OK, confession time. I try to eat healthily most of the time, or at least like to think that I do, but I really fell off the smug healthy eater bandwagon this past Tuesday. Mr. Scrummy and I were meeting a friend for dinner, so I decided not to eat too much at lunchtime. Not because I thought I shouldn’t, but simply because I had a lot to do that day and in my twisted way of thinking I thought I could pretty much skip lunch and get on with my jobs instead, especially as we’d be eating a large meal that night.
So, off I went to a café to do some work on my laptop. I wasn’t hungry at all … until about half an hour after I sat down, that is. Then just as the stomach started growling big time, I spotted someone being brought potato wedges with sweet chili sauce and sour cream. Yum. My mouth started watering and so yes, I did give in and order some. They were absolutely delicious, of course. Mr. Scrummy and I used to order a portion to share regularly, but these seemed crispier and tastier than ever and with a larger portion of sauces than usual. I ate far too many and even burnt both my mouth and my fingers in my haste to gobble them up.
So that night at the restaurant (a mere two hours or so later, I’m ashamed to admit) I wasn’t hungry, of course. At all. In fact, I had a bit of a stomach ache. I ordered a salad and enjoyed it, but felt a little annoyed with myself for having destroyed my appetite in a moment of complete lack of self-control earlier on. Even worse, I didn’t admit it to Mr. Scrummy (I told you it was confession time – sorry Mr. Scrummy, if you’re reading this!)
Anyway, to sort of make up for that humungous dish of wedges I scoffed, I decided to keep the next day’s moussaka light. When I was living in Greece, moussaka was always my very favourite meal to order in a taverna. I loved the layers of smoky aubergine (that’s eggplant to you), rich tomato-ey meat sauce and thick béchamel topping. I even made it myself a few times, but I always found it fairly time-consuming. It’s also a relatively heavy, oily dish – or at least it is the way it’s usually made in Greece.
Enter this much lighter, easier to make version! You still need a little chunk of time to put this together (about half an hour to make the three layers and forty minutes or so to bake it) but it feels really simple. You basically just cut 2 aubergines into slices and bake them for about 25 minutes. While they’re baking, you make a simple tomato ragu sauce with chicken mince (Turkey would be fine too) flavoured with oregano, cinnamon and garlic and an equally as simple ‘béchamel’ topping out of Greek yoghurt, eggs and parmesan cheese. I always found making a flour-and-milk-based béchamel sauce for my moussaka a bit of a pain when I’d already worked hard on the other 2 layers, so I find this yoghurt topping the perfect lazy substitute. The big bonus is that by doing this, and of course by using chicken mince instead of beef or lamb, you cut out quite a lot of fat and calories, too.
Another great thing about this is that it’s one of those dishes that seems to taste better the next day, so heat up leftovers in the microwave for about 3 or 4 minutes for a perfect next-day lunch!
So I definitely learnt a valuable lesson this week – don’t eat a big stack of fried potatoes just before going out for a meal. Would you own up to your significant other if you did something like this?
Skinny chicken moussaka
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplant/aubergines cut into even 1/2 cm-thick slices
- olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves crushed or chopped
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 17 ounces minced chicken or turkey
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree mixed with 1 cup water
- 1 cup red or white wine
- salt and pepper
- bunch of fresh parsley chopped
For the yoghurt ‘béchamel’ topping
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1 1/4 cup Greek yoghurt 2% fat
- 2 eggs lightly whisked
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- a generous pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
-
Pre-heat the oven to 180C. Lay the eggplant/aubergine slices on large baking trays and brush each side with a little olive oil. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the slices are soft and floppy.
-
Meanwhile, start making your chicken ragu sauce. Start by softening your onion for a few minutes in a little olive oil, then add the garlic, cinnamon & oregano and cook and stir for a couple more minutes.
-
Add the chicken to the pan and brown while breaking up with a wooden spoon. Then add the tomato puree & water and wine. Let the sauce simmer gently until it has thickened (about 20 to 30 minutes). At the last minute, add in the parsley and salt and pepper to taste.
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To make the topping, place the cornflour in a medium bowl and slowly mix in the yoghurt until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Then mix in the eggs well and add the nutmeg.
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Now you’re ready to assemble your moussaka! (I used an 11 by 7 inch baking dish, but slightly larger would probably be ideal) Start with a layer of eggplant/aubergine slices, followed by half of the ragu sauce, another layer of eggplant/aubergine, another layer of meat and a final layer of eggplant/aubergine. Finally, pour the yoghurt topping over the top and smooth it out.
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Bake for forty to forty-five minutes or until the topping is golden and bubbling (cover it with aluminium foil if it gets too dark). Leave the moussaka to rest for half an hour before serving (so that the pieces stay together better when you cut and serve them).
Recipe Notes
Basic moussaka recipe adapted from this recipe in Guardian Life and Style. For a more authentic flavour, use Greek kefalotiri cheese in the topping if you can find it, or pecorino.
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Karla says
I know exactly what you mean about feeling guilty after eating the potato wedges! My biggest problems are the sweets 🙁
This moussaka looks divine! I love greek food and I saw a TV show last week where they cooked it and since then I´m dreaming about it =)
Helen says
Oh, I can be really awful with sweets, too! Oh well, never mind. At least we have more delicious lives!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
I ahve a confession to make as well. I have not been eating really healthy either over the last week. 🙂 But it’s ok sometimes. This moussaka looks delicious. I have never made one but had it at a greek restaurant. I need to learn how to make it, great recipe to start with.
Helen says
I agree that it’s OK to fall off the healthy bandwagon sometimes, Gayle. Otherwise life is sooo boring.
Glad you like the moussaka!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
This looks delicious, Helen! I think I’ve had moussaka once or twice and loved it, but haven’t even thought about making it at home. A lightened up version sounds perfect to me! Mmm now you’ve got me thinking about Greek food (not necessarily a bad thing!) 🙂
Helen says
Oh, that’s not a bad thing at all! The Greeks have so many great dishes … if they’re cooked well, of course.
I really hope you have a go at a moussaka some day at home – I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
marcie says
I love moussaka because I love eggplant! It’s hard to find a good one here in the US — I have to hit a Greek festival where a lovely Greek woman makes it from scratch from her own family recipes! Otherwise, I’ve never tried to make it myself. I love how you lightened it up, too, they are often pretty rich! This looks delicious, Helen! 🙂
Helen says
Thanks, Marcie! I’m totally with you on the Greek grandma thing – they rock at a proper moussaka!
Glad you approve of this version – it might not be totally authentic, but it left me feeling pretty satisfied!
Mary Frances says
I’ve done that so many times Helen, and I agree, it’s the kick-yourself-all-night thing. Why oh why couldn’t I just have one or two?? Oh well, it’s just one meal 🙂 You did an incredible job making this skinny! I never would’ve guessed. All the layers, especially the sauce, are so pretty and sound SO good. Pinned! Happy weekend my friend!
Helen says
Thanks so much, Mary Frances! I have to admit I was rather pleased with myself after making this!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who scoffs things when they shouldn’t, too. You’re right, though, it’s only one meal so no harm done. 😉
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
Mossaka is one of my favorites. I’m liking this lightened up version. I will try this for sure.
Helen says
Aw, so happy you’d like to try this, Norma! I hope you like it!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I’ve only had moussaka one other time and it was delicious! I’m so impressed that you made this version skinny, Helen! And that yogurt topping sounds incredible!
Helen says
Thanks so much for the kind words, Gayle! I was quite impressed with myself after making this, too, actually … haha 😉
sue/the view from great island says
Moussaka is one of my all time favorite comfort dishes, and I’ve tried to make it a couple of times for the blog but CANNOT seem to get good photos of it — I love this skinnified recipe, and your photos are great — you’ve inspired me to give it another go 🙂
Helen says
Hi, Sue! Thanks for the compliment on the photos. I actually think they could be improved upon, but then I pretty much always think that … 😉
So glad to have inspired you to give moussaka another chance!
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
Whoa, potato wedges with sweet chili sauce and sour cream? I’d be all over that, too!
Ah, I love a good moussaka. There’s a Greek restaurant close to my house that makes a fantastic moussaka. Of course, along with it’s deliciousness comes tons of calories. I like your skinny version. Eat healthier moussaka, save room for cake. Right? 🙂
Helen says
Ohh, I like your thinking, Julie!! Coincidentally, I have some cake in the oven as I type … 😉
I’m not sure I can beat a traditional full-of-calories moussaka, but this version is pretty good, I have to say … glad you like it!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
I LIVED on wedges with sweet chili & sour cream when I was in Australia….probably because I had too many late nights out 😛 I’ve never had moussaka before, but it looks absolutely delish, I’ll have to give it a try!
