Authentic Greek Moussaka

Ingredients

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• 3 eggplants, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick slices
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• salt to taste
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• ¼ cup olive oil
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• 1 tablespoon butter
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• 1 pound lean ground beef
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• 2 onions, chopped
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• 1 clove garlic, minced
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• ground black pepper to taste
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• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
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• ½ teaspoon fines herbs
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• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, divided
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• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
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• ½ cup red wine
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• 1 egg, beaten
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• 4 cups milk
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• ½ cup butter
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• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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• ground white pepper, to taste
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• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Instructions

1. 1
   Lay eggplant slices on paper towels; sprinkle lightly with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. 2
   Warm olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Fry eggplant until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels; set aside.
3. 3
   Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in ground beef, onions, and garlic; season with salt and black pepper. Cook and stir until beef is browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Add parsley, fines herbs, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Pour in tomato sauce and wine; mix well. Simmer for 20 minutes. Allow to cool, then stir in beaten egg.
5. 5
   Scald milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. 6
   At the same time, melt 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. 7
   Whisk flour into butter until smooth. Lower heat; gradually pour in scalded milk, whisking constantly until it thickens. Season béchamel sauce with salt and white pepper.
8. 8
   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
9. 9
   Arrange a single layer of eggplant in the prepared baking dish.
10. 10
    Cover eggplant with meat sauce, then sprinkle 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with remaining eggplant and sprinkle another 1/2 cup cheese on top.
11. 11
    Pour béchamel sauce on top and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Cover with remaining cheese.
12. 12
    Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and browned, about 1 hour.
13. 13
    Serve hot and enjoy!