Step 1

Slice off the stem of the eggplant. Slice the eggplant crosswise in half. Now, slice each half thinly lengthwise, about ¼ inch thick (.6 cm).* Transfer eggplant slices to a large colander and sprinkle with some salt. Toss to coat. Allow to rest for 30 minutes. Pat the eggplant dry to remove excess moisture and salt. Transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 425ºF/218ºC and arrange one oven rack in the bottom, one in the middle. Line two rimmed sheet pans with parchment paper for easy cleanup and minimal sticking (naked sheet pans are fine but only if well worn).

Step 3

Peel the potatoes and slice slightly thicker than the eggplant (1/3” or .8cm thick). Transfer to a sheet pan. Toss with 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 ½ teaspoons of oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Spread the potatoes out on the pan without overlapping on top of each other.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the eggplant with the grated garlic, remaining 1 teaspoon of oregano, and a generous amount of pepper, and toss well. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and toss to coat the eggplant. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and toss once again, ensuring all the eggplant is coated well.**Transfer the eggplant to the other sheet pan (it’s okay to slightly overlap and pile on top of each other).

Step 5

Roast both potatoes and eggplant in the oven for 30 minutes, until the eggplant is tender and lightly browned and the potatoes are fork tender and lightly browned on the bottoms.

Step 6

Heat the 2 tbsp oil in a deep saute pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions and season with a pinch of salt. Cook until softened and golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Deglaze the pan as needed with a few spoons of water to prevent burning. Add garlic, cinnamon stick, thyme, cloves, chile flakes, and tomato paste, and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 7

Add in the ground meat and break up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s a bit browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the mushrooms and cook for 2 to 4 minutes.

Step 8

Pour in the wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Cook until the smell of alcohol burns off, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 9

Pour in the tomatoes, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, several cracks of pepper, bay leaf, and mushroom powder, if using. Bring to a rapid bubble, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes, or until it looks like a thick meat sauce the liquid has evaporated.

Step 10

Take off the heat, and remove bay leaf and cinnamon. Stir in basil. Taste, adding a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the acidity. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 11

If you haven’t soaked the cashews overnight, add them to a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes, then drain and rinse.

Step 12

Add the soaked and rinsed cashews to a high-powered blender with the water, nutmeg, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, and several cracks of pepper. Blend on the highest speed for several minutes, until smooth and creamy and all cashew bits have been pulverized, scraping down the sides as you go. The texture should be like a plant-based milk, not too thick.

Step 13

Heat the butter in a small or medium saucepan over medium heat until foaming. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until a paste forms. Gradually pour in the cashew cream in stages, whisking after each addition to prevent clumping. The texture should end up very thick and creamy. Take off the heat. Unless using immediately, transfer to a bowl to prevent it from further thickening or hardening. Season to taste with more salt and pepper, as needed.***

Step 14

Heat oven to 400ºF/204ºC.Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9x13” (23x33 cm) baking dish with olive oil. Add the roasted potato slices on the bottom of the pan. Top with half of the meat sauce. Add the eggplant slices, and then the rest of the meat sauce. Pour the bechamel sauce on top, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the panko on top of the surface, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top.

Step 15

Bake the moussaka until the bechamel is lightly browned in spots, about 35 minutes. If a browner surface is desired, pop underneath the broiler for a minute (but keep a watchful eye, the panko will burn quickly).

Step 16

Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing, ideally for an hour or two (it sets up during this time and the flavors improve). Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil if desired. For instructions on making ahead and reheating, visit the FAQ section in the post.