Moussaka 2

Delicious Moussaka with Potatoes and Meat - A Classic Recipe with a Twist

Moussaka is a dish that evokes childhood memories, bringing joyful and convivial moments to the family table. This simple and delicious potato moussaka recipe is perfect for a hearty dinner but can also be an excellent choice for a family lunch. I will guide you step by step through the preparation process, providing useful tips and information about the ingredients used.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

- 1000 g red potatoes from Covasna
- 500 g ground beef
- 300 g mushrooms, cleaned and julienned
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 500 ml tomato puree
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the red potatoes from Covasna. This type of potato has a fine texture and a sweet taste, perfect for moussaka. Slice them into thin rounds, about 0.5 cm thick, for even cooking.

2. Sautéing the meat and vegetables: In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sauté until browned. This essential step helps to intensify the flavors. Then, add the julienned mushrooms and chopped green onions. Continue to sauté the mixture for about 10 minutes, until the mushrooms release their juices and the onions become translucent.

3. Seasoning: After the mixture has cooled slightly, add the 2 beaten eggs. Gently mix with a spatula to incorporate them. Add salt, pepper, and oregano to taste, being careful not to overdo the salt.

4. Assembling the moussaka: In a heat-resistant dish, place a first layer of potato rounds. This will create a delicious and nourishing base. Continue with a layer of the meat and vegetable mixture, then repeat the process until all ingredients are used. Make sure the last layer consists of potato rounds.

5. Adding the puree: Dilute the tomato puree with a little water (about 100 ml) and carefully pour it over the moussaka, ensuring that the last layer of potatoes is well covered. This puree will add a rich flavor and pleasant moisture to the dish.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This step is essential to allow the ingredients to combine and flavor each other. In the end, you can remove the foil and let the moussaka brown for a few minutes if you desire a crispier crust.

7. Serving: After the moussaka is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it hot, alongside a spoonful of sour cream, which will add a creamy and delicious contrast. This is an excellent choice to complement the dish but can be omitted if you prefer a lighter version.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the meat: You can use beef or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
- Mushrooms: If you like, you can experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as oyster or champignon mushrooms, depending on your preferences.
- Variations: You can add additional vegetables, such as grated carrots or zucchini, to further enrich the dish.
- Complementary Recipes: This moussaka can be served alongside a fresh green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Drinks: A dry white wine or a tomato juice with lemon would perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional Information

This moussaka is a good source of protein, thanks to the beef and eggs, and contains healthy carbohydrates from the potatoes. Additionally, the mushrooms and green onions add essential fiber and vitamins. A serving of moussaka (about 200 g) can contain around 400 calories, varying depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of red potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes can add a touch of sweetness and an interesting flavor, making the moussaka more intriguing.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the moussaka a day before and bake it an hour before serving.
- How can I make moussaka lighter? You can reduce the amount of oil and sour cream or use lean ground meat.

Moussaka is a dish that brings people together, and our simple and delicious recipe will surely catch your eye. So don’t hesitate, put on your apron, and let’s cook together a dish that will be appreciated by the whole family!