Zucchini Moussaka

Zucchini Moussaka is a delightful low-carb twist on the classic Greek dish, substituting traditional pasta with layers of tender zucchini. This hearty meal is packed with flavors from spiced ground meat and a creamy topping, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• Ground beef or lamb - 250 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Canned diced tomatoes - 200 grams
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Egg - 1 large
• Greek yogurt - 100 grams
• Grated cheese (e.g., feta or parmesan) - 50 grams

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. While the meat sauce is simmering, prepare the zucchini. Place the zucchini slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle with a little salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, egg, and half of the grated cheese. Mix well until smooth.
7. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices at the bottom. Spread half of the meat sauce over the zucchini, followed by half of the yogurt mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, meat sauce, and yogurt mixture.
8. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top of the final layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 37 g
• Carbs: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 150 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
• Rich in protein, which helps in muscle building and repair.

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