Moussaka is a savory Mediterranean casserole of layered meat and vegetables. This Greek version is made with ground beef or lamb, creamy béchamel, grilled eggplant, and potatoes.
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground lamb or beef
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup dry red wine
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice, or more to taste
Kosher salt to taste
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cups whole milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 large globe eggplants
1/2 cup salt
8 cups water
2 to 3 Yukon gold or other yellow potatoes
1 cup grated mizithra (or pecorino or Parmesan) cheese