Cook It: Quick Moussaka

Serves: 4

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon allspice

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 pound lean ground turkey

14-ounce can diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

12-ounce jar roasted eggplant dip

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

In a large, ovenproof skillet over medium high, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaf and paprika. Saute until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until the meat is just browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes.

Preheat the broiler.

Add the roasted eggplant and simmer, covered, another 5 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper.

Remove the pan from the heat and top with crumbled feta. Alternately, transfer the moussaka to an oven-safe serving dish, then top with feta. Broil the moussaka for 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to lightly brown the cheese. Just before serving, garnish with mint.

-- The Associated Press