Garlic and Fennel Pork Chops
Tender pork chops seasoned with fennel seeds, garlic oil, and chilli, seared until golden, then finished in the oven. Drizzled with a sweet-tart balsamic reduction.
Classic Greek comfort food reimagined in charming individual portions. Layers of aubergine, lamb mince, potato, and creamy béchamel sauce baked until golden and bubbling.
This recipe brings together the classic flavours of Greek moussaka in individual portions, which makes it perfect for serving as a starter at a Greek feast or as a main course with a simple Greek salad. The dish is a layered casserole that combines aubergine, lamb mince, and potatoes with a rich tomato sauce and creamy béchamel topping.
Salting the aubergine before cooking is worth the effort. Slice the aubergine, sprinkle it with salt, and leave it in a colander for about an hour. This draws out the moisture and intensifies the flavour. After an hour, you will notice most of the liquid has been released. Just squeeze out any remaining moisture with kitchen towels and you are ready to cook. You can skip this step if time is tight, but it does make a difference to the final dish.
The individual pots are a nice touch. They look charming on the table and give everyone their own perfectly portioned serving, but you could just as easily use a larger baking dish if you prefer.
The lamb mince is cooked with onions, garlic, oregano, and all spice, then simmered with chopped tomatoes and tomato puree to create a rich, flavourful base. Fresh parsley stirred in at the end adds a touch of brightness. The béchamel sauce is made with butter, flour, milk, and cream, with a hint of nutmeg and parmesan for extra depth.
Layering the ingredients properly ensures each bite has the perfect balance of meat, vegetables, and creamy sauce.
Assembling the moussaka is straightforward. Start with a layer of meat sauce, then aubergine, then potato. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and parmesan, then repeat the layers before finishing with the white sauce on top. Bake until golden and bubbling, then let the pots rest for about fifteen minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 160C for 20 minutes until heated through.
Serve with a fresh Greek salad, crusty bread, and a glass of red wine for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
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