Moussaka Bil Lahme

Moussaka Bil Lahme is a delightful Lebanese dish featuring layers of tender eggplant, spiced ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This high-protein recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner that transports you to the heart of Lebanon.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 400 grams
• Ground lamb or beef - 300 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - ½ teaspoon
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Béchamel sauce - 250 ml (prepared with 25g butter, 25g flour, and 250ml milk)
• Grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella or kasseri) - 50 grams

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
5. Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes and then remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley.
6. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and fry the eggplant slices until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
7. Prepare the béchamel sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan, whisking in the flour to form a roux, and gradually adding the milk while stirring until thickened.
8. In a baking dish, layer half of the fried eggplant slices, followed by the meat mixture, then the remaining eggplant slices. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with grated cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 45 g
• Carbs: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, promoting muscle growth and repair.
• Contains vegetables rich in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.

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