RECIPE

Lamb and eggplant moussaka

"Making moussaka is something of an undertaking—a rich meat sauce (made here with lamb, but you can substitute other ground meats such as turkey, veal, or even pork, if you prefer), layered with tender eggplant and a cheese sauce. You can make the moussaka in two smaller casserole dishes to serve one now and freeze one to bake later if you choose."

compliments of  Epicurious and  "Science of Cooking" : http://scibosnian.com/recipe/lamb-moussaka/

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb,

• 1 pound russet potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 cup dried currants

• 2 28-ounce cans Italian-style tomatoes, drained, chopped

• 2 cups chopped onion

• 2 large eggplants (about 2 1/4 pounds total), cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons sea salt

• 2/3 cup dry red wine

• 3 cups plain yogurt (do not use low-fat or nonfat)

• 3 large egg yolks

• 3 large green bell peppers, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

• 5 tablespoons olive oil

• Olive oil

• Pinch of ground nutmeg

 

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Method

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add peppers and Saute until tender and beginning to color, about 8 minutes. Transfer peppers to bowl.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in same Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add lamb and saute until cooked through, breaking up with back of spoon, about 6 minutes.

Add onion and Saute until onion is tender, about 6 minutes.

Add wine and cayenne pepper and cook 2 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes, currants, tomato paste and nutmeg.

Reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer until sauce is very thick and reduced to 6 cups, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Meanwhile, line large baking sheet with foil. Arrange eggplant slices in layers on prepared sheet, sprinkling each layer with sea salt. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

Preheat broiler. Line another large baking sheet with foil. Pat eggplant slices dry with paper towels. Arrange some of eggplant slices in single layer on second prepared sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil on both sides. Broil until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to platter. Repeat with remaining eggplant.

 

Boil potatoes in large pot of salted water 5 minutes. Drain. Cool. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Preheat oven to 400°F.

Coat 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with oil.

Arrange potatoes in bottom of dish. Arrange half of eggplant slices over potatoes. Pour half of sauce over. Arrange Sauteed peppers over sauce. Arrange remaining eggplant over peppers. Pour remaining sauce over.

 

Bake moussaka until bubbling around edges, about 45. Spoon off any excess fat. Using back of spoon, press down on moussaka to compact layers.

Whisk yogurt and egg yolks in medium bowl to blend. Pour over moussaka, covering completely.

Bake until yogurt topping is softly set, about 15 minutes. Transfer baking dish to rack and let stand 20 minutes.

 

(Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm in 400°F. oven until heated through, about 30 minutes.) Spoon moussaka onto plates.