Moussaka

This high-protein American twist on the classic Moussaka features layers of eggplant, seasoned ground turkey, and a creamy Greek yogurt béchamel sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that blends Mediterranean flavors with a protein-packed punch.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250g)
• Ground turkey - 300g
• Onion - 1 medium, diced (about 150g)
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Diced tomatoes - 400g can, drained
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Greek yogurt - 200g
• Egg - 1 large
• Parmesan cheese - 50g, grated
• Breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse and pat the eggplant dry, then brush both sides with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
7. In a baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant, followed by the turkey mixture, then the remaining eggplant. Pour the yogurt mixture on top and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 50 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 100 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle maintenance and repair.
• Rich in fiber from vegetables, promoting digestive health.

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