Vegetarian Moussaka ala ~DKBB~

Vegetarian Moussaka ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from myrecipes.com)

3 peeled eggplants, cut into ½” thick slices
Olive oil
Cooking spray
2 c. chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
¾ c. bulgur
¼ tsp. ground allspice
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp. ground cloves
2 c. organic vegetable broth
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 14.5 oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained -OR- 1 container fresh grape tomatoes & ½ can fire-roasted
1 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour (I prefer Wondra for this)
1 c. milk
2 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
¼ tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add olive oil to pan and swirl to coat; add chopped onions and sauté for 8 minutes; add garlic and sauté for 1 minute; add bulgur and cook for 3 minutes or until bulgur is lightly toasted, stirring frequently; add spices; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• If using grape tomatoes, add now and allow to blister, if NOT using grape tomatoes, skip this step.
• Stir in vegetable broth, oregano, and canned tomatoes (full can or ½ can, depending upon use of grape tomatoes); bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly with whisk until well blended; gradually add milk, stirring constantly with whisk; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently; stir in cheese and salt; remove from heat and cool slightly; add egg, stirring well with whisk.

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Arrange ½ of the broiled eggplant slices in 11x17 inch glass baking dish coated with cooking spray.
• Spread bulger mixture evenly over eggplant slices; arrange remaining eggplant slices over bulgur layer; top all with milk/cheese mixture.
• Bake for 40 minutes, then remove from oven and increase oven temperature to 475° F; return dish to oven for 4 minutes or until top is browned.
• Let stand 10 minutes before serving.