Name: Rich Peanut Greek Moussaka
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1 lb ground beef or lamb; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts or pine nuts, toasted; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tbsp butter (for béchamel); 2 tbsp flour (for béchamel); 2 cups whole milk (for béchamel); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

Rich Peanut Greek Moussaka is a delightful twist on the classic Mediterranean dish, featuring layers of tender eggplant, savory meat, and a creamy peanut-infused béchamel sauce. This comforting recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and special gatherings alike, combining rich flavors with a visually stunning presentation that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts or pine nuts, toasted
1 cinnamon stick
2 tbsp butter (for béchamel)
2 tbsp flour (for béchamel)
2 cups whole milk (for béchamel)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the eggplants by salting the slices and letting them sit for 20 minutes to remove bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened.
Toast peanuts or pine nuts in a small pan over low heat until golden.
For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened. Stir in grated cheese until melted.
Layer eggplant, meat mixture, and nuts in a baking dish; pour béchamel on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms. Experiment with spices like nutmeg for added depth. Allow moussaka to rest after baking for easier serving.