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Transport your taste buds to the shores of Greece with Moussaka, a classic dish that's rich in flavor and history. Layered with eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, Moussaka is a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients:

2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds

1 lb (0.45 kg) ground lamb or beef

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Salt and pepper to taste

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden brown. Set aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened. Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. To assemble the Moussaka, layer half of the roasted eggplant slices in the bottom of a baking dish. Spread the meat sauce over the eggplant, then top with the remaining eggplant slices. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top. Bake the Moussaka in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Allow the Moussaka to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving:

Serve Moussaka warm, with a side of Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. It's also delicious served cold the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

Indulge in the flavors of Greece with Moussaka, a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious. With its layers of savory goodness, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.