Eggplant Moussaka

This Low Carb Eggplant Moussaka offers a delightful twist on the traditional Greek dish, layering roasted eggplant with a rich meat sauce and a creamy béchamel. It's a satisfying meal that is both hearty and healthy, perfect for those looking to reduce their carb intake.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250g)
• Ground beef (or lamb) - 250g
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Canned diced tomatoes - 200g
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Egg - 1, beaten
• Greek yogurt - 150g
• Cheddar cheese - 50g, grated

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, canned tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. While the sauce simmers, brush the eggplant slices with the remaining olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and slightly golden.
7. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the beaten egg until well combined.
8. In a baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant, followed by the meat sauce, and then the remaining eggplant. Pour the yogurt mixture over the top, and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
9. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 100 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
• Eggplant is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting heart health.

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