A moussaka in your own kitchen is a great way to taste some Mediterranean flavors. Alternations of soft eggplant, seasoned ground meat, and creamy béchamel characterize this richly flavored dish with hearty elements commonly found in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Here is how you can prepare this timeless recipe step by step. Manakish Oven & Grill is your authentic Mediterranean restaurant in San Jose, CA. Catering is available as well.
Moussaka recipe Ingredients:
To prepare moussaka, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Eggplant Layer
2 large eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Salt to taste
Olive oil, for brushing
For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground lamb or beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 can, 14 oz, of diced tomatoes
-2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Béchamel Sauce:
4 tbs butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
-2 cups of milk
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg, beaten
Step 1. Prepare the eggplant:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the sliced eggplant on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat the slices dry, brush them lightly with olive oil, and bake them for about 20 minutes until they’re golden brown and tender. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Meat Sauce Preparation In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant. Add ground meat; cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Simmer sauce for 15–20 minutes, and stir at times, until sauce thickens.
Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce To make the béchamel, melt the butter over a medium heat in a saucepan. Add the flour, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk, keeping whisking until the sauce thickens. Remove the heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and white pepper. When slightly cool, whisk in the egg that has been beaten to a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Moussaka
Adjust oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Lay half of the layer of roasted eggplant slices down in a baking dish. Put the meat sauce over that layer, spreading it. Place another layer of eggplant on top and top that with the béchamel sauce, spreading over the top of the pan.
Step 5: Bake and Serve Bake the moussaka for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve after resting it for 10–15 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Bringing the Mediterranean to San Jose For those who want to enjoy moussaka without the effort of preparation, Manakish Oven & Grill in San Jose, CA, offers a delightful version of this Mediterranean classic. Authentic dishes and quality driven, Manakish Oven & Grill maintains traditional recipes to create the flavor of the Mediterranean.
It is a good option for in-house dining as well as catering services in San Jose, Mountain View, and Santa Clara. Whether dining in or ordering for a special event, Manakish Oven & Grill ensures an authentic Mediterranean experience with each dish-from rich moussaka to fresh, vibrant salads. Enjoy your homemade moussaka or visit Manakish Oven & Grill, taste this classic Mediterranean dish prepared here by skilled chefs in the heart of San Jose!
A moussaka in your own kitchen is a great way to taste some Mediterranean flavors. Alternations of soft eggplant, seasoned ground meat, and creamy béchamel characterize this richly flavored dish with hearty elements commonly found in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. Here is how you can prepare this timeless recipe step by step. Manakish Oven…
