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For the potato layer:
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for greasing
For the minced meat layer:
– 500g minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
For the béchamel sauce:
– 50g butter
– 50g all-purpose flour
– 500ml milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– A pinch of nutmeg
– 100g grated cheese (Parmesan, Cheddar, or a mix)
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Start by preparing the potato layer. Grease a baking dish with olive oil and arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat the process until you’ve used all the potatoes, forming a solid layer. Set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
4. Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
6. Pour the minced meat mixture over the potato layer in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a paste (roux). Cook for a minute, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
8. Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted.
10. Pour the béchamel sauce over the minced meat layer, spreading it out evenly.
11. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
12. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Serve the Potato Moussaka with Minced Meat hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!