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Vegetarian Moussaka


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Vegetarian Moussaka is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring layers of roasted vegetables, a rich tomato sauce, and a creamy béchamel. It’s a satisfying, meat-free alternative to the classic Greek recipe.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Vegetable Layers:

  • 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 3 medium potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or ricotta (optional for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 egg yolks

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roast the Vegetables: Arrange eggplant, zucchini, and potato slices on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender. Set aside.
  • Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for 2 more minutes. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, and thyme. Add red wine if using and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in warmed milk. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt or ricotta, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Allow to cool slightly, then whisk in egg yolks.
  • Assemble the Moussaka: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce. Add roasted potatoes, followed by eggplant and zucchini. Add more tomato sauce and repeat layers, finishing with vegetables.
  • Top with Béchamel: Pour béchamel sauce evenly over the top layer. Smooth with a spatula.
  • Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  • Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • or added creaminess, Greek yogurt or ricotta can be mixed into the béchamel sauce.
  • You can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg