Meatless Moussaka

"I found this recipe on about.com and it says it's a lighter, vegetarian version of Moussaka. If you're making this dish ahead of time, you may do all of the steps except for making the béchamel sauce. That must be done right before cooking."
 
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photo by a food.com user photo by a food.com user
Ready In:
2hrs
Ingredients:
22
Serves:
10-12
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ingredients

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directions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Place the eggplant and zucchini slices in a colander and sprinkle liberally with salt. Place the colander in the sink and cover with an inverted plate and top with a heavy can or jar to squeeze out moisture. Allow to sit at least 15-20 minutes.
  • Peel the potatoes and parboil in a saucepan for about 10 minutes. They shouldn't be soft, just tender. Drain, cool, and slice into 1/4" slices. Set aside.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease.
  • In a small bowl, add a splash of water to the egg whites and beat lightly with a fork or whisk. Spread breadcrumbs on a flat plate.
  • Rinse the zucchini and eggplant slices and blot with paper towels. Set aside the zucchini with the potatoes.
  • Dip the eggplant in the eggs, then dredge in the breadcrumbs, coating both sides. Place the eggplant on the baking sheet and bake 1/2 hour, turning once during cooking.
  • Start the tomato sauce by heating the olive oil in the large sauté pan. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the mashed chickpeas to the pan with tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered so excess liquid can evaporatet.
  • Lightly grease the 9"x13" baking pan and start assembling the Moussaka.
  • Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with breadcrumbs, leaving a small space around the edge of the pan. Cover with a layer of potatoes and top with a layer of eggplant slices.
  • Add the tomato sauce on top of the eggplant and sprinkle with the grated cheese. Next, add the zucchini slices.
  • Top with another layer of eggplant slices and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
  • To make the bechamel sauce, melt butter in a sauce pan over low heat. Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to make a smooth paste. Allow the flour to cook for a minute, but do not allow it to brown.
  • Add warmed milk to the mixture in a steady stream, whisking continuously.
  • Simmer over low heat until it thickens a bit, but does not boil.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg yolks and pinch of nutmeg.
  • Return to heat and stir until sauce thickens, taking care not to scorch it.
  • Pour the béchamel sauce over the eggplant and allow the sauce to fill the edges of the pan.
  • Bake for 45 minutes or until béchamel sauce is golden brown.
  • Allow to cool 15-20 minutes before serving.

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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I joined Recipezaar to learn new recipes that are home cooked. I grew up having ready-meals like Encor and Stouffers and needed recipes that don't simply require opening a box and plopping in the oven! I enjoy cooking when I have the time to try new dishes. I make every recipe as written if I'm reviewing it to give a true review. If I make alterations that aren't in the directions, I don't feel it's a true reflection of the recipe; it's another recipe to me. <img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/participantbannerzwt5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"> <img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b367/chefpaulag/final-1.jpg"> <img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/captain.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"> <img src="http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/329769/ninja%20bmp.jpg" width=75%> (Zaar World Tour 4) <img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/adoptedspring08.jpg"> <a href="http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Missymop/?action=view&current=cunningcrocodiles.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Missymop/cunningcrocodiles.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/jewelies/DSC_0020.jpg"> (Australia/New Zealand Swap #15)
 
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