Slimmer's Moussaka Recipe
How to make Moussaka
Moussaka can be any dish of layered vegetables and ground meat, and dishes with the same or similar names are prepared in several areas of the world. Other Greek versions call for artichokes, potatoes, and zucchini, or a combination, but this is the classic known worldwide. Moussaka is generally served in large portions.
INGREDIENTS:
- 5-6 medium Globe eggplants (about 5-6 pounds)
- sea salt
- olive oil
- 4 medium onions, chopped
- 2 1/2 pounds of ground beef (or lamb)
- 3 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes with juice (or canned tomatoes)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6-8 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a small stick (break off around 1 inch long)
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup of grated kefalotyri cheese (or pecorino or parmigiano reggiano)
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of dry red wine
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- freshly ground pepper
- béchamel with cheese* or 6 cups of basic béchamel**
Cut off 1/2-inch wide strips of the skin lengthwise, leaving about an inch in between, all around the eggplant, then cut eggplant lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices. Put slices in a large bowl or on a tray, sprinkle liberally with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes. Rinse well, drain, and pat dry. Brush slices lightly on both sides with olive oil and run them under the broiler on an ungreased cookie sheet until lightly browned and soft. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Note: If you've never fixed this before, there are two reasons often given for salting the eggplant: (1) to remove any bitterness, and (2) to absorb some of the natural liquids.
Preheat the frying pan or skillet over low heat.
When the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and increase the heat to medium low. Sauté the onions with a wooden spoon, until onions are translucent. Add the meat and continue to sauté until lightly browned. Add tomatoes, 1/2 the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, allspice, wine, and tomato paste, and mix well. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 45 minutes to an hour.
Note: If there is still liquid in the pan, continue to simmer uncovered, stirring to prevent sticking, until the mixture is as dry as possible. To prevent the final dish from having too much moisture, this step is crucial.
When dry, remove the cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick (if used), and set aside uncovered until ready to use.
While the sauce is simmering, make the béchamel with cheese or 6 cups of basic béchamel, cover, and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
Lightly oil a baking or roasting pan and sprinkle the bottom with the remaining breadcrumbs. Place a layer of eggplant slices on the breadcrumbs (it's ok to overlap) and spread the meat mixture evenly on top. Cover with the remaining eggplant slices, and carefully pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top.
Bake for 30 minutes, then sprinkle the cheese over the top, and continue to cook for another 15 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove the moussaka from the oven and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes. Moussaka is traditionally eaten warm, not hot, and can also be eaten at room temperature.
Yield: approximately 8 servings
Serving suggestions:
Moussaka is traditionally served in very large pieces and it is a heavy dish. Serve with a green salad, crusty bread, and a dry red wine. If anyone has room for dessert, a fruit sorbet or cheese with fruit is a light way to end on a sweet note.
Notes:
- In Greece, Moussaka is most often made with ground beef.
- Moussaka can be prepared up to the béchamel and refrigerated overnight. The next day, add the sauce and cook. It can also be completely cooked and cooled, then frozen and reheated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0HSRQppP-I
Meatballs tajine with bell pepper and potatoes
Meatballs tajine with bell pepper and potatoes
Yield
2 persons
Ingredients- For the meatballs:
- 300g ground lamb or beef
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch cumin
- 1 pinch black pepper
- Other ingredients:
- 1 sweet pepper
- 2 potatoes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion
- 2 pinches salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 pinch cumin
- 1 pinch ginger
- 1 teaspoon dried coriander
- 2 teaspoons tomato sauce
- olives for decoration
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Preparation- Use your hands to mix the meatball ingredients and roll mixture into mini meatballs.
- Chop onion and slice pepper and potatoes.
- In a skillet or tajine place the meatballs and add olive oil, onion, sweet pepper and potatoes respectively.
- Sprinkle with salt, cumin, black pepper, ginger, dried coriander (you can use fresh coriander instead) and add paprika in two sides of tajine.
- Cover and cook for 30 min.