Helen says
Yup, it’s definitely an Aussie thing! They do it so well, though …
You’ve never had a moussaka? I’m shocked! Denise, you have to put that right!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
This is probably the best looking moussaka I have ever seen and the best part about it is the lightened up recipe. Thanks for sharing it Helen!
Helen says
Aw, thanks for the lovely compliment, Thalia! The tip to a good-looking moussaka is to leave it for half an hour to ‘rest’ after you’ve cooked it … then the pieces stay together beautifully!
So glad you like it!
Eva says
Oh Moussaka, c’est un plat tellement bon ! Accompagné de un bon vin rouge, c’est un délice J’aime beaucoup ! Le tien il pareil parfait! pas trop calorique et avec le même aspect gourmand qu’un moussaka classique.
Je bien rigolé avec ton histoire de restaurant, maintenant to mari il sait toute la vérité 😉
Helen says
Oui, ca c’est la mauvaise nouvelle … je l’ai pas cache tres bien!!
Tu as raison que le moussaka serait parfait avec un bon vin rouge … merci pour le conseil! 🙂
Ashley says
haha oh man … I hate when you get hangryyy too close to before a meal! And then spoil your dinner (or whatever it is!).
But I’m loving the sound of this dish! I love meals with eggplant and am always looking for new ways to use it!
Helen says
Glad I’m not the only one, Ashley!
I love eggplant, too, and this is definitely my favourite way to use it!
lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
You had me at “confession time” and I had to read more!! Ha!
Helen, I am a health blogger and I give in to a tasty treat sometimes too! And, for me, that would be a plate of potatoes any day – not really dessert. If you enjoyed it, I don’t think you ruined your appetite at all! Maybe you would have enjoyed that as much or even more than what you could have ordered that night! And, yes, I would admit to the Mr. because he would just smile and laugh at me about it.
This recipe looks great. Love the short cuts!
Helen says
Ha! I love your approach, Lori! I think you might be onto something there. sometimes (not always of course) our bodies tell us what we’re really craving. And I ended up with a salad in the end that night, which was really healthy.
Glad you like the lightened-up moussaka and I hope you try it some time 🙂
Mariana @The Candid Kitchen says
Helen there’s absolutely no way I would be able to refrain from ordering hips with sweet chilli and sour cream, that’s the absolute best snack ever!!!! Never feel guilty about having chips.
Loving the addition of chicken to traditional moussaka.
Helen says
Hi, Mariana … I love your advice! I think I’ll go there and order those chips again … just maybe not right before a huge dinner out!
Glad you like the moussaka makeover!
Louisa [Living Lou] says
I’ve completely fallen off the healthy eating wagon the past couple of weeks also! I think it’s the time of year, at least I hope. I just made a big healthy quinoa salad that I’m hoping will help me stay on the healthy eating side of things this week. I love the way you lightened this up and using chicken (or turkey) is a great idea!
Helen says
So glad you approve of this, Lou! Good luck with the big quinoa salad. Sounds like I should take a big leaf out of your book and do the same!
[email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says
Ahh! Guilt feeling after eating potato wedges.. haha… I get that feeling every other day.. :p This Moussaka looks utterly delicious!!! I love the healthy yogurt topping.. Yumm!!
Helen says
It’s actually my husband that got me onto eating those … so I blame him … haha!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
This is exactly how I make my moussaka too. I love the yoghurt topping.
Helen says
Really? Snap!!! Yoghurt topping rocks!
Melanie @ Bon Appet'Eat says
I have never made a moussaka before but I have eaten a few and I love it! I think it is time to give it a try with yours! It looks so good, bad idea to look at your blog at 11.45am at work… How am I going to make it another 15 minutes :)?
I have a problem with self control too and I don’t admit it to hubby all the time… Is that bad? 🙂
Amazing recipe as always Helen! Pinning!
Helen says
Thanks for pinning, Melanie, and for the lovely comment. Oh, please do make a moussaka some time … you’ll love it! Once you get the hang of it, it’s really not difficult at all!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I hate when I spoil my dinner! That usually happens at dinner parties when there are a ton of delicious appetizers. I over indulge, and then when it’s time for dinner I’m already stuffed!
This chicken moussaka sounds delicious! Whenever I order it at Greek restaurants, I think of the joke from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, where the girl thinks she calls it Moose Caca. Ha!
Helen says
Oh, me too!!! I laughed so hard at that film. You’ve made me want to watch it again!
cheri says
Hi Helen, my big weakness is sweets, cannot have them in the house as I will eat them all day long until they are gone. What a great dish you prepared here, love the yoghurt ‘béchamel!
Helen says
Oh, me too! I’m not usually a fries kind of girl … usually it’s chocolate all the way!! haha!
Glad you love the moussaka .. the bechamel is pretty good. Easier for sure!
Meggan | Culinary Hill says
This looks so great, Helen! I love all the ingredients here and nothing about it seems “light” in the bad way. Just delicious! I am pretty sure that, like you, I too would have indulged in the potato wedges with loads of dipping sauces. I also would have burned my mouth doing it, ha ha!
Helen says
Phew, so glad it’s not just me that does ‘naughty’ things like that!
So glad you like the moussaka and don’t think it’s ‘boring light’!! haha! Although I say it myself, it is delicious and doesn’t taste lighter at all, although it is.
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Moussaka is one of those recipes I enjoy watching others make on last night foodie t.v., something I would never attempt myself. And before this blog post, I couldn’t even give you an idea of what was even in moussaka so I’m hyped. Eggplant, I love eggplant. I have 8 eggplant in my fridge right now. Why? I don’t know, they were on sale at the grocery store for $1 a piece and I have an eggplant buying addiction. Plus I have 3 more growing in my garden so I better start using eggplant! Great recipe, eager to try. And I don’t mind recipes that take a little longer as long as they aren’t complicated which yours isn’t!!! Thanks for sharing.
Helen says
Aw, so glad to have inspired you to try making a moussaka for the first time, Laura! Thanks for the encouraging comment (as always!) I don’t think you’ll find it tricky at all and it doesn’t really take that long … especially after you’ve already made one.
I’m definitely jealous of your $1 eggplants! Here in Oz, they are sometimes ridiculously expensive, and that’s a shame because they were so cheap and readily available when I lived in Greece. Of course!
Susan says
This recipe sounds great. I’ve never made moussaka before, and I love the idea of using yogurt to make the béchamel. I need help with one of the ingredients: cornflour. Don’t know exactly what that is.
I’m actually pretty well-behaved around food those days. My husband and I are around each other almost all the time since we are both retired, and we are on an eating plan and keep each other straight. That doesn’t mean I don’t do things I regret, but fortunately they aren’t real bad. I need to somehow really learn that there are consequences to my behaviors.
Helen says
Ahhh … sorry about that, Susan … I think I must have used the English term … I think you would call it corn meal? (I’ll change it in the recipe)
Sounds like a good plan to have hubby there to keep you on the straight and narrow! I think I need to get mine to do the same with me!!
Joanne says
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. Why can’t our hunger just behave and only act up when we want it too?!
Love that this is a lighter version of total comfort food. Sometimes you need to satisfy those cravings and it’s great to have a healthier option!
Helen says
So glad you like this ‘lighter comfort food’, Joanne. I felt pretty smug after making this! Shame about the fries gobbling!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
Hahaha, love your confession time. There are times I’ll keep things I’ve ate hidden from my wife… especially if it involves fatty fast food hahaha. Love this skinny version of the moussaka! Looks delish!
Helen says
Phew! So glad it’s not just me that has done things like that, Chris!! Although that was the first time, I have to say (just in case you’re reading this, Mr. Scrummy!)
So glad you approve of the skinny moussaka!
Allison says
Helen! Oh dear. I’ve done the same thing. But with cupcakes and then going off to a birthday dinner. It really sucks to not be hungry when eating out! However, I will say that even if I wasn’t hungry, I would eat this moussaka! That gorgeous, shiny, golden brown top is totally legitimate. I’ve never made it before, but I will certainly use a variation of your recipe when I do. Fun post, as always. And I love when you share these little human experiences as I think we all go through ’em! 🙂 PS. This recipe made me think about the lemon potatoes that I love from Greek restaurants and now I have an intense craving for some!
Helen says
Ah, yes, the lemon potatoes! Aren’t they just the best – with all that beautiful oregano and salt on, too … mmm, now you’ve got me craving them for breakfast!
Thanks so much for the comment about the ‘human experiences’ in my posts. I find that encouraging because sometimes I find myself thinking: “Is this too lame to post?”
