced meat in 1 tbsp olive oil with finely chopped onion, garlic, peeled and diced tomatoes, and chopped green onion. Add the tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with the remaining olive oil. Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer, then top with the meat and tomato sauce. After each layer of tomato sauce, add a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat layers, alternating eggplant, meat with tomato sauce, and béchamel sauce, finishing with a layer of eggplant. Generously cover with béchamel sauce and sprinkle grated cheese over the entire surface. Dot with knobs of butter.
5. Bake for 25 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
📒 TIPS 🔰 Good to Know 🤗 :
☑️ For a lighter version, grill the eggplant slices under the oven grill before using. Use a non-stick pan to reduce oil usage and preserve the authentic taste of moussaka. Then, place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
☑️ To maintain the creamy texture of béchamel sauce and prevent it from mixing too much with other ingredients during cooking, add it only in the final layer.
☑️ If the meat sauce is too liquid, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
☑️ Ideal Accompaniment: serve your moussaka with a fresh green salad or tzatziki sauce to complement this delicious Mediterranean dish.
☑️ Freezing: moussaka freezes well. Divide into individual portions after cooling and freeze in containers. To reheat, bake for about 20 minutes.
Moussaka is more than just a dish; it's a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine, rich in flavors and history. Its preparation may vary across local traditions, but it's always loved for its delightful combination of tender eggplants, flavorful meat, and creamy sauce. Whether for a special occasion or a family meal, moussaka promises to delight your taste buds and transport your senses to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Enjoy it with loved ones and indulge in this Mediterranean delight.
👩‍🍳 Enjoy your meal! 🤗
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