---------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robin C Newsgroups: rec.food.recipes Subject: Moussaka Followup-To: rec.food.cooking Date: 14 Oct 1998 06:34:10 -0600 Organization: TELUS Communications Inc. Reply-To: Robin C NNTP-Posting-Host: boofura.swcp.com For sitarr@aol.com (SitarR) who asked: "I am looking for a recipe for Lamb Moussaka. I had a great one somewhere made with eggplants, potatoes and some type of creamy sauce; it was mmm good. Thanks in advance." This recipe does not use potatoes but I understand from recent postings to rfc that a layer of potato slices is often put in the bottom of the dish. Moussaka beef - ground, lamb 1 lb ground lamb or beef 3 each medium eggplant; cut into 1/2-inch slices 8 oz onions; sliced 2 cloves garlic; chopped, or more to taste 1 as needed olive oil 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1/2 cup red or white wine 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 to taste salt 1 to taste freshly ground pepper ----BICHAMEL SAUCE---- 3 tablespoon butter or margarine 3/4 cup all purpose flour 2 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; freshly grated 1 to taste nutmeg; freshly grated 2 each eggs; well beaten Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and place in colander and top with a weighted down plate (use a large can of something) and let stand 30 minutes. Saute onions and garlic in a little oil for about 5 minutes then add meat and brown, stirring to break up lumps. Mix together tomato paste, wine, cinnamon and parsley and pour over meat mixture. Season with salt and pepper, stir, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, dry eggplant slices with paper towels and saute until golden brown in olive oil. (They will soak up oil like a sponge so drain well on paper towels - alternatively, brush with oil and saute in a non-stick pan.) Make alternate layers of eggplant slices and meat sauce in a baking dish; put to one side. Bechamel Sauce: Melt butter or margarine in a pan and stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk with constant stirring while cooking. This will result in a smooth white sauce. Stir in cheese and nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to cool, then whisk the beaten egg into the sauce. Pour sauce over the eggplant and meat mixture and bake uncovered in a preheated 350:F oven for an hour or until golden brown. Yield: 4 servings -- Robin -- ~~Rec.food.recipes is moderated; only recipes and recipe requests are accepted for posting. Please read the FAQ posted on Mondays. Recipes/requests go to recipes@rt66.com; questions/comments to tfdpress@acpub.duke.edu. Please allow several days for your submission to appear.