Ingredients:
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (you can also use a mix of both)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
- Salt, for drawing out moisture
- Olive oil, for frying
For the bƩchamel sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp almond flour (to thicken)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggplant:
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and place them on paper towels. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
- Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels, then heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the eggplant slices in batches, cooking until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Free Keto Meal PlanĀ :Ā KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sautƩ until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned. Break up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Make the BĆ©chamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the almond flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and beaten egg. Mix well to combine.
4. Assemble the Moussaka:
- Preheat the oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C).
- In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the fried eggplant slices on the bottom.
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the eggplant layer.
- Add the remaining eggplant slices on top of the meat sauce.
- Pour the bƩchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the entire dish.
5. Bake and Serve:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the moussaka cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
This Keto Greek Moussaka is the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and comforting flavors without the carbs! Enjoy it as a satisfying meal on its own or with a side of keto-friendly salad.
Free Keto Meal PlanĀ :Ā KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE