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Simple Turkish Moussaka Recipe

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Indulge in the rich flavors of our Simple Turkish Moussaka Recipe, a delightful Mediterranean casserole that layers tender roasted eggplant with seasoned ground beef in a savory tomato sauce. This dish captures the essence of traditional Turkish cuisine, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or gatherings. With its aromatic spices like sumac and Aleppo pepper, every bite promises to be a culinary adventure. Not only is this moussaka satisfying, but it’s also easy to prepare in under 70 minutes, allowing you to serve up a comforting meal on busy weeknights. Enjoy it solo or paired with rice or pita bread for a complete experience that will impress your guests and nourish your loved ones.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the eggplants into large pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss to coat, and roast for about 30 minutes until soft.
  3. In a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic along with sumac and Aleppo pepper until the onions are browned.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Turkish red pepper paste, and roasted eggplant; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. For the yogurt sauce, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice in a bowl.
  7. Serve the moussaka hot topped with yogurt sauce and garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://madebykiara.com/simple-turkish-moussaka-recipe/