Description
Moussaka Delight is a creamy Mediterranean dish featuring layers of eggplant, seasoned meat, and a rich yogurt topping, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, eggs, and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices on the bottom.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly over the eggplant, then layer the remaining eggplant on top.
- Pour the yogurt mixture over the final layer of eggplant.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier topping, substitute half of the Greek yogurt with ricotta cheese.
- To make it vegetarian, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg