Doctored Vegetarian Moussaka Recipe

Name: Doctored Vegetarian Moussaka
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 1/2 pounds eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds; 1/2 cup (about) olive oil; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup finely chopped peeled carrots; 1 cup finely chopped celery; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 12 ounces portobello mushrooms, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1+ tsp thyme; 1 tsp allspice; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1 Tbls ground cinnamon; 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes with added puree; 1 small can tomato paste; 1 tbs sugar; 1/2 cup white wine; 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup feta; Sauce:; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.; 1tsp salt and pepper (each); 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter; 7 tablespoons all purpose flour; 3 1/2 cups whole milk; 4 large egg yolks; Hot sauce - about 4 drops

Servings: persons

3 1/2 pounds eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1/2 cup (about) olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 cup finely chopped peeled carrots
1 cup finely chopped celery
4 garlic cloves, minced
12 ounces portobello mushrooms, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1+ tsp thyme
1 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cumin
1 Tbls ground cinnamon
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes with added puree
1 small can tomato paste
1 tbs sugar
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup feta
Sauce:
1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
1tsp salt and pepper (each)
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
7 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
Hot sauce - about 4 drops

1
Cover 2 baking sheets with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides of eggplant rounds with salt. Arrange eggplant in single layer atop towels. Let stand 30 minutes.
2
Position first rack in bottom third of oven and second rack in top third of oven and preheat to 425u00b0F. Remove eggplant and paper towels from baking sheets. Rinse and Pat eggplant dry. Oil same baking sheets. Brush both sides of eggplant rounds with oil. Arrange in single layer on baking sheets. Bake 10 minutes. Turn eggplant and rotate pans in oven. Continue baking until tender, about 15 minutes longer. Cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350u00b0F.
3
Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Saute until onion is very tender, about 12 minutes. Mix in garlic, then mushrooms. Saute until juices evaporate, about 10 minutes. Mix in thyme, cumin, allspice oregano and cinnamon. Add tomatoes and parsley, wine, paste and sugar. Cook until mixture is cooked, about 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4
Lightly oil 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange half of eggplant rounds in single layer in dish. Spoon half of tomato mixture evenly over eggplant. Sprinkle with 1/2 feta/parm mixture. Repeat layering with remaining eggplant, tomato mixture and cheese.
5
Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Stir 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Simmer until sauce thickens, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Whisk in 1/2 cup cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk yolks in large bowl to blend - whisk in slowly. Gradually whisk in 4 drops hot sauce. Add cheese and plenty of salt and pepper. Pour sauce over vegetables in dish. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)
6
Bake moussaka until heated through and sauce is golden brown on top, about 45 minutes (or about 55 minutes for refrigerated moussaka). Cool 15 minutes.

1619

kcal

Calories

Fat

160

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 27 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 1/2 pounds eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds, 1/2 cup (about) olive oil, 1 large onion, thinly sliced, 1 cup finely chopped peeled carrots, and more.

Yes, Doctored Vegetarian Moussaka falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Doctored Vegetarian Moussaka

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions