Eggplant Casserole (Moussaka)
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Moussaka is a layered casserole of seasoned eggplant, tomatoes, and sweet sautéed garlic and onions, accompanied by a mild tomato sauce and topped with a toasted breadcrumb crust.
Serves: 1 casserole
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 2[1/2] tsp. salt
- [1/4] cup plus 3 TB. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large white onions, sliced
- 10 cloves finely chopped garlic
- 1 (16-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups plain tomato sauce
- 1 TB. sugar
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- [1/2] tsp. cayenne
- 1 tsp. allspice
- [1/2] tsp. nutmeg
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Slice eggplants into [1/4]-inch slices, sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, and place in a strainer to drain for 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Add white onions and [1/2] teaspoon salt, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and chickpeas, and cook for 3 minutes.
- In a 2-quart pot over medium-low heat, combine tomato sauce, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, sugar, black pepper, cayenne, allspice, and nutmeg. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat, and add remaining [1/4] cup extra-virgin olive oil.
- Pat each piece of eggplant dry with a paper towel, and place eggplant in the skillet. Do not overcrowd. Cook for 3 minutes per side, and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- To assemble, ladle a spoonful of tomato sauce on the bottom of a deep casserole dish. Add a layer of eggplant, a layer of tomatoes, a layer of onion mixture, and another layer of sauce. Repeat layering, finishing with a layer of eggplant and tomato sauce. Top with breadcrumb mixture, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and let breadcrumbs brown for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove casserole from the oven, and let sit for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Healthy Hint
This dish is nutritional because it contains protein from the chickpeas; antioxidants from the garlic, onions, and tomatoes; plus carotenoids from the tomatoes.
This dish is nutritional because it contains protein from the chickpeas; antioxidants from the garlic, onions, and tomatoes; plus carotenoids from the tomatoes.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: [1/12] Calories: 228 Fat: 12g Saturated fat: 3g Carbohydrates: 25g Sodium: 1,169m Fiber: 6f Protein: 8g Cholesterol: 7mg