Name: Simple Turkish Moussaka
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants; 2 tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 tbsp salt (divided); 1 tsp black pepper (divided); 1 white onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp sumac; 1 tbsp Aleppo pepper; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 bay leaf; 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb); 2 cups crushed canned tomatoes; 2 tbsp Turkish red pepper paste (or tomato paste); Fresh mint (for garnish); 2 tbsp Greek yogurt; 1 clove garlic (minced); 2 tbsp fresh dill (minced); 1 lemon (juiced)

Description

Experience the warmth and richness of Mediterranean cuisine with this Simple Turkish Moussaka Recipe. This delightful dish features layers of roasted eggplant, savory ground beef (or lamb), and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with a creamy yogurt sauce. The unique blend of spices, including sumac and Aleppo pepper, adds depth and complexity, making it an unforgettable meal for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With quick preparation time and hearty ingredients, this moussaka is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with vegetables and lean protein. Serve it alongside fluffy rice or warm pita bread for an elevated dining experience that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large eggplants
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
1 tbsp salt (divided)
1 tsp black pepper (divided)
1 white onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp sumac
1 tbsp Aleppo pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
1 bay leaf
1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb)
2 cups crushed canned tomatoes
2 tbsp Turkish red pepper paste (or tomato paste)
Fresh mint (for garnish)
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tbsp fresh dill (minced)
1 lemon (juiced)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the eggplants into large pieces and spread them on a sheet pan.
Drizzle eggplant with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper; roast for about 30 minutes until soft.
In a fry pan over medium-high heat, sauté onions and garlic with spices until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper paste, and roasted eggplant; simmer covered for 20 minutes.
For the yogurt sauce, mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl.
Serve the moussaka hot topped with yogurt sauce and fresh mint.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg