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1
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
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2
Trim the eggplants and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
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3
Arrange on 2 large foil-lined baking sheets; brush generously with 1/2 cup olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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4
Bake until soft, about 30 minutes.
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5
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat; add the chard and season with salt and pepper.
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6
Cook, stirring, until wilted, about 4 minutes.
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7
Transfer to a colander and let cool; squeeze out excess moisture and set aside.
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8
Wipe the pot dry; add the butter and melt over medium-high heat.
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9
Add the onion; cook until golden, about 4 minutes.
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10
Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute.
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11
Add the lamb, breaking it up into pieces, with the oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, 2 teaspoons salt and pepper to taste; cook until the meat is slightly browned, about 2 minutes.
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12
Add the wine and cook, stirring, until the meat is cooked but still slightly pink, 1 more minute.
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13
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves; bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 30 minutes.
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14
Meanwhile, lightly oil a 9-by-11-inch casserole dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.
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15
Place the potato slices in the dish; pat dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
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16
As the sauce continues to cook, make the cheese custard: Melt the butter over medium heat.
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17
Whisk in the flour, cooking slightly to form a soft paste.
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18
Off the heat, whisk in the milk, nutmeg and 2 teaspoons salt.
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19
Return to the heat and bring to a boil, whisking.
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20
Remove from the heat again; stir in 1 cup cheese, cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs and egg yolks.
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21
Reduce the oven to 350 degrees.
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22
Layer half of the eggplant on top of the potatoes.
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23
Cover with half of the meat sauce, then half of the chard.
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24
Repeat with the remaining eggplant, meat sauce and chard.
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25
Pour the custard sauce on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup kefalotiri cheese.
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26
Bake the moussaka, uncovered, until the custard is set and lightly browned, about 1 hour.
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27
Let rest 20 minutes before serving.
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28
Photograph by Tina Rupp