Ingredients: (serves four)
500g lamb mince
2 aubergines (sliced crossways)
4 large white potatoes (peeled and sliced)
1 onion (diced)
1 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
2 garlic cloves (minced)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground oregano
150ml beef stock
For the béchamel sauce –
40g butter
40g flour
500ml milk
80g grated cheddar or parmesan
Pinch of salt and pepper
Top tips:
Method:
Step One
Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Lay your potato slices on one baking tray and your aubergine discs on another with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
Meanwhile, put the lamb, onion, garlic, oregano, and cinnamon in a large frying pan and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up the meat. Once browned, add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over a high heat for 4-5 minutes until the ragù is reduced to a thick and saucy texture.
Step two
To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook for a few seconds, then gradually stir in the milk. Add half the grated cheese and simmer the sauce gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring regularly. Season with salt and pepper.
Step Three
Add the potato slices to an oven-proof dish in a single layer. Spoon over a layer of lamb ragú and top this with a layer of aubergine slices. Repeat once more before pouring over the béchamel sauce and topping with the rest of the grated cheese. Bake the moussaka for 35-40 minutes until it is golden and bubbling.