Lebanese Moussaka Recipe: A Delicious Eggplant Dish

Cheetahshop

September 27, 2023

Introduction

Moussaka is a delicious dish that is popular in many Mediterranean countries. It is a hearty casserole that uses eggplant as its main ingredient. The dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. In this article, we will show you how to make Lebanese moussaka, a version of the dish that is popular in Lebanon. This recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a delicious and healthy meal that you can enjoy with your family and friends.

Ingredients

To make Lebanese moussaka, you will need the following ingredients:

3 medium-sized eggplants
1 pound of ground lamb or beef
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of butter
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of chopped parsley
1 egg, beaten

Instructions

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it is time to make Lebanese moussaka. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cut the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick slices. Sprinkle salt on both sides of each slice and let them sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices with cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until it is browned. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, flour, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, salt, and water. Stir well and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumbs Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Add the beaten egg and mix well.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the eggplant slices. Add a layer of the meat mixture on top of the eggplant. Repeat the layers until you finish with a layer of eggplant. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs mixture on top of the eggplant.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice the moussaka into pieces and serve with a side salad or pita bread. Enjoy your delicious Lebanese moussaka!

Nutrition

Lebanese moussaka is a healthy and nutritious meal that is packed with flavor. The dish is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here is the nutritional information for one serving of Lebanese moussaka:

Calories: 430
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 103mg
Sodium: 679mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41g
Dietary Fiber: 9g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 32g

Conclusion

Lebanese moussaka is a delicious and healthy dish that you can easily make at home. It is a perfect meal for any occasion, and it will impress your family and friends. Follow the recipe above, and you will be able to make a mouth-watering Lebanese moussaka that everyone will love. Enjoy your meal!