Classic Greek Moussaka With Eggplant

1. 1

   Using a sharp peeler, partially peel the eggplants, leaving strips of peel about 1 inch wide around the eggplant. Slice the eggplant in to 1/2 inch slices. Place the eggplant slices in a colander and salt them liberally. Cover them with an inverted plate that is weighted down by a heavy can or jar. Place the colander in the sink so that excess moisture can be drawn out. They will need to sit for at least 15-20 minutes, preferably an hour.

2. 2

   The salt also helps to remove some of the bitterness of the eggplant.

3. 3

   Peel the potatoes and boil them whole until they are just done. They should not get too soft, just cooked enough so that they no longer crunch. Drain, cool and slice them in 1/4 inch slices. Set aside.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

5. 5

   Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and lightly grease. Add a splash of water to the egg whites and beat them lightly with a fork. Add breadcrumbs to a flat plate.

6. 6

   Rinse the eggplant slices and dry with paper towels. Dip the eggplant slices in the beaten egg whites and then dredge them in the breadcrumbs, coating both sides. Place breaded eggplant slices on baking sheets and bake at 400 degrees for 1/2 an hour, turning them over once during cooking.

7. 7

   When eggplant is finished cooking, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees.

8. 8

   Make the Meat Filling:

9. 9

   In a large sautA pan, brown the ground beef (or lamb) until the pink color disappears. Add onion and sautA until translucent, about 5 minutes.

10. 10

    Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

11. 11

    Add wine to pan and allow it to simmer and reduce a bit before adding cinnamon, allspice, parsley, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for approximately 15 minutes so that excess liquid can evaporate. It should be a drier, chunkier, tomato sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.