I absolutely love this Slimming World Moussaka. It’s one of the those comforting and hearty dishes I keep going back to.
Is moussaka good for dieting?
Moussaka can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet, but whether it is good for your diet specifically depends on your individual dietary needs and goals. Low Syn World Moussaka is great as part of the Slimming World diet.
Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish made with layers of aubergine, minced meat (usually beef or lamb – in this version I’ve used minced turkey), and tomato sauce, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. The dish is often served with a side salad.
On the one hand, moussaka can be a nutritious choice because it contains vegetables and protein. Aubergine is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the meat provides protein and essential amino acids. However, moussaka is also typically high in calories, fat, and sodium, especially if it is made with full-fat dairy products and fried aubergine.
To make moussaka healthier, you can try some of these tips:
💦Use lean minced meat or a plant-based protein such as lentils instead of beef or lamb.
💦Bake the aubergine instead of frying it to reduce the amount of oil used.
💦Use low-fat or non-fat dairy products for the béchamel sauce.
💦Serve with a side salad or other vegetables to increase the nutrient density of the meal.
💦Overall, whether moussaka is good for your diet depends on how you prepare and serve it, and how it fits into your overall dietary goals and needs. As with any food, moderation and balance are key.
🙋🏻 What is the topping on moussaka made of?
The topping on moussaka is typically a béchamel sauce, which is a classic French white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.
In some traditional moussaka recipes, grated cheese is also added to the béchamel sauce to give it a richer flavour and a slightly golden colour on top when baked. However, this is not always the case, and some moussaka recipes omit the cheese.
The béchamel sauce is poured over the meat and aubergine layers of the moussaka before it is baked in the oven, creating a deliciously creamy and flavourful topping for the dish.
Why is moussaka healthy?
Moussaka is typically made with nutrient-dense ingredients like aubergine, which is a great source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Tomatoes are also a key ingredient in the dish, and they are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which can help protect against certain diseases.
💦Moussaka is a high-protein dish, thanks to the minced meat used in the recipe. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, and it can also help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
💦While moussaka does contain some carbohydrates from the aubergine and tomato sauce, it is generally lower in carbs than other Greek dishes like pastitsio (a type of Greek lasagna). This can make it a good option for people who are watching their carb intake.
💦That being said, moussaka can also be high in fat and calories, depending on how it is prepared. If you are looking to make a healthier moussaka, consider using leaner cuts of meat, using less oil in the recipe, and using a lighter béchamel sauce.
What do you eat moussaka with?
Moussaka is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own, but it is also commonly served with a few different side dishes. Here are some options for what to eat moussaka with:
Greek salad: A traditional Greek salad is a great accompaniment to moussaka. Made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese, it is a refreshing and flavorful way to balance out the richness of the moussaka.
Tzatziki: Tzatziki is a creamy Greek dip made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. It is often served as a condiment with moussaka, as it provides a cool and tangy contrast to the warm and savory dish.
Pita bread: Warm pita bread is a great option for dipping in the tomato sauce and juices that are released during baking. It can also be used to scoop up the moussaka itself, creating a satisfying and filling meal.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms can provide a healthy and flavorful side dish to balance out the richness of the moussaka.
Overall, the best side dish for moussaka will depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. Experiment with different options to find the combination that you enjoy the most!
💦 How many calories is there in a portion of moussaka?
This recipe serves 6 and contains approximately 270 calories per serving.
💦How many Syns is this Slimming World Moussaka?
This Slimming World Moussaka is 1 Syn per serving.
Remember, weight loss is about overall healthy eating patterns and lifestyle habits, not just a few specific foods.
That is why I love Slimming World. Following Slimming World combined with regular physical activity, has been the best way for me to achieve sustainable weight loss and overall health.
Low Syn Moussaka Recipe
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Total Time : 1hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: Greek food, Moussaka, Slimming World , Slimming World Friendly, Slimming World Moussaka
Ingredients:
- 1 large aubergine sliced into rounds
- 500 g lean minced turkey
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 400 ml low-fat milk
- 90 g parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 egg beaten
- low-calorie cooking spray
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the aubergine slices on it.
- Spray the aubergine with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned and tender. Set aside.
- In a large non-stick pan, cook the minced turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour and milk over medium heat until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and egg.
- To assemble the moussaka, layer half of the aubergine slices in the bottom of a ovenproof baking dish.
- Top with half of the turkey mixture. Repeat with another layer of aubergine and turkey.
- Pour the milk mixture over the top.
- Bake the moussaka for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. And tuck in!
Notes
This recipe serves 6, is around 1 Syn per serving, and contains approximately 270 calories per serving.
Nutritional Info:
Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 11.5g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 9.3g | Saturated Fat: 4.4g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 553mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 6.2g | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 9mg