Moussaka Burgers

Moussaka Burgers

Burgers with all of the flavours of moussaka including grilled eggplant and seasoned patties topped with both a tomato sauce and a bechamel cheese sauce.

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ingredients

For the tomato sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups tomato (fresh or canned), pureed
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• salt and pepper to taste

For the bechamel cheese sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup graviera or gruyere or parmigiano reggiano (parmsan), grated
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• salt and pepper to taste

For the burgers:

• 1 1/4 pounds ground beef or lamb
• 1/4 cup onion, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices eggplant
• 4 buns

directions

For the tomato sauce:

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, add the onion and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
3. Add the pureed tomato, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, salt and pepper and simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

For the bechamel cheese sauce:

4. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat and cook until it turns a light golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the flour and simmer until it turns a light golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the milk and simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the cheese and let it melt.
8. Season with nutmeg, cayenne, salt and pepper to taste.

For the burgers:

9. Mix the meat, onion, cinnamon, allspice, salt and pepper, form patties and grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat (or broil) until cooked, about 3-5 minutes per side.
10. Brush the eggplant with oil and grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat (or broil) until tender, about 5 minutes.
11. Lightly toast the buns, assemble the burgers with the eggplant, patties, tomato sauce and cheese sauce and enjoy!