I much prefer this dish to the better-known moussaka. It’s a satisfyingly savoury mixture of lamb, courgettes, fresh herbs and tomatoes, enriched with red wine, cheese and eggs, then baked with a cheese and breadcrumb crust. Serve with a good green salad.
preparation time 35 minutes
cooking time 60 to 70 minutes
serves 6
Ingredients
4 tablespoons olive oil
175 g (6 oz) onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
500 g (1 lb) minced lamb
250 g (8 oz) tomatoes, skinned, deseeded and chopped
1 glass of red wine
150 ml (5 fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock, or water
1 kg (2 lb) courgettes, cut into slices 5 mm (¼ inch) thick
4 eggs
5 tablespoons milk
50 g (2 oz) self-raising flour
125 g (4 oz) cheese, grated (any hard cheese will do)
75 g (3 oz) white breadcrumbs
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C, 350°F, gas mark 4.
2 Heat the oil in a deep saucepan, add the onions, garlic and herbs and cook gently for 5 minutes. Add the minced lamb and cook, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes, until well browned. Stir in the tomatoes, red wine and stock or water and season with salt and pepper.
3 Add the courgettes to the pan, cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook gently for 15 minutes or until the courgettes are tender. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.
4 Put the eggs in a large bowl and beat with a whisk until light and fluffy. Add the milk and flour and beat until smooth, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
5 Add the egg mixture to the lamb, together with half the grated cheese, and mix in well.
6 Lightly grease a deep casserole dish and sprinkle half the breadcrumbs over the base.
7 Place the lamb mixture in the casserole. Mix together the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs and sprinkle them over the top. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
As well as being delicious, this dish freezes very successfully and so it is well worth making an extra amount and storing it for future use.