I would love to see you do a vegetarian version of a moussaka … I was just talking with a family member last night about how it’s hard to make a good veggie version. I bet you would be able to, though!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This is gorgeous! I did NOT eat well last week, but I’m working to turn myself around this week 🙂
Helen says
Good for you! So glad you like this moussaka, Medha!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Ok – so I have a confession too – I licked the screen – that thick béchamel topping is phenomenal! I don’t think I’ve ever had moussaka before – it sounds a lot like an eggplant lasagna of sorts but better!
Helen says
That’s a great comparison, Shashi! I think it is a little like a lasagne, except the flavours are a bit different and of course this version is a bit healthier because there’s no pasta or butter-flour based sauce. So glad you like it and hope you get to try some moussaka some time.
Cailee says
Wow!! I’m speechless! This looks so lovely! Literally… perfect! I would absolutely LOVE a slice with a nice side salad for dinner!! What a great recipe! 🙂
Helen says
Aw, thanks so much for the enthusiastic response, Cailee! I’m actually making this again for friends today – I really hope you give it a go some time and enjoy it with that lovely fresh side salad!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I do love Greek food and this lighter version would be most welcome in our house! 😀
Helen says
🙂
Chrissy says
My mom has been obsessed with making this lately, and I’m definitely telling her about your yogurt cheat. How clever! This look sooo amazing. I want some right now!
Helen says
So glad you like the cheaty yoghurty topping, Chrissy. I hope your mom isn’t disappointed!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Ok, so Helen … turns out you’re kinda my hero today. First, that seriously mind-blowing Banana & PB Pudding … and now this! I looooove moussaka, but it’s just really not always that healthy! At all! I am dying to try your version! Brilliant! (And yes, of course I’m pinning! The whole world should bask in the beauty of this! 😀 )
Helen says
Aw, Shelley, thanks so much for the encouragement … I’m so glad I managed to impress you with this one!
Mira says
I love eggplant moussaka and this one looks awesome!Thanks for the reminder , because I haven’t made it in more than a year and I would have to! I miss Greece!
Helen says
Oh, me too, Mira! It’s my favourite – definitely Greek comfort food. I hope you get the chance to have some again soon!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
Love your version of the bechamel sauce. I too would have not resisted the potato wedges but I might still have ended up eating a large dinner 🙂
Helen says
I wish I could have eaten the large dinner! 🙂
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I hate it when my eyes are bigger than my stomach and I never seem to learn!
Love love love moussaka and I’ve never thought to use chicken in it to make it more healthy. Brilliant idea. This looks absolutely divine! 🙂
Helen says
I’d never thought of it until now either – but it works a treat! Glad you like it, Tina! 🙂
Michele says
This was fabulous – I added 2 lamb stock cubes to the mince and also increased the red wine and decreased water for the tomato puree (in equal amounts). I also used 0% fat Greek yogurt because that’s what I had on hand. I cannot believe how delicious this was AND low fat/no carbs. Only question I have is, can you freeze the leftovers?
Helen says
Hello, Michele … I am delighted that you tried this and enjoyed it! As I write I have 2 portions of this in the freezer, so I’ll come back here and let you know how it was. My guess is that it will be fine. I do find that the yoghurt topping is best when freshly cooked as it goes a little ‘spongy’ when reheated, but not enough to bother me much. Thanks for your feedback – really appreciate it! 🙂
TimedEating says
Lovely post and recipe – yoghurt topping looks like it really works and your photos are sublime! I recently started making a bit of a riff on a much lighter Moussaka where you change the spicing a bit and subsititute a tahini crust (a bit like your yoghurt topping but mixed in with some tahini and no cheese) for the becahmel sauce – though I go a little rogue and throw in some shiitake mushrooms as well. In any case – really enjoyed reading your blog and I’ll be back 🙂
Here’s the recipe for the tahini crusted moussake if you’re interested! – http://timedeating.co.uk/the-lighter-middle-eastern-cottage-pie-spiced-beef-aubergine-and-a-tahini-crust/
Helen says
Hello! Thanks so much for taking the time to pop by and post. Your tahini crust topping sounds sooo interesting! I have a big tub of tahini that I really should use up. And I can totally see how your ‘rogue’ mushrooms would work well, too.
I’ll definitely pop by and read your post! 🙂
Juliet says
Is it okay to substitute the nutmeg with ground cinnamon?
Helen says
Hi Juliet, yes no problem. Or you could just leave the nutmeg out, as the meat already contains cinnamon. Hope you enjoy this – it’s one of my favourites!