Name: Simple Turkish Moussaka
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants; 1 lb ground beef or lamb; 2 cups crushed canned tomatoes; 1 white onion; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp sumac; 1 tbsp Aleppo pepper; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp olive oil (divided); 2 tbsp Turkish red pepper paste (or tomato paste); Fresh mint (for garnish); 2 tbsp Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp fresh dill (minced); 1 lemon (juiced); 1 tbsp salt (divided); 1 tsp black pepper (divided)

Description

Indulge in the warmth of a homemade Simple Turkish Moussaka, a comforting dish that combines tender roasted eggplant with savory ground beef, enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful blend of spices like sumac and Aleppo pepper that elevate every bite. Topped with a creamy yogurt sauce and fresh herbs, this hearty meal can be served with fluffy rice or warm pita bread for a satisfying dining experience. Easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for any occasion, promising to please both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the eggplants into large pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, then roast for about 30 minutes until soft.
In a large pan over medium-high heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic along with sumac, Aleppo pepper, coriander, and bay leaf until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the pan; cook until browned before mixing in the roasted eggplant, crushed tomatoes, and red pepper paste. Simmer for 20 minutes.
For the yogurt sauce, mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, dill, and lemon juice. Serve moussaka hot topped with fresh mint alongside the sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Turkish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 370
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 70mg