Moussaka With Eggplant and Peppers and Yogurt Bechamel |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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This is an ideal dish for entertaining. Assemble it up to four hours ahead, then pop it in the oven when your guests arrive. Serve with a salad of mixed greens. Ingredients:
1 (1 1/2-pound) eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices |
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided |
1 (32-ounce) carton plain low-fat yogurt |
cooking spray |
3 large green bell peppers |
1 pound peeled baking potato, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices |
1 pound lean ground lamb or beef |
1 1/2 cups chopped onion |
2 cups chopped peeled tomato (about 1 pound) |
1/3 cup dry red wine |
1/2 cup dried currants |
2 teaspoons aleppo pepper or dash of crushed red pepper |
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg |
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick |
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided |
1/4 cup all-purpose flour |
3 tablespoons olive oil |
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk |
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese or romano cheese |
dash of nutmeg |
2 large egg yolks |
Directions:
1. Place eggplant in a large bowl; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Let stand 30 minutes. Rinse and drain; pat dry with paper towels.
2. Spoon yogurt onto several layers of heavy-duty paper towels; spread to 1/2-inch thickness. Cover with additional paper towels; let stand 10 minutes. Scrape into a bowl using a rubber spatula; cover and refrigerate.
3. Preheat broiler.
4. Place half the eggplant slices on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; broil 6 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Repeat procedure with the remaining eggplant.
5. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a broiler pan; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes; peel.
6. Place the potato slices on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; broil 7 minutes per side or until golden on both sides.
7. Arrange potato slices in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with eggplant slices. Arrange bell pepper halves over eggplant.
8. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add lamb; sauté 5 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain well; return to pan. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in tomato and next 5 ingredients (tomato through cinnamon stick); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; discard cinnamon stick. Spoon over bell pepper halves.
9. Preheat oven to 400°.
10. Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Combine the olive oil and flour in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a whisk. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Combine the drained yogurt and milk. Add the yogurt mixture to flour mixture, stirring continuously; cook until thick (do not boil). Remove from heat; stir in 3/4 cup cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, dash of nutmeg, and egg yolks.
11. Spoon the sauce over the lamb mixture; spreading carefully, run a knife around outside edge to allow sauce to run into dish (dish will be very full). Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand 20 minutes.
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