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1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over moderate heat.
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2
Cook onions until soft.
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Add lamb and garlic, and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
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4
When meat is well browned, stir in remaining ingredients.
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5
Transfer to oven and bake until quite dry, about 45 minutes.
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6
Set aside to cool.
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7
Cut eggplant into 1/4 inch slices, lengthwise.
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Sprinkle with salt on both sides, and let rest on a rack until moisture rises to surface, about 30 minutes.
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9
Pat dry with paper towels.
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10
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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11
Fry eggplant briefly, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
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Set aside to drain on paper towels.
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13
Combine eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a bowl.
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14
Whisk until smooth.
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15
Pass through a strainer to remove any stray eggshells.
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16
Whisk in Parmesan cheese and set aside.
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17
1 recipe Pimento Sauce (recipe below)
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To assemble: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Stir one third of custard into meat filling.
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19
Combine remaining custard with vegetable filling.
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20
In a 9 by 13 inch roasting pan or casserole, arrange one third eggplant slices to completely cover bottom.
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(The slices may overlap.
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22
That's fine.)
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Spread half meat filling on top, then cover with another third eggplant slices.
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Pour all vegetables in custard on top.
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25
Cover with remaining eggplant, then spread remaining meat mixture evenly over top.
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26
Place the moussaka pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour boiling water into roasting pan until it rises halfway up the sides of the moussaka pan.
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27
Bake, uncovered, until custard is set in center, about 1 1/2 hours.
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28
You can test for doneness by sticking a knife in the center.
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29
If custard oozes out, cook longer.
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30
Cut into individual portions and lift out with a spatula.
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31
Serve immediately, topped with Pimento Sauce.
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32
Moussaka can be made 1 or 2 days in advance and reheated in a 325 degree oven for 25 minutes.