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1
Peel and slice eggplant into 1/4-inch slices lengthwise.
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2
Sprinkle with salt.
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3
Place in a colander to drain (about 30 minutes).
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4
Rinse and let dry between paper towels.
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5
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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6
Place eggplant onto well oiled jelly roll pans.
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7
Brush with olive oil.
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8
Bake 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
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9
Set aside.
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10
In a large skillet cook onions in 1/4 cup water, 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt until onions are clear.
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11
Remove and set aside.
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12
In same skillet brown meat.
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13
Add cooked onions, salt, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons of butter.
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14
Cook, stirring well.
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15
Reduce sauce until almost dry and set aside.
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16
In 15 by 10-inch greased pan sprinkle 1/2 of the cracker crumbs to cover the bottom (the rest will be used for the top).
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17
Place a layer of eggplant close together over cracker crumbs.
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18
Top with 1/3 of the grated cheese.
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19
Add 1/2 of the meat mixture.
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20
Spread evenly.
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21
Repeat once more and top with eggplant and cracker crumbs.
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22
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese.
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23
Beat 11 eggs and 1 cup of milk together well.
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24
Spoon entire mixture on top of mousaka wetting all crumbs and cheese.
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25
Drizzle top with 4 tablespoons melted butter.
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26
Bake in 350 degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes until golden brown on top and knife inserted in center comes out clean.
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27
Cool and cut into diamonds or squares.
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28
Serve warm.
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29
This recipe freezes well.
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30
Thaw and cut into pieces and heat through.