The Pleasures of Moussaka

 Moussaka is my absolute favorite Greek dish and I order it often when I go out to a Greek Restaurant (I love saganaki too) Oh how I love the succulent layers of soft eggplant and how it melts perfectly with the sauteed, seasoned hamburger, the fluffy baked bechamel sauce and oh, my goodness, the condimental ambrosial blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and salt. The mouth cramping has begun. It will be the perfect Sunday night platter of delectability -  the consummate vessel for the heart and soul on a snowy afternoon here in Vancouver, BC.

P.S., If you would like to add potato to the moussaka which is traditional, peel 5 potatoes, slice and cook in a pot until just cooked.  Set aside and cool while you make everything else! 

The Stars of the Show 

The Eggplant

Slice up 1-2 large eggplants length-wise, trimming both ends off first.  Keep the skin on.  Put parchment paper on a cookie sheet and then lay the slices of eggplant over it. Lightly swipe each eggplant slice with avocado oil spray or another cooking spray. Sprinkle with a little salt and cinnamon. 

Pop into a 350 degree oven for 1/2 hour until nice and soft. Of course you can also fry eggplant in a pan with oil if you prefer, however baked is as delish.

The Flavored Hamburger

1 lb. hamburger, 1/2 large onion diced, 2 bay leaves, 1 cup beef broth, 2 cans tomato paste (or you can just add a few tbsp. I just love the richness of tomato paste), 1/2 cup red wine, 1/2 large can of whole tomatoes or diced tomatoes, 1 tsp. sugar, 1 tsp. or more of cinnamon, 1 tsp. or more of nutmeg, 1/2 tbsp. dried oregano.  Taste the hamburger to add more seasonings as you wish.

The Bechamel 

1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup butter, 6 cups whole room temp milk, or half and half cream, 4 tbsp. olive oil. 1/2 cup parmesan (powdered is great too!), a pinch salt, a pinch pepper, a pinch of nutmeg.

Melt butter in a pot, add flour and whisk until butter is absorbed.  Add milk and whisk.  Let it thicken a little then add egg yolks and olive oil.  Whisk away!  Bring to a gentle bubble and add the parmesan.  You will top the layered casserole of eggplant and hamburger with bechamel.

A Marriage Made In Heaven

In a 7 X 11 casserole lay the eggplant down, top with hamburger and repeat (probably 2 layers).  Pour Bechamel over and garnish with more oregano and nutmeg or cinnamon if you like.

Pop into a 350 degree oven for about 1/2 an hour.