-
1
For the vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cook the potato slices for 5 minutes (do not cook longer) in heavily salted, boiling water.
-
2
Meanwhile, slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch slices, brush with the olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoons salt and the pepper on both sides.
-
3
Place on a baking sheet and cook in the oven, 6 to 7 minutes per side.
-
4
Set aside the potato and eggplant slices for assembly.
-
5
For the meat sauce: In a large saucepan, sweat the onions with some salt in the olive oil over medium heat.
-
6
After 5 minutes, add the ground beef and cook until golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes.
-
7
Add the oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg and garlic, and cook until fragrant.
-
8
Turn the heat up to high, and then deglaze the pan with the red wine, allowing to bubble and reduce for 1 to 2 minutes.
-
9
Add the tomato sauce and lower the heat to simmer for 5 minutes.
-
10
Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
-
11
For the bechamel: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour, whisking to make a paste.
-
12
Whisk constantly for 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to bubble.
-
13
Add the warm milk slowly, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
-
14
Once the sauce starts to come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes, whisking very frequently.
-
15
Add the salt, pepper and nutmeg, and set aside.
-
16
For assembling the moussaka: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Before assembling, taste each of the 4 layers and confirm that they are properly seasoned.
-
17
Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with vegetable oil.
-
18
Lay out the potato slices, pressing gently into the pan.
-
19
Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan.
-
20
Place the eggplant on top of the potatoes.
-
21
Sprinkle with another 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan.
-
22
Spoon the meat sauce on top, followed by 3 more tablespoons of Parmesan.
-
23
Finish with pouring over the bechamel and top with the last 3 tablespoons of Parmesan.
-
24
Cover with foil (sprayed lightly with vegetable oil) and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
