Name: Simple Turkish Moussaka Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants; 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb); 2 cups crushed canned tomatoes; 1 white onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp salt (divided); 1 tsp black pepper (divided); 1 tbsp sumac; 1 tbsp Aleppo pepper; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp Turkish red pepper paste (or tomato paste); 2 tbsp Greek yogurt; 1 clove garlic (minced); 2 tbsp fresh dill (minced); 1 lemon (juiced); Fresh mint (for garnish)

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Simple Turkish Moussaka Recipe, a delightful dish that layers roasted eggplant with seasoned ground beef and a rich tomato sauce. This Mediterranean classic is elevated with warm spices like sumac and Aleppo pepper, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings. Topped with a creamy yogurt sauce and fresh mint, this moussaka not only satisfies the palate but also offers a wholesome meal packed with nutrients. Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, this recipe will surely impress your guests and become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large eggplants
1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb)
2 cups crushed canned tomatoes
1 white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp salt (divided)
1 tsp black pepper (divided)
1 tbsp sumac
1 tbsp Aleppo pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp Turkish red pepper paste (or tomato paste)
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tbsp fresh dill (minced)
1 lemon (juiced)
Fresh mint (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the eggplant into large pieces.
On a baking sheet, toss eggplant with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half of the salt and black pepper. Roast for about 30 minutes until tender.
In a fry pan over medium-high heat, sauté onions and garlic with spices until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the pan, browning it thoroughly.
Stir in roasted eggplant, crushed tomatoes, and Turkish red pepper paste; simmer for 20 minutes.
Mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, dill, and lemon juice to create the yogurt sauce.
Serve moussaka warm topped with yogurt sauce and fresh mint.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. Experiment by adding other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition.