Artichoke Moussaka

A traditional dish associated with the Balkans and the Middle East is called moussaka, which is based upon eggplant as one of its main ingredients. There are various options one may consider when interested in cooking moussaka, such as the Greek version, which is comprised of layers of ground or minced lamb, tomato, and sliced eggplant. A white sauce covers the dish, which is then baked.

On the other hand, Turkish Moussakka is not a layered dish, but is instead prepared with eggplant that has been sautéed and fried. Additional ingredients include onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and minced meat. In the recipe below, you will find that this version is prepared with artichokes.

Ingredients for artichoke moussaka

15 artichokes
1 bunch of spring onions (finely chopped)
1 bunch of dill (finely chopped)
1/2 kilogram of minced meat (pork or beef)
2 spoonfuls of butter
1 tomato (not too ripe)
3 lemons
Oil

Cream:
1 liter of warm milk
8 spoonfuls of flour
2 eggs
4 to 5 spoonfuls of butter
Grated Piquant Kefalotyri Cheese
Grated Hard Tack

Instructions

1) Clean the artichokes.

2) Slice the stem of the artichokes and remove the outer leaves. Note that the texture is hard.

3) Rub each artichoke with the lemon and put all of them in a saucepan filled with salted water.

4) Boil the artichokes and once removed from the heat – drain.

5) Unpack the minced meat.

6) Heat the oil in a saucepan and roast the onions.

7) Add the butter and the minced meat. Stir well.

8) Add some of the water and tomato. Let simmer until all of the water has absorbed.

9) When ready to remove from the heat – add half of the dill.

10) Cut the artichokes into pieces and spread them in a baking pan alongside the minced meat.

11) Prepare the cream by heating the butter in a saucepan and adding the flour. Gradually add the warm milk and stir until the cream becomes thick. This process makes bechamel sauce, which is used to top dishes like moussaka and pasticio. Do not allow the cream to boil. Remove from heat. Beat the eggs well and add them with half of the cheese and the rest of the dill.

12) Spread the cream on top of the artichokes and the minced meat.

13) Pour on the rest of the cheese and hard tack. Add some pieces of fresh butter.

14) Bake the moussaka in the oven at 180 Celsius until it turns brown, around 30 minutes depending on appliance.