- Combine tomato sauce with 1/2 cup water and add it to tajine. Decorate with olives.
- Cook for another 10 min and serve with bread.
YouTube - Meatballs tajine with bell pepper and potatoes
Asparagus Risotto, Moroccan Lamb Tagine, Rhubarb Fool
asparagus risotto recipe
Ingredients:
2-1/2 pounds asparagus, trimmed, tips cut off and reserved
Salt
8 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium shallots, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3-1/2 cups arborio rice (1 pound)
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (3 ounces)
Freshly ground pepper
Directions:
1. Cook the asparagus tips in a medium saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tips to a colander and rinse in cold water; drain well.
2. Break the asparagus stalks in half. Add them to the boiling water and cook until very tender, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1/3 cup of the cooking water, then drain the stalks. Puree the stalks with the reserved cooking water in a food processor. Using a rubber spatula, work the puree through a coarse sieve; you should have about 2 cups.
3. In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a simmer. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan. Add the shallots and cook over low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until the shallots are lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir over moderate heat to coat the grains with the oil. Pour in the wine and continue stirring until the wine is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes.
4. Add 1 cup of the hot stock and stir constantly until almost absorbed. Continue adding the stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until it is absorbed before adding more. When the rice is almost tender, after about 15 minutes, add the asparagus puree. Continue to cook, stirring, until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite, about 4 minutes. Add the asparagus tips and stir for 1 minute to heat through.
5. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the butter and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and let stand for 2 minutes, then spoon the risotto into shallow bowls and serve.
Serves 8
This risotto gets its velvety texture from the asparagus puree that's stirred in before serving
Moroccan lamb tagine
Ingredients
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp ground black pepper
1½ tbsp paprika
1½ tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp turmeric
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 x shoulder of lamb, trimmed and cut into 5cm/2in chunks (about
1.1kg/2½lb meat in total)
2 large onions, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp argan oil (see note)
3 cloves garlic, crushed
570ml/1 pinttomato juice
2 x 400g tinned chopped tomatoes
115g/4oz dried apricots, cut in half
55g/2oz dates, cut in half
55g/2oz sultanas or raisins
85g/3oz flaked almonds
1 tsp saffron stamens, soaked in cold water
600ml/1 pint lamb stock
1 tbsp clear honey
2 tbsp coriander, roughly chopped
2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas2.
2. Place the cayenne, black pepper, paprika, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon into a small bowl and mix to combine. Place the lamb in a large bowl and toss together with half of the spice mix. Cover and leave overnight in the fridge.
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp of argan oil in a large casserole dish. Add the grated onion and the remaining spice mix and cook over a gentle heat for 10 minutes so that the onions are soft but not coloured. Add the crushed garlic for the final 3 minutes.
4. In a separate frying pan, heat the remaining oil and brown the cubes of lamb on all sides then add the browned meat to the casserole dish. De-glaze the frying pan with ¼ pint of tomato juice and add these juices to the pan.
5. Add the remaining tomato juice, chopped tomatoes, apricots, dates, raisins or sultanas, flaked almonds, saffron, lamb stock and honey to the casserole dish. Bring to the boil, cover with a fitted lid, place in the oven and cook for 2-2½ hours or until the meat is meltingly tender.
6. Place the lamb in a tagine or large serving dish and sprinkle over the chopped herbs. Serve.
Note: Argan oil is a Moroccan oil from the argan tree, you should be able to find it in specialist food shops.
Rhubarb Fool
Serves: 6
Ingredients
450g rhubarb, trimmed and cut into medium chunks
About 150g granulated sugar
3 tbsp Cointreau (optional)
284ml carton double cream
Method
- Put the rhubarb in a non-corrodible pan with 4 tbsp sugar and 2 tbsp water. Cook over a low heat for 10 minutes or until tender. Add about 85g sugar, or to taste. Leave until cold.
