musakkʾa

Moussaka is a layered dish of baked eggplant and minced meat, most commonly lamb, that is popular throughout the Balkans and the Middle East, with strong associations with Greece and Turkey.1

In the Greek preparation, fried eggplant slices are layered with a mixture of ground lamb, onions, tomato sauce, and seasonings. This is often topped with a béchamel sauce containing grated cheese before baking. Potatoes are sometimes used as a base layer, and zucchini can be substituted for eggplant.1

The Arabic version, musakka, is a vegetarian dish featuring eggplants, tomatoes, chickpeas, and onions stewed in olive oil. The name "moussaka" originates from Arabic, meaning "chilled," though the dish is served hot.12