It is perhaps the most widely recognized of all Greek dishes and was made famous by the legendary Greek chef, Nicholas Tselementes.

This eggplant version is the traditional rendition, however you can also layer in potatoes, zucchini, or whatever vegetables you prefer. It’s hearty and filling so you won’t need many side dishes.

While it can be time consuming to prepare, I think you will find that once complete it is a very worthwhile endeavor.

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Ingredients:

* 3-4 eggplants, about 4 lbs. total
* 1 lb. potatoes
* 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef (or lamb)
* 2 large onions, finely diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup red wine
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
* 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
* 1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
* 2 tbsp. tomato paste
* 1 tsp. sugar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
* 8 egg whites, lightly beaten (reserve yolks for bechamel)
* 1 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
*

* Bechamel Sauce:
* 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks)
* 1 cup flour
* 4 cups milk, warmed
* 8 egg yolks, lightly beaten
* Pinch of ground nutmeg

Preparation:
Prep the Vegetables:

Using a sharp peeler, partially peel the eggplants, leaving strips of peel about 1 inch wide around the eggplant. Slice the eggplant in to 1/2 inch slices. Place the eggplant slices in a colander and salt them liberally. Cover them with an inverted plate that is weighted down by a heavy can or jar. Place the colander in the sink so that excess moisture can be drawn out. They will need to sit for at least 15-20 minutes, preferably an hour. The salt also helps to remove some of the bitterness of the eggplant.

Peel the potatoes and boil them whole until they are just done. They should not get too soft, just cooked enough so that they no longer crunch. Drain, cool and slice them in 1/4 inch slices. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and lightly grease. Add a splash of water to the egg whites and beat them lightly with a fork. Add breadcrumbs to a flat plate.

Rinse the eggplant slices and dry with paper towels. Dip the eggplant slices in the beaten egg whites and then dredge them in the breadcrumbs, coating both sides. Place breaded eggplant slices on baking sheets and bake at 400 degrees for 1/2 an hour, turning them over once during cooking.

When eggplant is finished cooking, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Make the Meat Filling:

In a large sauté pan, brown the ground beef (or lamb) until the pink color disappears. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add wine to pan and allow it to simmer and reduce a bit before adding cinnamon, allspice, parsley, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for approximately 15 minutes so that excess liquid can evaporate. It should be a drier, chunkier, tomato sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Make the Béchamel Sauce:

Melt butter over low heat. Using a whisk, add flour to melted butter whisking continuously to make a smooth paste. Allow the flour to cook for a minute but do not allow it to brown.

Add warmed milk to mixture in a steady stream, whisking continuously.

Simmer over low heat until it thickens a bit but does not boil.

Remove from heat, and stir in beaten egg yolks and pinch of nutmeg. Return to heat and stir until sauce thickens.

Assemble the Moussaka:

Lightly grease a large deep baking pan (lasagna pan). Sprinkle the bottom of pan with breadcrumbs. Leaving a 1/4 inch space around the edges of the pan, place a layer of potatoes on the bottom. Top with a layer of eggplant slices.

Add meat sauce on top of eggplant layer and sprinkle with 1/4 of the grated cheese. Top with another layer of eggplant slices and sprinkle once again with 1/4 of the grated cheese.

Pour the béchamel sauce over the eggplant and be sure to allow sauce to fill the sides and corners of the pan. Smooth the béchamel on top with a spatula and sprinkle with remaining grated cheese. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes or until béchamel sauce is a nice golden brown color. Allow to cool for 15 – 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

6 3/4 ounces all-purpose flour ( 1 1/2 c.)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
8 ounces unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten lightly
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
6 ounces dried cranberries

Directions
Oven to 350 degrees F.

Line sheet pans with parchment.
Mix the dry ingredients together, then stir in the oats.
Set aside.
Beat the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, then scrape down the bowl; add the honey and vanilla and beat until blended.
Add the flour mixture in two additions, beating each until well combined.
Stir in the cranberries.

Timbira ~ Brendan & Sierra talked about 4-alliance. She confronted him for not letting her know about 4-alliance. Brendan said he meant to tell her, but he didn’t have a chance. Sierra was glad he told her. High-Fives followed.

Reward Challenge ~ pulling the rope of the giant “thread stool” to make the contestants dizzy before they ran across the narrow balance beams to the mat. Jalapao made 3 points, so it won! Brendan was chosen to go to Exile Island again! He chose Steve since he was part of 4-alliance.

Jalapao ~ the happy winners arrived camp. A big sign read, “Charmin Cafe”. Lots of pastry, coffee, and juices were on the table! There was a new outhouse with lots of Charmin toilet paper! Even there was a sink and shower!! The happy campers feasted on pastry and drinks. What’s more – they got letters from home! They read with teary eyes.

Timbira ~ not much to eat. They wondered why Brendan chose Steve. Rain! The tribe mates had to hide under the shelter during heavy rain. Erinn complained about Coach’s attitude.

Exile Island ~ Brendan and Steve shook their hands. Brendan was excited to tell Steve about 4-alliance. Steve told Brendan that he had an idol. Brendan told him that he had an idol, too. They high-fived. Steve confided that he couldn’t trust people or put his faith in 4-alliance. He had to be careful.

Jalapao ~ Sydney said she dreamed about her boyfriend and could not be without him. Spencer said he was not in hurry and would enjoy his freedom first. Spencer confided that he didn’t tell his tribe mates that he was gay which could affected the game.

Immunity Challenge ~ Steve & Brendan were back. Lacrosse-like challenge. J.T. scored for Jalapao while he lost his tooth! Both tribes scored 4 points each, but Timbira scored 5 points, so it won immunity again.

Jalapao ~ Taj was upset and vented about the immunity losses. She wanted Spencer out. Steve said he would prefer to stay with his idol, but he said he would keep Taj cuz of 4-alliance. Spencer pleaded that he didn’t want to be voted out.

Tribal Council ~ after discussions, Spencer showed his Taj ballot. Taj showed her Spencer ballot. Jeff revealed many Spencer ballots and one Taj ballot, prompting Spencer out of game as 5th person from Survivor: Tocantins.