This version of moussaka I make is loosely based on my mother’s recipe, to which I have added a layer of fried peppers. It is more like a gratin, as it probably was probably in the old days. I serve large spoonfuls, as with gratin dishes, and not perfectly cut squares. If you prefer a more elegant presentation make it in individual portions. I recently added the spicy and smoky Kea sausage to the lamb, which I think enriches the flavor.

Salt the eggplant slices and place them in a colander. Let stand for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile heat about one inch olive oil in a deep heavy skillet and fry the potato slices briefly, without letting them cook through. Alternatively you can brush the potato slices with olive oil and bake under the broiler.
Layer the potatoes at the bottom of six individual glass or ceramic oven proof dishes, at least 2 1/2 inches deep (or a rectangular 9- by 12-inch dish). 

Sauté the peppers in olive oil (the same you used for the potatoes, if you fried them) stirring often, until they start to color, about 10 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve. 

Keep only a third of a cup of the frying oil in the pan; pour the rest in a bowl and reserve. Sauté the ground lamb and sausage or bacon, if using, in the olive oil, stirring often for about 10 minutes.
Add the onions and continue to sauté, stirring, for another eight minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add the Aleppo or red pepper flakes, the red wine, the currents, if using, and the tomatoes.
Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken. Add salt, freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg to taste, and remove from the heat. 

Wipe the eggplant slices with paper towels and line on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with the reserved oil, and grill under the broiler, turning once, until golden on both sides.
Preheat the oven to 400 F. 

Arrange the eggplant slices over the potatoes on the baking dish (or dishes). It doesn’t matter if they overlap. Add the sautéed peppers over the eggplants and top with the lamb and tomato sauce.
Make thebéchamel sauce. Pour the sauce over the meat or about a half cup sauce over each of the six baking dishes, top with some cheese, and bake for about 45 minutes until bubbly (individual portions need about 30 minutes).
If you would like to further brown the top, place under the broiler for one to two minutes. 

Serve hot or warm.

 

Moussaka has a lush topping of béchamel sauce—or “cream”, as it is often called. My light olive oil béchamel is pleasantly tangy, as I substitute yogurt for part of the milk.

Whisk together the olive oil and flour, over moderate heat until frothy, about one minute.
Remove from the heat, whisk a bit longer and add the cold milk and yogurt. Cook over moderate heat, whisking constantly, and don’t worry if the mixture looks lumpy. It will become smooth as it cooks and thickens.
When it starts to boil, remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, salt, and pepper.

Wine recommendation
The earthy notes of sweet spices and hints of leather of a Xinomavro Naoussa/Amynteo wine, well matured in a barrel, adds to the rich aroma of ground lamb and intense presence of pepper in this dish. The tannins, softened by time, and the rich texture of the wine fit the complex flavours of this moussaka with peppers like a glove.