Lebanese Moussaka (Moussaka Batinjan)

Lebanese Moussaka, also known as Moussaka Batinjan, is an enticing dish combining layers of fried eggplant with spiced meat and tomatoes. This traditional Lebanese recipe offers a rich blend of flavors and textures, making it a great choice for a hearty meal. The dish involves frying eggplant slices until golden, cooking the meat with aromatic spices, and assembling everything in a baking dish. Once baked, it’s garnished with fresh herbs and served warm, providing a comforting and delightful meal option.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• 1 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the ground meat, cinnamon, and allspice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is browned.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a separate skillet, fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides.
7. In a baking dish, layer half of the fried eggplant slices at the bottom. Spread half of the meat mixture over the eggplant.
8. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and meat mixture, ending with the meat layer on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until heated through and the flavors meld together.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Keywords: Fried, Hearty, Savory

Spice Rack: Cinnamon, Allspice

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