Moussaka, Greece
Greek cuisine's signature dish, moussaka, traditionally consists of layers of eggplant, beef or lamb mince, and a creamy sauce on top. This dish is cooked until the top layer is crisp and golden brown. Given the various types of traditional meals found throughout the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, the history of moussaka is a bit unclear. However, most people believe that moussaka originated in the Near East and was introduced to Greece by the Ottoman Empire. The dish first appeared in an Arab cookbook from the 14th century under the name "magma." It was likely brought to Greece by Ottoman Turks who ruled the country in the 15th century. With the addition of typical Greek ingredients like eggplant and béchamel sauce, moussaka gradually transformed into the meal that is recognized and adored today. Since then, moussaka has established itself as a classic dish of Greek cuisine, beloved by people everywhere.