Best 2 Greek Style Lamb And Eggplant Lasagne Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of Greece with our tantalizing Greek-style lamb and eggplant lasagna. This extraordinary dish harmoniously blends the rich flavors of slow-cooked lamb, smoky eggplant, and velvety béchamel sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight your palate.

In this comprehensive guide, we present not only the Greek-style lamb and eggplant lasagna recipe but also an array of delectable variations to suit every taste. Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our classic moussaka recipe, featuring layers of succulent lamb, tender eggplant, and a creamy béchamel sauce. For a lighter twist, try our vegetarian moussaka, where eggplant takes center stage, complemented by a medley of colorful vegetables and a tangy tomato sauce.

Transport yourself to the heart of Greece with our authentic pastitsio recipe, a hearty casserole that combines minced lamb, macaroni, and a luscious béchamel sauce. For a unique twist, try our pastitsio with chicken, where tender chicken replaces lamb, creating a lighter yet equally satisfying dish.

Indulge in the rustic simplicity of our traditional Greek lasagna recipe, where layers of homemade lasagna sheets, flavorful ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce come together in perfect harmony. Experience a taste of the islands with our seafood lasagna, featuring layers of tender fish, succulent shrimp, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all enveloped in delicate lasagna sheets.

Whether you prefer the classic lamb and eggplant lasagna or are enticed by one of our enticing variations, this article has something for every lasagna enthusiast. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the heart of Greece.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MAMA'S OH-SO-SAVORY LAMB AND EGGPLANT CASSEROLE

Mama's Oh-So-Savory Lamb and Eggplant Casserole image

The basis of this recipe came from my 4th grade teacher's mother who was Armenian, and I've been making it for over 50 years. It is easy to put together, but the longer the stovetop step simmers, the better the casserole will be when served. Leftovers are yummy! You could serve this over rice, if you like, with a green salad. I just serve it in pasta bowls with crusty bread, butter, and a nice glass of red wine. Enjoy!

Provided by MAMA2EANDJ

Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Lamb Ground

Time 2h35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 (1 pound) eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large sweet onion, coarsely chopped
2 large stalks celery, sliced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2 pinches dried oregano
2 pinches ground dried rosemary
2 pinches paprika
⅛ teaspoon dried mint
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 ½ teaspoons garlic, minced
3 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 pound ground lamb
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, juiced, or to taste

Steps:

Place eggplant in a colander set in a bowl or the sink; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and toss to coat. Let eggplant stand for at least 1 hour. Rinse off the bitter liquid and excess salt and drain well.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and celery; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent and celery is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
While vegetables are cooking, combine ground cumin, oregano, rosemary, paprika, mint, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or mortar and pestle and mix well; this is the lamb seasoning (see Cook's Note). Set seasoning aside.
Stir eggplant cubes and garlic into the vegetables in the skillet, mixing well, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and sprinkle with half of the lamb seasoning mixture. Reserve remaining seasoning. Stir gently and cook for 5 minutes more.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
Pour chicken broth and half the can of tomato sauce into the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes; add a little water if the sauce starts to get dry. Transfer the sauce to the prepared casserole dish.
Return the skillet to the stove over medium-high heat and heat the reserved tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place ground lamb into skillet and sprinkle with remaining seasoning mixture. Brown lamb in the hot oil, stirring frequently, until the meat is evenly browned; it should look like imperfect meatballs.
Gently transfer the lamb to the casserole dish, pushing it down into the vegetable mixture so that it is at least partially submerged. Stir fresh lemon juice into the remaining tomato sauce and pour the sauce over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon how tender you like your vegetables.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.6 calories, Carbohydrate 22.6 g, Cholesterol 77.2 mg, Fat 23.2 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 1471.2 mg, Sugar 12.2 g

LAMB AND EGGPLANT PASTITSIO

Lamb and Eggplant Pastitsio image

Categories Milk/Cream Lamb Pasta Tomato Bake Feta Eggplant Fall Gourmet

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

Ingredients

For lamb sauce
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb lean ground lamb
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (28- to 32-oz) can crushed tomatoes
For cheese sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 garlic clove
1 whole clove
1/2 lb feta, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
For pasta
10 oz penne (3 cups)

Steps:

Make lamb sauce:
Cook onion in oil in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add lamb and sauté over moderately high heat, stirring and breaking up lumps, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, oregano, cinnamon, sugar, and pepper and sauté, stirring, 2 minutes.
Stir in eggplant and tomatoes and gently simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is just tender, about 40 minutes. Remove lid and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Make cheese sauce and cook pasta while lamb sauce is simmering:
Melt butter in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, then stir in flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and add garlic clove and whole clove, then bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, 5 minutes. Add feta, salt, and pepper and cook, whisking vigorously, until cheese is well incorporated.
Beat eggs in a large bowl and gradually add sauce to eggs, whisking.
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente, then drain in a colander. Toss half of pasta with lamb sauce and half with cheese sauce.
Assemble pastitsio:
Pour pasta with lamb sauce into a wide shallow 3-quart baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon pasta with cheese sauce on top, spreading evenly.
Bake pastitsio, uncovered, in middle of oven until bubbling and top is golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

To achieve the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients, including fresh vegetables, succulent lamb, and authentic Greek spices.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of eggplant. Japanese or Italian varieties can add a unique twist to the dish.
When layering the lasagna, ensure the eggplant slices slightly overlap to create a cohesive structure.
For a crispy and golden-brown top, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the flavors meld and the dish to set properly.

Conclusion:

This Greek-style lamb and eggplant lasagna is a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors and textures. The tender lamb, smoky eggplant, and creamy béchamel sauce create a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your palate. Whether you're hosting a special occasion dinner or seeking a comforting family meal, this lasagna is sure to impress. Its rich flavors and stunning presentation make it a dish worthy of any celebration. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece with this delectable lasagna.