Layer fried melongene with a spiced minced-meat sauce and cheese, then bake until golden.

Steps

1. Sauté onion and garlic in 1 tbsp of oil.
2. Add minced meat and stir until browned.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, salt and pepper to taste and cook 10 mins.
4. Stir in tomato paste and stock, simmer for 20 mins.
5. Put a layer of melongene, meat and cheese in a baking dish; repeat layers ending with melongene and cheese.
6. Flour melongene and fry lightly in rest of oil, drain on paper towel.
7. Bake in a moderate oven 375°F for 30 mins. until golden brown.

Notes

• Moussaka Variation: Layer baking dish with melongene, meat mixture and cheese. Pour 1 cup white sauce on top, place a layer of sliced melongene and grated cheese and bake as above.