- Add the Cointreau to the cream. Whisk into soft peaks. Strain the juice from the rhubarb into the cream. Fold in. If it seems too liquid, whisk a little more to thicken. Fold in the rhubarb (reserve a few pieces for decoration). Spoon into glasses and serve with almond biscuits.
Some more tried and true recipe's from your's truly.
Escargot a la Borguignone
Yield 8 Servings
1 shallot, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped parsley leaves
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup red wine
1 ½ cups (12 ounces or 3 sticks) softened butter
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
48 cleaned snail shells
1 (28-ounce) can escargot, drained, rinsed, and patted dry (or, 48 fresh snails, prepared as directed below)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In a bowl combine shallot, parsley, garlic, red wine, butter, salt, and pepper and mix well to thoroughly combine. Place a small amount of the butter inside each prepared snail shell. Add 1 snail to each shell, then fill each shell with more of the garlic-butter mixture. Place each prepared shell in the well of a snail dish and bake until butter is melted and bubbly and just beginning to brown.
If using fresh snails, follow the procedure below for cleaning and preparing the shells:
48 fresh snails in their shells
White vinegar
Salt
Dry white wine
1 onion, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, coarsely chopped
1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
1 bouquet garni
10 cloves garlic, mashed
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Allow snails to fast for at least 1 day. Rinse snails under cold running water and then transfer to a large bowl and cover with white vinegar and a handful of salt. Cover snails with a heavy plate to keep them submerged and allow them to purge for at least 3 hours. Rinse again under cold running water and clean thoroughly to remove all traces of mucous. Place snails in a small saucepan and cover with water. Boil for 10 minutes. Drain and remove snails from their shells. Transfer shells to another saucepan and cover with salted water and boil for at least 30 minutes. Remove shells from the water, clean thoroughly and let them dry completely before proceeding. Clean shelled snails again and remove the black part at the end of the tail. Place snails in a saucepan and cover with a mixture of half water and half dry white wine. Add onion, carrots, celery, bouquet garni, 10 cloves garlic, salt, and pepper. Partially cover saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 hours, or until tender, and allow snails to cool in cooking liquid. Drain snails (discard poaching liquid) and pat snails dry. Proceed with recipe as directed.
Frogs Legs with Garlic Nosiola and Radicchio
4 sets of frogs legs
½ cup oil from Lago di Garda
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 green apple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/8 inch dice
½ cup Nosiola wine (or Moscato Giallio or Muller Thurgau)
2 tablespoons butter
1 small head radicchio, finely shredded
¼ cup fresh bread crumbs
1 bunch Italian parsley, finely chopped to yield 1/4 cup
Rinse, clean and separate frogs legs. Pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. In a large 12 to 14 inch saute pan, heat oil until smoking over medium heat. Add frogs legs and saute until light golden brown on one side. Turn legs over and add garlic. Cook until garlic is light golden brown and add lemon juice, apple pieces and wine. Reduce liquid by half and add butter. Shake pan to emulsify the butter and add radicchio and bread crumbs. Toss to coat frogs legs. Arrange on platter. Garnish with parsley and zest.
Seared Foie Gras with Sauteed Apples
1 (1 ¼ pound) lobe Grade-A duck or goose foie gras, veins and impurities removed, cut lengthwise into ½ -inch thick slices
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon clarified butter or vegetable oil
½ cup thinly sliced shallots
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 16ths
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ cup Armagnac
16 slices brioche or other egg bread, toasted
Lightly season both sides of the sliced foie gras with salt and pepper.
Heat the clarified butter in a large non-stick skillet over moderately high heat, but not smoking. Sear the foie gras in batches, about 45 seconds per side. Remove from the pan and cover to keep warm.
To the fat remaining in the pan, add the shallots, apples, and nutmeg, and cook, stirring, until caramelized and tender, about 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the Armagnac. Return to the heat and cook until the brandy is nearly all evaporated, about 2 minutes.
Divide the foie gras and apples among plates and garnish with the toasted brioche. Serve immediately.
