A Kosher Version of Moussaka

Heat the oven to 350 F. Coat a 9x9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Place the eggplant slices on a piece of paper towel. Sprinkle with salt. Top with a piece of paper towel. Place a pan or other weight on top. Leave for 20 minutes. This salting will draw out the bitterness of the eggplant and the salt will be drawn out with it. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes until beginning to soften. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a fork. Sauté for 15 minutes. Add the tomato paste, wine, tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, cinnamon, and garlic powder. Simmer for 15 minutes, until the mixture is almost dry. Season with salt and pepper. Lay half of the eggplant slices in the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour the meat mixture over the eggplant. Top with remaining eggplant slices. Press down to compact. In a small pot, over medium-low heat, melt the margarine. Add the flour, whisking for 1 minute. Add in the soy milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Mix a small amount of the hot liquid into the eggs to temper them so they don't scramble. Add the egg mixture to the pot and bring to a low boil whisking constantly. As soon as you see small bubbles, remove custard from heat. Pour over the moussaka. Arrange the tomato slices over the top. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Cover loosely with foil and bake 1 hour. Uncover and cook for 10 minutes longer until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.