Eggplant (Aubergine) Moussaka

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup slivered almond
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. 1

   In a large skillet, brown the onion.

2. 2

   Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg.

3. 3

   When the meat is cooked, add the tomato paste and water (you can dissolve the tomato paste in water before adding it to the meat mixture).

4. 4

   Fry the eggplants slices until golden brown on each side, set aside on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. 5

   Line the oven pan with one layer of the fried eggplant slices, add a meat mixture layer, sprinkle with almonds/pine nuts , and raisins, then add a final layer of eggplant slices.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

7. 7

   Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Serve hot.