Potato Moussaka
Potato Moussaka - a classic, comforting, and hearty delight, perfect for chilly days or a family meal. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines soft potatoes with juicy minced meat and a creamy layer of sour cream, resulting in a truly savory dish.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 6 tablespoons tomato juice (or tomato paste for a more intense flavor)
- 5-6 medium potatoes
- 2 large onions
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
Step 1: Preparing the potatoes
Start by boiling the whole potatoes, with skin, in salted water. Boil for about 10-15 minutes until semi-cooked but not fully done. This step is essential to prevent the moussaka from becoming too wet at the end. After boiling, let them cool slightly, then peel and slice them into rounds.
Step 2: Preparing the meat filling
Chop the onion finely and sauté it in a pan with a little oil or butter until it becomes translucent. If necessary, you can add a glass of water to prevent burning. Once the onion has softened, add the minced meat, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer over medium heat, gradually adding 2 glasses of water until the meat is cooked and the water reduces. Finally, incorporate the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Add the chopped dill and parsley and mix well.
Step 3: Preparing the sour cream sauce
In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with the sour cream until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. This sauce will add a delicious creaminess to the moussaka.
Step 4: Assembling the moussaka
Grease a baking dish with butter, then layer the first layer of potato rounds. Follow with a layer of minced meat, and on top, spread the sour cream sauce evenly. Repeat the steps, alternating between potatoes, meat, and sauce until you finish the ingredients. The last layer should be potatoes. For a nice appearance, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato juice on top.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the moussaka for about 40 minutes or until the potatoes turn golden and slightly crispy on the surface.
Step 6: Serving
Let the moussaka cool for a few minutes before slicing. It can be served plain or alongside pickles for a contrast of flavors.
Personal suggestion: Add a few slices of cheese on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra layer of flavor. This potato moussaka is not only a satisfying main dish but also a meal that will surely impress family and friends.
Enjoy the flavors of this traditional recipe that combines simple ingredients in a delicious way!
Ingredients: 1/2 kg minced meat, 6 tablespoons tomato juice, 5-6 potatoes, 2 onions, thyme, dill, parsley, 4 tablespoons sour cream, 3 eggs, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon butter
