Moussaka with yogurt and feta topping is a delicious twist on the classic dish, moussaka. This version features a creamy yogurt and feta topping that adds a tangy flavor to the rich lamb and eggplant layers. It’s a perfect comfort food for any time of year.
To make this delicious moussaka, you’ll need a few key ingredients. red onion, carrot, garlic, lamb mince, tomato paste, canned chopped tomatoes, eggplant, yogurt, egg, and crumbled feta. It’s a simple addition that takes this dish to the next level.
Serve your moussaka with a side of steamed vegetables and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite. Trust me, once you try this version with the yogurt and feta topping, you won’t want to go back to the traditional recipe.
History of Moussaka
Origins
The exact origins of moussaka are somewhat unclear, with various theories and legends circulating about its creation. Some sources suggest that moussaka may have been inspired by Middle Eastern dishes like musakhkhan or maghmour, which feature similar ingredients and cooking techniques.
Others point to the influence of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled over Greece for centuries and introduced many new foods and cooking styles to the region. It’s possible that moussaka evolved from Turkish dishes like moussaka or imam bayildi, which also use eggplant and tomato as key ingredients.
Regional Variations
While moussaka is often associated with Greece as a whole, there are many regional variations of the dish that have emerged over time. For example, in northern Greece, moussaka is often made with potatoes instead of eggplant, while in some parts of the country, it’s served with a bechamel sauce instead of a yogurt and feta topping.
Outside of Greece, moussaka has also been adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients. In Egypt, for example, moussaka is often made with ground beef and served with rice, while in Lebanon, it may be served with a side of tabbouleh or hummus.
Despite these variations, however, the basic elements of moussaka remain the same: a hearty, flavorful casserole made with layers of eggplant, tomato, and meat, topped with a tangy yogurt and feta mixture. It’s a dish that truly embodies the rich history and diverse culinary traditions of Greece.
Ingredients:
- 1 finely diced red onion
- 1 finely diced large carrot
- 2 crushed cloves of garlic
- 18oz lean of lamb mince
- 2 tbsp of tomato paste with no added salt
- 14oz can of chopped tomatoes with no added salt
- 2 medium eggplants, trimmed and cut into ½cm-thick slices
- 1 cup of reduced-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup of crumbled reduced-fat feta
- Spray oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Moussaka with Yogurt and Feta Topping?
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Initial Sauté: Commence by applying a light coating of oil to a spacious saucepan. Sauté diced onion and carrot over moderate heat until they soften, requiring approximately 6-7 minutes. Subsequently, introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Mince Preparation: Add the ground lamb to the saucepan. Utilize a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks for 5 minutes. Once fully cooked, remove any excess fat present in the pan. Subsequently, incorporate tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
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Simmering the Sauce: Introduce the diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce reaches a desired consistency. Season the sauce to your preference before removing it from the heat.
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Eggplant Grilling: Concurrently, prepare a large chargrill pan or frying pan. Apply a light coating of oil and preheat it to high heat. Grill the sliced eggplants in batches, allowing approximately 2 minutes per side. The desired outcome is for the eggplants to become lightly charred and tender.
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Assembling and Baking: To assemble the moussaka, utilize a 1.5-liter ovenproof dish. Spoon one-third of the lamb mixture into the base of the dish. Following this, add one-third of the eggplant slices to create an even layer on top of the lamb. Repeat this process two additional times to form three total layers. Finally, evenly spread the prepared yogurt topping over the final layer of eggplant. Bake the assembled moussaka for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping achieves a golden brown color. Serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this moussaka with a side of fresh salad. The crispiness of the salad complements the richness of the moussaka, and the tanginess of the yogurt and feta topping adds a nice contrast to the flavors.
If you want to make your moussaka meal more filling, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread. The roasted vegetables add an earthy flavor to the dish, while the garlic bread provides a nice crunch.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, serving the moussaka with a side of rice or potatoes is always a great option. The starchiness of the rice or potatoes helps to balance out the richness of the dish, making it a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macronutrients
One serving of our moussaka contains approximately 400 calories. It is a good source of protein, with 44 grams per serving. The dish is also relatively high in fat, with 17 grams of fat per serving, but most of the fat comes from healthy sources such as olive oil and yogurt.
Vitamins and Minerals
This moussaka is rich in several essential vitamins and minerals. One serving provides 25% of the recommended daily intake of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. The dish is also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.
Ingredients to Watch Out For
While it is a healthy and nutritious dish, there are a few ingredients to watch out for if you have any dietary restrictions. The dish contains eggplant, which may not be suitable for those with nightshade allergies. It also contains dairy in the form of yogurt and feta cheese, so it is not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage
- Store leftover moussaka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan on storing the moussaka for longer, it’s best to freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When reheating frozen moussaka, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- To reheat the moussaka, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the moussaka from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Cover the moussaka with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- If you’re short on time, you can reheat the moussaka in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to stir the moussaka halfway through to ensure even heating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Oil
It’s easy to get carried away with the oil when making moussaka. After all, it’s a dish that traditionally involves frying eggplant slices. However, using too much oil can make the finished dish greasy and heavy. Instead, brush the eggplant slices with a small amount of oil and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and lightly browned.
Overcooking the Eggplant
Overcooked eggplant can be mushy and unappetizing. Be sure to cook the eggplant slices until they’re just tender, but not falling apart. This will help ensure that the finished dish has a nice texture and doesn’t turn to mush.
Using Low-quality Yogurt and Feta
The yogurt and feta topping is what sets this moussaka apart from other versions. Be sure to use high-quality, full-fat yogurt and feta for the best results. Low-quality dairy products can be watery and bland, which will detract from the overall flavor of the dish.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about my recipe for moussaka with yogurt and feta topping. As someone who loves Mediterranean cuisine, I find this dish to be a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can easily adjust the spices and seasonings to your liking, or add in extra vegetables to make it even more nutritious. Plus, the creamy yogurt and tangy feta topping take this dish to the next level.
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress your friends and family, give this moussaka recipe a try. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home.
As already mentioned, fresh salad is the best pairing to this dish.
Get this crispy green bean salad recipe now (by clicking the image below):
