Here’s a recipe for Mousaka:
Ingredients:
– 2 large aubergines, sliced into rounds
– Salt, to season
– Olive oil, for frying
– 500g lamb mince
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
– 250ml beef or lamb stock
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 50g plain flour
– 50g butter
– 500ml milk
– 1 egg, beaten
– 100g grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
2. Lay the aubergine slices on a large baking tray and sprinkle with salt. Leave for 20 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
3. Heat some olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the aubergine slices in batches until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
4. In the same frying pan, cook the lamb mince over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook for a further 5 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, beef or lamb stock, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the beaten egg and half of the grated parmesan cheese.
7. Arrange half of the aubergine slices in the bottom of a large oven-safe casserole dish. Spoon the lamb mince mixture on top of the aubergines, then layer the remaining aubergine slices on top of the lamb mince. Pour the cheese sauce over the top of the aubergine slices and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot with a side salad and some crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious Mousaka!