Recipe
A traditional Kefalonian style moussaka with layers of eggplant, potato, and lamb, topped with a rich bechamel sauce and a crispy breadcrumb and cheese crust.
1 | pound ground lamb |
|---|---|
3 | ounces thinly sliced pancetta (about 10 slices) |
2 | cups tomato sauce |
1 | large onion, small dice |
4 | minced garlic cloves |
1⁄4 | cup milk |
2 | potatoes, sliced lengthwise into thin slices |
1 | large eggplant, sliced into thin rounds |
| • | bechamel sauce |
| • | nutmeg |
| • | bread crumbs |
| • | parmesan cheese, grated |
| • | s & p |
| • | olive oil |
| 1. | Begin by sautéing the ground lamb together with the minced garlic and diced onions until the meat is browned. |
|---|---|
| 2. | In a separate pan, sauté the thinly sliced pancetta until crispy, then crumble it and combine it with the lamb mixture. |
| 3. | Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well with the meat. |
| 4. | Add the milk to the meat mixture and stir until fully combined. |
| 5. | Slice the potatoes lengthwise into thin slices and fry them in a touch of olive oil until they turn translucent. Drain them on paper towels. |
| 6. | Slice the eggplant into thin rounds, brush with olive oil, and roast in a preheated 350-degree oven until tender but not browned. |
| 7. | Prepare the bechamel sauce by melting 4 tablespoons of butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons of flour, then gradually adding 1 cup of milk while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season generously with freshly ground nutmeg. |
| 8. | To assemble the moussaka, line the casserole dish with a single layer of the fried potato slices. |
| 9. | Next, add a layer of the lamb and tomato sauce mixture. |
| 10. | Follow with a layer of the roasted eggplant slices. |
| 11. | Repeat with another layer of the lamb and tomato sauce. |
| 12. | Cover the layers with the prepared bechamel sauce. |
| 13. | Top the moussaka with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese, then bake in a 350-degree oven for 40 minutes until golden and bubbly. |
Published on Jul 19, 2024 by Luminița