Classic Moussaka (Eggplant & Meat Casserole) 🍆🥔🥩🧀

✨ Introduction

Moussaka 🍆 is a rich, layered casserole made with roasted eggplants, spiced meat sauce 🥩, and creamy béchamel 🧀. A Mediterranean comfort dish perfect for ftour, family dinners, or festive gatherings 🍽️.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Layers:

• 🍆 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise
• 🥔 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 🛢️ Olive oil for roasting
• 🧂 Salt and pepper

For the Meat Sauce:

• 🥩 400 g ground beef or lamb
• 🧅 1 onion, chopped
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🍅 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 🌿 1 teaspoon oregano or thyme
• 🧂 Salt, pepper, paprika

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
• 🌾 2 tablespoons flour
• 🥛 2 cups milk
• 🧀 ½ cup grated cheese (optional)
• 🧂 Nutmeg, salt, pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. 🔥 Roast eggplant and potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper until soft and golden.

Make the Meat Sauce:

1. 🥩 Sauté onion and garlic. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
2. 🍅 Stir in tomatoes and spices. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick.

Make the Béchamel:

1. 🧈 Melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
2. 🥛 Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until thick and creamy.
3. 🧀 Add cheese and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Assemble & Bake:

1. 🥔 Layer potatoes at the bottom of a baking dish.
2. 🍆 Add roasted eggplants, then spread meat sauce over.
3. 🧀 Pour béchamel on top and smooth evenly.
4. 🔥 Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 30–35 minutes until golden.
5. ❄️ Let rest before slicing and serving.

🔄 Methods

• Use zucchini or sweet potatoes instead of eggplant 🥒🍠.
• Make it vegetarian with lentils or mushrooms 🍄.
• Add cinnamon or allspice for a Greek-style twist 🌶️.
• Serve with salad or flatbread 🥗🍞.

📚 History

Moussaka is a beloved dish across the Mediterranean 🇬🇷🇱🇧🇲🇦. Moroccan kitchens add their own spice blends and serve it during Ramadan or family feasts.

💪 Benefits

• 🍆 Fiber and antioxidants from eggplant
• 🥩 Protein from meat
• 🥛 Calcium from béchamel
• 🥔 Energy from potatoes

🎨 Formation

Serve warm in slices with fresh herbs 🌿. Ideal for ftour, dinner parties, or cozy weekends 🍽️.

✅ Conclusion

Classic Moussaka is layered, creamy, and comforting—a Mediterranean masterpiece in every bite! 🍆🥔🥩🧀✨

❤️ Lovers

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families
• 🧑‍🍳 Mediterranean food fans
• 🍆 Veggie lovers
• 🎉 Celebration hosts
• 🍽️ Comfort food seekers