Ready to impress your dinner guests? This fancy casserole is rich in flavor and in presentation. Serve this in the spring or summer, when wild mushrooms are in abundance.
Ingredient List:
1 large eggplant, cut lengthwise into ¼-inch slices
3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
1 onion, diced
2 cups chopped wild mushrooms (such as shiitake, porcini, or Portobello)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, in juice
1/4 cup of red wine
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
2 cups of milk
1 cup of breadcrumbs
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
Method of Preparation:
1. Preheat broiler. Lightly grease an 8-by-8-inch baking dish.
2. Lightly brush eggplant with 1 tablespoon oil. Arrange evenly on large baking sheet. Broil until lightly golden on both sides, turning once, about 5 minutes total. Set aside. Lower oven temperature to 400°F.
3. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and mushrooms; cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and salt; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring.
4. Add tomatoes and wine; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, about 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, melt butter over medium in a medium saucepan. Add flour and cook until golden, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a boil over high heat. Stirring constantly. Cook until thickened, stirring, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Assemble the Moussaka: Arrange a layer of eggplant along the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half the mushroom sauce over the eggplant. Repeat with an additional layer of eggplant and sauce; top with a final layer of eggplant. Pour milk sauce over the entire mixture; sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese.
7. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly and serve.
Source: Moussaka Recipes.