Casserole with meat, vegetables and rice
6 servings
60 minutes
Casserole with meat, vegetables, and rice is a refined dish of Greek cuisine infused with Mediterranean aromas. Its roots trace back to traditional recipes where juicy meat, fresh vegetables, and tender rice combine in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Eggplants add softness and a hint of sweetness; the minced meat enriches it with a rich taste; while tomatoes and fresh mint provide a refreshing zest. The delicate béchamel sauce envelops the ingredients creating a creamy consistency, and the baked cheese finishes the dish with an appetizing crust. It is the perfect dish for cozy family dinners or festive occasions. The casserole is not only hearty but also aesthetically pleasing with its layered appearance and golden crust. Moderately spicy with light creamy notes, it immerses you in the atmosphere of sunny Greece and delivers true enjoyment.
1
Slice the eggplants into rounds, salt them, and let them sit for half an hour. Then drain the juice and lightly fry in hot olive oil until semi-cooked. Boil the rice until semi-cooked, drain, and cool.
- Eggplants: 2 g
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Rice: 100 g
2
Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until golden, then add the minced meat and simmer until cooked. At the end, add finely chopped garlic, mint, and tomatoes. Season with salt, mix well, and let it sit on low heat for a few more minutes.
- Onion: 2 heads
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Minced lamb: 400 g
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Fresh mint: to taste
- Tomatoes: 400 g
3
Prepare béchamel sauce. For this, sauté 2 tablespoons of flour in a small amount of olive oil, pour in milk while constantly stirring until it reaches the consistency of thick sour cream. Add pepper and nutmeg to taste.
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Wheat flour: 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 0.5 glass
- Nutmeg: to taste
4
Layer the ingredients in a deep baking dish: rice, minced meat, eggplants, sauce, again rice, minced meat, eggplants, sauce. Sprinkle with grated cheese and place in an oven preheated to 200 degrees. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Rice: 100 g
- Minced lamb: 400 g
- Eggplants: 2 g
- Mozzarella cheese: 100 g