Moussaka is a well-loved Greek classic. This foolproof moussaka recipe may take a bit of time, but it’s easy and the results are rewarding – and delicious!
Step One
Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas 4.
Step Two
Sprinkle the aubergine with salt and leave for 30 minutes (draws out bitter juices). Then rinse aubergine in a colander and squeeze out excess liquid. Dry well with a kitchen cloth. Add to roasting tin and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Mix to give a good coating. Roast for 30 minutes.
Step Three
Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add mince, break up with a fork till browned. Add garlic, cayenne, cumin, cinnamon and coriander, stir for 1-2 minutes. Add herbs, tomatoes and puree. Stir. Turn down the heat to very low and simmer, covered for 30 minutes.
Step Four
Meanwhile, melt butter in pan, then remove from heat and add flour and mix, return to heat and slowly mix in the milk. Stir over a medium heat until thickened. Season and add cheese and ricotta, stir. Leave to cool.
Step Five
In an ovenproof dish add a third of the lamb mixture, followed by half the aubergine, then lamb, then aubergine, finishing with the rest of the mince (you can layer less or more according to dish size but make sure top layer is lamb).
Step Six
Lightly whisk egg in a separate bowl and then stir into white sauce. Top with white sauce and bake in oven for 50 minutes.
Step Seven
You can also make moussaka with minced beef. This is in fact how it is most often made in Greece!