Zucchini moussaka

Just because ALDI ingredients are basic, that doesn't mean your meals have to be boring. This Zucchini Moussaka looks impressive, tastes AMAZING and is healthy too.   Lamb mince is great in this recipe but if you can't find this at your ALDI, beef mince works well too.

As you may know, I love meals that can be made ahead of time.  If I have a spare 30 mins during the day, I'll assemble the moussaka and keep it covered in the fridge until 5pm.  When evening rolls around, don't stress - just pop it in the oven and dinner is served in 45 mins.  

ZUCCHINI MOUSSAKA

• 5 med zucchini, sliced lengthways in thin strips
• spray oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 500g minced lamb or beef
• 500g bottle pasta sauce
• 1 Tbspn chopped parsley

Cheese sauce

• 50g butter
• 1 cup milk
• 2 Tbspn plain flour
• pinch salt
• 1 cup grated cheese (split in recipe)

Lay zucchini  strips on 2 oven trays lined with baking paper.  Spray with oil.  Grill in a hot oven until golden.  Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a frypan over medium heat, saute onion & garlic until tender.

Add mince & cook until brown.  Break up lumps with a whisk.  Stir in pasta sauce & parsley. Simmer for 15 mins.

Cheese sauce

In a large microwave bowl, melt butter on high for 30 secs.  

Whisk in flour & milk & microwave on high for 3 mins.  Whisk until sauce thickens.  Whisk in salt & ½ cup grated cheese.

Assembly of moussaka

In the bottom of a 3 litre oven dish, place a layer of zucchini.  Add a layer of meat & cover zucchini. Repeat using all the mixture.  You should have 3 layers of zucchini & 2 layers of meat sauce. 

Top with all of the cheese sauce & sprinkle over remaining cheese.

Cover & refrigerate or freeze until required.

Cooking

Preheat oven to 180oC.  Uncover & cook in preheated oven for 40 mins. If cooking immediately after preparing, cook for only 25 mins.  Let sit for 10 mins prior to serving.