Greek Style Moussaka
3 med Eggplants
1/2 cup Vegetable oil
3 lg Onions; chopped fine
2 lb Ground lamb; (or beef)
3 tbsp Tomato paste
1/2 cup Red wine
1/2cup Chopped parsley
1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
Salt to taste
Peel the eggplants and cut them into slices about 1/2 inch thick. Brown the
slices quickly in 1/4 cup of the oil. Set aside. Heat the remaining oil in the
same skillet and cook the onions until they are brown. Add the ground meat and
cook 10 minutes. Pour off excess fat. Combine the tomato paste with the wine,
parsley, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Stir this mixture into the meat and simmer
over low heat, stirring frequently, until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the mixture from the fire. Preheat the oven to 375F. Make a white sauce
by melting the butter and blending in the flour, stirring with a wire whisk.
Meanwhile, bring the milk to a boil and add it gradually to the butter-flour
mixture, stirring constantly. When the mixture is thickened and smooth, remove
it from the heat. Cook slightly and stir in the beaten eggs, nutmeg and ricotta.
Grease an 11x16-inch pan and sprinkle the bottom lightly with crumbs. Arrange
alternate layers of the eggplant and the meat sauce in the pan, sprinkling each
layer with Parmesan and crumbs. Pour the ricotta sauce over the top and bake 1
hour, or until top is golden. Remove from the oven and cool 20 to 30 minutes
before serving. Cut into squares and serve. The flavors in this dish really
improve if you make it a day ahead.
NOTE: Prepared in advance, Moussaka can be
served lukewarm or at room temperature.