Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsIstrosModern Mousaka Recipe

Modern Mousaka Recipe

Inspired by Istros
Time2h
Serves4

potato terrine | beef ragu | onion infused bechamel sauce | smoked eggplant emulsion

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Potato Terrine

Beef Ragu

Onion Infused Bechamel Sauce

Smoked Eggplant Emulsion

Method

Potato Terrine

  1. 1

    Prepare the Potatoes

    Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife.

  2. 2

    Layer the Potatoes

    Grease a terrine mold with butter. Layer the potato slices in the mold, overlapping them slightly.

  3. 3

    Season and Bake

    Melt the remaining butter and pour over the layered potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 45 minutes, or until tender.

  4. 4

    Cool and Slice

    Once baked, allow the terrine to cool before slicing it into even pieces.

Beef Ragu

  1. 5

    Sauté Vegetables

    In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté until softened.

  2. 6

    Cook the Beef

    Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

  3. 7

    Add Flavors

    Stir in the tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth. Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 30 minutes until thickened.

Onion Infused Bechamel Sauce

  1. 8

    Infuse the Milk

    In a saucepan, melt the butter and add finely chopped onion. Sauté until translucent. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes.

  2. 9

    Make the Sauce

    Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Smoked Eggplant Emulsion

  1. 10

    Prepare the Eggplant

    Char the eggplant over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is blackened and the flesh is soft.

  2. 11

    Blend the Emulsion

    Scoop out the flesh and combine it with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth.

More from Istros