# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Meat
05 - 1.1 lbs ground beef
→ Spices and Seasonings
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon salt, divided
→ Tomato Sauce
11 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1/2 cup dry red wine
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing eggplant
→ Béchamel Sauce
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
16 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
17 - 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
18 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
19 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
20 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ For Assembly
21 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange eggplant slices on sheets, brush both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender. Set aside.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and chopped parsley, sauté for 1 minute.
03 - Add ground beef to skillet, breaking up with a spoon. Cook until browned, approximately 7 minutes. Mix in cinnamon, allspice, oregano, black pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
04 - Incorporate tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and red wine into the beef mixture. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in warm milk and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until thick and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg, let cool for 2 minutes, then quickly whisk in beaten egg and grated Parmesan.
06 - Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant slices. Spread the entire beef sauce evenly over the eggplant, then layer the remaining eggplant on top. Pour the béchamel sauce uniformly over the surface and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
07 - Bake the assembled dish for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