Roast lamb, for one-part 1
Lamb Chops with Moroccan Twist
Lamb Chops with Moroccan Twist
This is a delicious recipe for lamb chops with apple, onion, and currant chutney, seasoned with Sauce Goddess Moroccan Twist.
YouTube - Lamb Chops with Moroccan Twist -- Cooking with the Sauce Godd
Lamb chops, potatoes au gratin and brussel sprouts & Pancetta
Lamb chops, potatoes au gratin and brussel sprouts & Pancetta
YouTube - Cooking Our Way: The Spring Dinner Show
Setting the potatoes to gently simmer with cream and light seasonings such as salt, pepper, nutmeg and crushed, whole garlic.
YouTube - Spring Dinner Show part 2 of 4: Cooking our Way
Bruce assembled the Moroccan lamb chops. Alli sets the potatoes up to pop into the oven.
YouTube - Spring Dinner Show part 3 of 4: Cooking our Way
Brussel sprouts CAN be GREAT! Bruce shows you how, he sautés in Pancetta.
Grand finale, Bruce and Alli present the lamb, potatoes and brussel sprouts & pancetta.
YouTube - Spring Dinner Show part 4 of 4 : Cooking our Way
Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb With Potatoes Recipe
Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb With Potatoes
Recipe courtesy of "The New Basics Cookbook" by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins. Absolutely buy this book. It's fabulous!- 1 leg of lamb (7 to 8 pounds)
- 2 large garlic cloves, slivered
- 5 tbs olive oil
- 2 tbs plus 2 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 2 tbs dried rosemary leaves
- 2 tbs plus 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (or less, if desired)
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 30 small red new potatoes, quartered (can use fewer)
- 2 tbs chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Preheat oven to 425 F.
- Cut slits all over the lamb with the tip of a sharp knife and insert the garlic slivers into the slits
- Brush the lamb all over with 2 tbs of the olive oil
- Combine the 2 tbs thyme, the dried rosemary, 2 tbs (or less) pepper and coriander in a small bowl and mix well. Pat the herb mixture all over the lamb for form a crust. Place the lamb in a shallow roasting pan.
- Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining 3 tbs olive oil, the fresh rosemary, the remaining 2 tsp thyme and 1 tsp salt and pepper. Toss to mix well and arrange around the lamb in the pan.
- Place the pan on the center rack in the oven and roast for 45 minutes. Then reduce heat to 375 F and cook an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven when internal temperature has reached at least 120 F for rare. Cover with tin foil and let sit 15 minutes before carving. For rare lamb, allow 12 minutes per pound. For well done lamb, allow 18 minutes per pound.
- YouTube - Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb With Potatoes
Mustard Glazed Rack of Lamb Recipe
How to make Mustard Glazed Rack of Lamb
YouTube - The Guys Guide, Rack of Lamb
Rack of Lamb with garlic sauce Recipe
How to cook a Rack of Lamb with garlic sauce
Ingredients:
2 pieces lamb racks, (trimmed)
8 cloves peeled garlic
1 stem of fresh rosemary
½ cup (120ml) dry red wine
2 tbsp. (30ml) cornstarch
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
To prepare lamb racks, season with 1 glove chopped garlic, ¼ stem of chopped rosemary leaves, salt and crushed black pepper. Place racks bone side down in roasting pan and place garlic cloves in pan with remaining rosemary. Place pan in 350° F (177° F) oven and roast for 20 minutes. Remove lamb from pan and set aside to rest. Deglaze roasting pan over high heat with red wine and reduce by half. Add 1 cup (240 ml) water and bring to a rapid boil. Dissolve cornstarch in cold water and add to boiling sauce , whisking rapidly. Transfer to blender and puree, strain through a fine sieve and keep warm. Carve lamb between bones and arrange on plate, spoon warm sauce over and serve garnished with fresh Ontario vegetables and potatoes.
Dried Mushroom-Crusted Lamb Loin Recipe
Mushroom Crusted Lamb Loin Recipe
Filetto de Pomodoro Recipe