Lily James’ recipe theme for the ‘Mamma Mia’ movie

Greek Mousaka, ready to eat! PHOTO: Stock image

In the movie “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” Lily James portrays the youthful Donna, whose adventures around the Greek islands provide the perfect backdrop for this Mediterranean recipe.

The delicious and traditional Greek Moussaka is a type of layered casserole, somewhat like lasagna but with a unique Mediterranean twist. This dish could easily be something Donna might have enjoyed or even prepared during her adventurous and free-spirited youth.

Moussaka, with its layers of eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, shows the rich layers of Donna’s own experiences and relationships depicted in the film. This recipe is ideal for capturing the essence of the Greek setting and Donna’s vibrant spirit.

THE MOVIE: “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is a movie in which Lily James played a significant role. Released in 2018, it featured a number of stars including:

Christine Baranski
Pierce Brosnan
Dominic Cooper
Colin Firth
Andy García
Lily James
Amanda Seyfried
Stellan Skarsgård
Julie Walters
Cher
Meryl Streep

The movie was both a prequel and a sequel to the 2008 film “Mamma Mia!” Based on the music of ABBA, the film features a dual timeline that follows the younger version of Donna Sheridan, portrayed by Lily James, exploring her early life and adventures leading up to the events of the first film.

Ingredients

Eggplant: 3 large, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
Olive Oil: For brushing
Ground Lamb or Beef: 500g
Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
Allspice: 1/4 teaspoon
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
Red Wine: 1/2 cup
Canned Tomatoes: 1 can (400g), crushed
Parsley: 1/2 cup, chopped
Salt and Pepper: To taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:
Butter: 75g
Flour: 75g
Milk: 500ml, warmed
Nutmeg: A pinch
Parmesan Cheese: 50g, grated
Eggs: 2, beaten

Directions

STEP 1
Prepare the Eggplant: Brush slices of eggplant with olive oil and season with salt. Grill or broil on high heat until browned and soft, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside to cool.

STEP 2
Make the Meat Filling: In a large skillet, heat a dash of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Add the ground lamb or beef, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Stir in cinnamon, allspice, tomato paste, and red wine. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper.

STEP 3
Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute. Gradually add warmed milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg and a little salt. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan. Once slightly cooled, whisk in beaten eggs until smooth.

STEP 4
Assemble the Moussaka: In a baking dish, layer grilled eggplant slices, followed by the meat sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of eggplant. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, smoothing with a spatula.

STEP 5
Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the moussaka for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

This Moussaka, rich and full of Mediterranean flavors, would be a perfect dish to enjoy while reminiscing about Donna’s youthful adventures in Greece, capturing both the spirit of the character and the vibrancy of the setting in “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”

A Greek Mousaka slice. PHOTO: Stock image