🇱🇧 Lebanon · Food
Moussaka Lubnani
By eatmundo · July 12, 2026
🇱🇧 LBA rich, slow-cooked vegetarian masterpiece that celebrates the humble eggplant in a tomato-chickpea sauce. Unlike the Greek version, this is a refined stew that is best served at room temperature.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Slice 3 large eggplants into 1-inch rounds and salt them for 30 minutes to draw out bitterness.
- 2
Pat the eggplant dry with paper towels, then heat 100ml olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- 3
Fry the eggplant slices in batches until they turn a deep golden brown, roughly 4 minutes per side, and drain on wire racks.
- 4
In the same pan, sauté 2 finely chopped onions until translucent and soft, about 6 minutes.
- 5
Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until the aroma is pungent and deep red.
- 6
Pour in 400ml of tomato purée and 1 can of chickpeas, simmering gently for 10 minutes to marry the flavors.
- 7
Carefully nestle the fried eggplant into the sauce, covering them completely, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
- 8
Remove from heat and let the dish rest for at least 1 hour; the flavors are exponentially better after they settle.
- 9
Serve at room temperature with a side of warm pita bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I peel the eggplants completely for Moussaka Lubnani?+
It is best to partially peel them in strips to provide structure so the eggplant slices hold their shape during the long simmer.
What is the best type of minced lamb to use for this dish?+
Use ground lamb with about 20% fat content to ensure the meat remains tender and flavorful throughout the baking process.
How do I prevent the pine nuts from burning when toasting them?+
Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over low heat, stirring constantly until they are golden brown, and remove them immediately to a cool plate.
How can I tell when the Moussaka is perfectly done?+
The dish is ready when the sauce has thickened significantly and the eggplants are fork-tender without falling apart into a mush.
