Potato Moussaka

Potato Moussaka is a hearty and comforting Greek baked dish that layers tender potatoes with a flavorful spiced meat filling and a creamy béchamel sauce. This Halal version ensures everyone can enjoy its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

• Potatoes - 400 grams
• Ground beef or lamb (Halal) - 250 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato puree - 100 grams
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Butter - 30 grams
• All-purpose flour - 30 grams
• Milk - 250 ml
• Egg - 1, beaten
• Grated cheese (Kefalotyri or Parmesan) - 50 grams

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Peel the potatoes and slice them into 0.5 cm thick rounds. Boil in salted water for about 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato puree, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
5. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the beaten egg and half of the grated cheese.
7. In a baking dish, start layering: half of the potato slices, followed by the meat mixture, then the remaining potato slices. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the meat and dairy, supporting muscle health.
• Potatoes provide a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.

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