Calorie Chart / Recipes / Moussaka
How Many Calories Are in Moussaka?
Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of moussaka
For g and a calorie requirement of kcal
| Calories 592 kcal | Proteins 18 g | Lipids 46 g | Carbohydrates 28 g |
| 30% | 24% | 69% | 10% |
Health benefits of moussaka
Moussaka - 100g
Calories 169 kcal
Proteins 5 g
Lipids 13 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Moussaka is traditionally prepared with layers of eggplant, minced meat, tomato sauce, and a light béchamel. Thanks to the vegetables, the dish supplies useful antioxidants such as lycopene (from tomato) and nasunin (from eggplant skin), while the meat contributes iron and B-group vitamins that support energy metabolism. With 169 kcal per 100 g, it is considered a moderately high-calorie option: richer than a plain vegetable bake but lighter than many cream-based gratins.
The dairy in the béchamel provides calcium and phosphorus that help maintain bone health, and extra-virgin olive oil often used in Greek recipes adds heart-friendly monounsaturated fats. Dietary fiber from the eggplant skin can aid satiety and help regulate blood sugar, a useful asset when counting calories. Finally, moussaka's aromatic spices (cinnamon, oregano) have been studied for their supposed anti-inflammatory properties, although evidence remains limited and should be labelled as "supposed." Reputedly introduced to Greece in the 1920s by chef Nikolaos Tselementes, the dish has become a classic of Mediterranean cuisine known for combining flavor density with reasonable calories when portions are kept in check.
Tips for incorporating moussaka into a balanced diet
If you monitor calories, serve one moderate slice of moussaka with a crisp side such as a raw cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with a vinaigrette rather than extra bread. The freshness lifts the rich layers and limits overall calorie intake.
For a lighter homemade version, replace part of the minced lamb with lean poultry, use skimmed milk in the béchamel, or swap it for a spoon of tangy yogurt. Baking the sliced eggplant without oil (or with a mist of spray oil) can save several calories as well.
Pair leftovers with a bowl of ratatouille or with steamed green beans to increase vegetable volume without adding many calories. If you need a post-workout plate that still fits your protein goals, accompany moussaka with a side of plain rice; the combination of complex carbohydrates and the dish's 5 g of protein per 100 g helps recovery while keeping calories predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many calories are in moussaka?
- There are 169 kcal per 100 g.
- Is moussaka suitable for a weight-loss diet?
- Yes, provided you keep portions moderate and balance the rest of the meal with low-calorie vegetables; its 169 kcal density is lower than many gratins but still requires portion control.
- How can I reduce the calories in a homemade moussaka?
- Grill the eggplant without oil, choose lean minced meat, or even turkey, and replace full-fat béchamel with thickened skimmed milk or yogurt. Each change removes several calories per serving.
- Does reheating moussaka change its calories?
- Reheating does not modify the energy value; calories remain the same, but some moisture loss can make the food slightly denser by weight.
- Is moussaka a good source of protein?
- At 5 g of protein per 100 g, it contributes moderately; combining it with an extra portion of lean meat or a side of lentils will boost protein without excessive additional calories.
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Information provided by Calorie Menu may contain inaccuracies or errors. It cannot, under any circumstances, substitute medical advice or medication.
