Cyprian Moussaka

Cyprian Moussaka Recipe - Traditional Cyprus/Turkey Dish

Region / culture: Cyprus, Turkey | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cyprian Moussaka is a traditional dish from Cyprus that is made with layers of aubergine, potatoes, and a flavorful meat sauce, topped with a creamy white sauce. This dish is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

History

Moussaka is a dish that is popular in many Mediterranean countries, with each region putting its own twist on the classic recipe. In Cyprus, moussaka is typically made with aubergine, potatoes, and a meat sauce made with lamb. The dish is then topped with a creamy white sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

1 large aubergine
2 large potatoes, cooked, peeled and sliced
0.5 glass (1100 ml) olive or sunflower oil
2 Medium onions, sliced
1 lb (500 g) minced beef or lamb
2 large tomatoes, grated, or one 400 g tin of tomatoes
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon or 1 stick cinnamon
0.5 tsp rigani or dried oregano
0.5 glass (100 ml) red wine
salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the white sauce
3 oz (75 g) butter
4 level tablespoons flour
1 pt (473 ml) warm milk
ground nutmeg
2 eggs
1 glass (2 oz (57 g)) grated cheese - hallotimi, Kefalotiri or cheddar

How to prepare

1. Immerse the aubergine slices in lightly salted water for 30 minutes, then rinse and gently squeeze them, patting dry with kitchen towel. The courgettes require no attention.
2. Fry the aubergine or courgette slices in oil, turning them to brown without cooking through. Allow them to drain on kitchen paper.
3. In another pan, fry the onions in the remaining oil until soft. Add the meat and stir to break it up. Add the tomatoes, herbs, spices, seasoning, and wine. Continue to cook for about 25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
4. For the white sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and gradually add the warm milk, whisking vigorously to remove any lumps. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the seasoning, spices, and cheese. Ensure that the sauce has cooled before adding the eggs.

Variations

Substitute beef or pork for the lamb in the meat sauce.
Add a layer of sliced courgettes or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Use a different type of cheese in the white sauce, such as feta or Parmesan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to salt the aubergine slices before cooking to remove any bitterness.

- Fry the aubergine slices until they are browned but not fully cooked through.

- Make sure to allow the meat sauce to cook down until the liquid is absorbed for maximum flavor.

- Let the white sauce cool before adding the eggs to prevent them from scrambling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cyprian Moussaka with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fry the aubergine slices until they are browned but not fully cooked through.

- Allow the meat sauce to cook down until the liquid is absorbed for maximum flavor.

- Whisk the white sauce vigorously to remove any lumps.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of sunflower oil for a different flavor.

- Substitute ground beef or turkey for the lamb in the meat sauce.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the white sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Cyprian Moussaka can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover with foil and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cyprian Moussaka in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cyprian Moussaka with a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Cyprian Moussaka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 450 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 30g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Gluten

Summary

Cyprian Moussaka is a rich and hearty dish that is high in protein and fats, making it a satisfying meal. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron.

Summary

Cyprian Moussaka is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With layers of aubergine, potatoes, and a flavorful meat sauce, topped with a creamy white sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cyprian Moussaka. It was a warm summer day, and I was wandering through a bustling market in Cyprus, surrounded by the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce and spices. As I navigated through the maze of stalls, I came across a small, unassuming booth tucked away in the corner.

Curious, I approached the booth and was greeted by an elderly woman with a warm smile and twinkling eyes. She beckoned me closer and began to tell me about her family's traditional recipe for Cyprian Moussaka. As she spoke, her hands moved deftly, demonstrating the intricate steps and techniques involved in preparing this beloved dish.

I was captivated by her storytelling and the passion with which she spoke about the importance of preserving her family's culinary heritage. Without hesitation, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. Her eyes lit up with delight, and she nodded eagerly, handing me a weathered piece of parchment paper covered in faded ink.

After thanking her profusely, I made my way back to my grandmother's kitchen, eager to recreate the flavors and memories of that day. As I read through the recipe, I was struck by the complexity and attention to detail required to make the perfect Cyprian Moussaka. From the layers of thinly sliced eggplant and potatoes to the rich, meaty sauce infused with cinnamon and allspice, every ingredient and technique played a crucial role in achieving the authentic taste of this classic dish.

With a sense of determination and excitement, I set to work, carefully following each step and savoring the nostalgia and anticipation that filled the air. As the aroma of roasting vegetables and simmering sauce wafted through the kitchen, I felt a deep connection to the past and the generations of women who had lovingly prepared this dish before me.

Hours passed as I labored over the stove, stirring, seasoning, and tasting with unwavering focus and dedication. Finally, as the last layer of creamy béchamel sauce was spread over the top, I knew that my efforts had paid off. The dish was a masterpiece, a symphony of flavors and textures that evoked memories of Cyprus and the kind-hearted woman who had shared her family's recipe with me.

As I sat down to savor the first bite of Cyprian Moussaka, I closed my eyes and let the taste transport me back to that sunny day in the market, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a culture rich in tradition and history. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary knowledge and stories that had been passed down to me, shaping my identity and connecting me to my roots.

From that day forward, Cyprian Moussaka became a beloved staple in my family's meals, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the power of food to transcend time and distance. As I shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, I knew that I was passing on not just a list of ingredients and instructions, but a piece of my own story and the collective memory of those who had come before me.

And so, every time I make Cyprian Moussaka, I am reminded of the generosity and wisdom of that elderly woman in the market, and the profound impact that a simple recipe can have on our lives. In each bite, I taste the flavors of tradition, love, and connection, weaving together the threads of past and present into a tapestry of shared experience and shared meals. And for that, I am forever grateful.