Hi, and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen. This week we are cooking the famous Greek dish "MOUSSAKA" - our own special vegetarian recipe. No meat, but nevertheless an authentic taste. We have fooled several of our meat loving friends. It is not a simple recipe but as usual, it is very economical. You could make it the day before and bake it in the oven on the day you wish to serve it.
"MOUSSAKA" made with Quorn (serves 4 - 6)
(You won't believe it is not meat)
INGREDIENTS
200g QUORN MINCE
2 Large Baking Potatoes
1 Large Aubergine (the huge fat one) or 4 small Aubergines (they have more taste)
1 small onion
2 cloves Garlic
2 Teaspoons Tomato Puree
1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
300ml Water (just over half a pint)
1 OXO Vegetable Stock Cube
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil
CHEESE SAUCE FOR TOPPING
Ingredients
2 oz butter
2 oz plain flour
Half a Pint of Milk
3-4oz of MATURE CHEDDAR CHEESE GRATED
METHOD
First, peel and slice the potatoes lengthways into slices (about 1/2" thick). Boil gently in a pan until firm but cooked. (About 5 - 10 mins)
Next, slice the Aubergines into rings (about 1/2" thick) if you are using the small aubergines. If you use one large aubergine, this should be sliced, placed on a plate and covered with salt. The salt removes the bitter juices, and they will cook quicker and absorb less oil. Wash the aubergine slices thoroughly to remove all salt and juices. Fry in a pan until cooked thoroughly
Put 2-3 tablespoons oil in a larg frying pan, gently fry the chopped onion, add garlic, Quorn mince, stirring all the time. Fry for about 2 mins. Add tomato puree, vegetable stock and Basil and stir. Bring to the boil and season to taste. Simmer gently until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Next, you assemble the ingredients by placing in a large Pyrex or Oven-proof glass dish. Do not use a tin as it will burn. First place a layer of potatoe slices in the bottom of the dish, now spoon over half of the mince mixturer, next a layer of aubergines, the another layer of potatoes, the remainder of the mince, next a final layer of aubergines to cover the top of the dish. Leave to stand while you make the Cheese Sauce topping.
METHOD Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a heavy based saucepan. Add the flour and stir and cook for a minute or two. Gradually stir in the milk making sure the sauce remains smooth. Bring to the boil stirring for a minute or two. Remove from heat and stir in most of the cheese, leaving some to go on the top.
Next, pour cheese sauce over the assembled Moussaka. Add grated cheese on top. Bake in oven for 20-30 minutes until brown and bubbling. 400F/200C/Gas Mark 6.
Serve with a Green Salad of mixed leaves and Greek Pitta Bread. ENJOY.
Lovely with a glass of red or dry white wine.
