Moussaka at Monsieur Cuisine Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants
• 1 onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can chopped tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the eggplants into thin slices. Salt them and let them sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, cinnamon, salt and pepper, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
7. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the bottom of a large oven-proof dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the eggplant, and then layer the remaining eggplant slices on top. Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the eggplant. Then, pour the white sauce over the whole dish, covering everything evenly.
8. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggplant is tender.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Verdict:

Moussaka is a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The combination of beef, tomato, eggplant, and spices is truly exceptional. The creamy white sauce adds a lovely richness to the dish, making it all the more satisfying. Overall, this recipe is a real winner!

Serving Suggestions:

Moussaka can be served on its own as a main dish or accompanied by a salad or some crusty bread. You can also pair it with a glass of red wine for a truly decadent dinner experience. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave. Enjoy!