Moussaka

Have you ever watched "My big, fat, Greek Wedding"?
If so you reallly need to try this recipe, then sit down and watch it again. :)
Although, it will not be exactly like the original "Greek" recipe, as it is uses ground beef instead of lamb, it will still be rather tasty. Which, in my opinion ground beef is better, lamb is just not appealing to me... :D Anyways, I served it with a Greek salad, and homemade bread ( made by my sister, Lauren).
Hope you enjoy!

Moussaka:

• 2 eggplants (about 1 1/2 pounds), sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
• 4 zucchini (about 2 pounds), sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3/4 pound lean ground beef
• One 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 3 ounces gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 pint low-fat cottage cheese

Triple the veggies to use less meat than in a typical moussaka.

Swap lean beef for ground lamb to reduce saturated fat.

Use a cottage cheese topping instead of a traditional white sauce for more protein.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 500°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the eggplant and zucchini in two large bowls and season with salt; let stand for 40 minutes. Rinse the vegetables and pat dry. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared pans and toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Roast until golden, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a 9-by-11-inch baking dish. Lower the oven temperature to 350°.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the scallions and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes; add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat, for about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Spoon the meat sauce over the eggplant and zucchini. Top with half of the gruyère.

3. Using a food processor, puree the cottage cheese. Spoon the puree onto the moussaka, top with the remaining gruyère and bake for 17 minutes. Transfer to the broiler and cook for 3 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing.