Moussaka Bil Laban

Moussaka Bil Laban is a delightful Lebanese dish combining layers of eggplant, spiced meat, and a creamy yogurt sauce, offering a rich and satisfying meal. This high-protein version is perfect for a wholesome dinner, marrying traditional flavors with a nutritious twist.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 300 grams
• Ground beef or lamb - 200 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Plain yogurt - 200 grams
• Egg - 1 large
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
3. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, cooking until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. In another skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
7. To assemble, in a baking dish, layer half of the fried eggplant at the bottom, followed by the meat mixture, then the remaining eggplant. Pour the yogurt mixture over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 40 g
• Carbs: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 100 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle health and satiety.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from eggplant and parsley, promoting overall health.

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