Gluten-Free Skinny Vegetarian Moussaka

A Gluten-Free Skinny Vegetarian Moussaka dish that is a healthier version of the classic Moussaka recipe. This delicious Greek dish is made with all the ingredients that a classic Moussaka recipe has except with less fat and extra veggies.

This skinny vegetarian moussaka is packed with flavour and nutrients, and it’s easy to make too. Trust us, you’ll want to make this dish again and again!

FAQs about vegetarian moussaka

1. What is vegetarian moussaka?

Vegetarian moussaka is a traditional Greek dish typically made with eggplant, potatoes, and a tomato-based sauce. It can also be made with other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.

2. Is vegetarian moussaka gluten-free?

Not always. However, this vegetarian moussaka is because we used rice flour instead of wheat flour for the bechamel sauce.

3. Can vegetarian moussaka be made without dairy?

Yes, you can make vegetarian moussaka without dairy using vegan ingredients, such as plant-based milk and vegan cheese.

4. How many calories are in vegetarian moussaka?

The number of calories in vegetarian moussaka depends on the ingredients used and the serving size. However, it is generally a lower calorie dish because it is made primarily with vegetables.

moussaka with more veggies

Moussaka is a dish filled with plenty of veggies, primarily eggplant. This Greek dish is very similar to a lasagna, except the pasta is replaced with roasted eggplant, and there are more veggies such as zucchini and sweet potato.

The vegetarian moussaka is flavoured with spices such as paprika, oregano, bay leaf, cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of spice from cayenne pepper. What makes this gluten-free moussaka insanely delicious is the topping of creamy béchamel sauce. 

the eggplant and the sauce for moussaka

To make this healthier version of vegetarian moussaka, first, you prepare the eggplant.

the sliced eggplant is first roasted until crispy

The eggplant is first roasted with a light brush of olive oil, salt and pepper. By roasting the eggplant, the texture becomes slightly crispy. If you don’t roast the eggplant first, it will stay soggy and frankly not very tasty.

the creamiest béchamel sauce

While the eggplant is roasting, prepare the sauce. The sauce is pretty straightforward. First, you sauté the onions then add garlic and spices and the remaining veggies with a bit of broth. The sauce is simmered until the vegetables are tender.

For the béchamel sauce…and I love béchamel sauce! First, you simmer milk with some rice flour. The rice flour is gluten-free and will thicken the sauce. Then add the cheese, garlic, nutmeg, lemon zest and black pepper.

the three layers of moussaka 

Now you are ready to construct the moussaka. This gluten-free skinny vegetarian moussaka is made with four layers. The first layer is the rich vegetable sauce, then add the roasted eggplant slices, another layer of vegetable sauce and finish with a creamy béchamel sauce. Pop it in the oven and bake until the top is golden brown.

the best cheese for moussaka

Many different types of cheese can be used in moussaka, but not all of them will provide the same results. For example, feta cheese is a good option for a thinner, with more liquid moussaka. 

On the other hand, if you want a richer, more delicious moussaka, consider using a more robust cheese like ricotta or cottage cheese and Parmesan.

I can honestly say this gluten-free moussaka recipe is the very best vegetarian dish! It is creamy, cheesy and filled with nutrient-rich veggies. And best of all, it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be easily reheated for a busy weeknight dinner.

If you need more gluten-free Greek recipes, check out our collection of Greek salads, lamb meatballs and much more!