Best 2 Shortcut Moussaka Recipes
Moussaka is a classic Greek dish that is typically made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. While traditional moussaka can be time-consuming to make, this shortcut version uses store-bought ingredients and a few clever shortcuts to create a delicious and satisfying meal in a fraction of the time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're short on time but still want to enjoy a hearty and flavorful dish.
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SHORTCUT MOUSSAKA
Like a moussaka meets shepherd's pie, this cheater's version of the Greek spiced lamb casserole was born, Melissa Clark wrote, "out of a combination of hunger, ingenuity and a lack of time." Instead of a fussy béchamel, it is made with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes laced with kefalotiri or Parmesan cheese, and instead of frying the eggplant, it is cut into cubes and roasted. It isn't exactly a quick recipe, but it's far easier than the classic dish and equally satisfying.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dinner, main course
Time 2h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a colander, toss the eggplant and 1 teaspoon salt. Drain in the sink for 15 minutes.
- Heat oven to 450 degrees Toss the eggplant with the oil and spread on a large baking sheet. Roast, turning occasionally, until golden and tender, about 40 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees.
- Bring 6 cups water, the potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Lower heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes; drain and return potatoes to the warm pot. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and egg yolk. Mash potatoes with milk-egg mixture, 1/2 cup cheese, butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- In a very large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lamb, breaking it up with a fork as it cooks. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Push the meat to one side of the skillet and spoon off all but a thin layer of fat from the skillet. Add the onions and cinnamon sticks to the skillet. Cook until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir the lamb back into the onions and add the garlic and ground clove. Cook 2 minutes more. Stir in the tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes are soft and the mixture is thick, about 10 minutes. Stir in the eggplant.
- Spoon into a 9-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the lamb. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake until top is golden brown and slightly crusty, about 30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 602, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 40 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 24 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Sodium 1145 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 0 grams
SHORTCUT MOUSSAKA
Provided by Donna Smith
Categories Bake Eggplant Bon Appétit Michigan
Yield Serves 12
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion and cook until beef is brown, breaking up beef with fork, about 15 minutes. Mix in tomato sauce, red wine, parsley, crumbled oregano and ground cinnamon. Simmer until mixture thickens and is almost dry, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate.)
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour and stir 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Boil until thick, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Beat eggs in small bowl to blend. Whisk small amount of milk mixture into eggs. Return mixture to saucepan. Bring to boil, whisking constantly. Remove custard from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season custard to taste with salt and pepper.
- Butter 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange half of eggplant in bottom of dish. Season with salt and pepper. Spread meat mixture over. Top with remaining eggplant. Pour hot custard cheese sauce over eggplant. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Cover loosely with foil and bake 1 hour. Uncover and continue baking until golden and bubbling on edges, about 10 minutes longer. Cool 10 minutes.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-made eggplant slices. You can find them in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the vegetables by hand. Just make sure they are very finely chopped.
- For a vegetarian version of this recipe, omit the ground beef and use extra vegetables instead.
- To make the moussaka ahead of time, assemble it and then bake it for 30 minutes. Let it cool completely and then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat it in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until it is heated through.
- Serve the moussaka with a side of tzatziki sauce or Greek yogurt.
Conclusion:
This shortcut moussaka recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic Greek dish. It's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its layers of flavorful eggplant, ground beef, and creamy béchamel sauce, this moussaka is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.
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