Moussaka made with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and minced meat

Moussaka with Mashed Potatoes, Cabbage, and Ground Meat

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Who doesn't love a warm moussaka, with rich layers of flavors and textures? This unique recipe for moussaka with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and ground meat will bring a touch of originality to your menu, inspired by the classic dish but with a personal twist that will delight the taste buds of the whole family.

The history of moussaka is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, each having its own version. From layers of vegetables, meat, and sauces, moussaka is a symbol of comfort food, a dish that brings warmth and joy.

The ingredients for this dish are simple but of excellent quality. So, let's get to work!

Ingredients

For the mash:
- 500 g white potatoes
- Water to cover
- Salt to taste
- 50 g butter
- 120 ml hot milk
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- A few basil leaves

For the cabbage filling:
- 1 small cabbage (under 1 kg)
- 2 onions
- 120 ml oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 150 g tomato paste
- 1 bunch of dill
- 250 g smoked bacon (optional)

For the meat filling:
- 500 g ground meat (beef + pork)
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon oil + 1 tablespoon water
- 150 g tomato paste

In addition:
- 50 g parmesan or cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the mashed potatoes
1. Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes of about 3-4 cm. This size will ensure even boiling.
2. Place the potatoes in a pot with cold water and add salt. Put the pot on high heat and bring the water to a boil. Boil the potatoes until they are soft enough to be mashed (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Once cooked, drain the water and mash them with a potato masher. Add the butter and hot milk, mixing well until you achieve a creamy mash.
4. Finely chop the parsley and tear the basil leaves into small pieces. Incorporate them into the mash, giving it a fresh and fragrant flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the cabbage filling
1. Chop the onion and sauté it in oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it becomes translucent.
2. If you choose to add bacon, cut it into small strips and add it to the pan, stirring until it becomes crispy.
3. Slice the cabbage into thin strips and add it over the onion. Add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the cabbage starts to soften, add the tomato paste and let everything simmer for another 15 minutes. Finally, add the chopped dill and mix well. Ensure that the cabbage remains slightly crunchy.

Step 3: Preparing the meat filling
1. Finely chop the onion and carrot. In a pan, sauté them in oil and water until they soften and become golden.
2. Add the ground meat to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and grated garlic.
3. When the meat is well cooked, add the tomato paste and chopped bell pepper. Cook the mixture for 5-10 minutes, then add the chopped parsley.

Step 4: Assembling the moussaka
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. In a heat-resistant dish, add a generous layer of mashed potatoes. Follow with a layer of cabbage filling, then another layer of mash.
3. Add the ground meat filling, then finish with a final layer of mashed potatoes. Finally, grate parmesan or cheese on top.
4. Ensure you have drained excess fat from the fillings before assembly for a lighter moussaka.

Step 5: Baking
1. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 10-15 minutes until the surface is golden and crispy.
2. Remove the moussaka from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving
This moussaka is delicious served warm, alongside pickles or a fresh salad. You can add a spoonful of sour cream on top for extra creaminess or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a bit of heat.

Nutritional Benefits
This moussaka is not only tasty but also offers nutritional benefits. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, while cabbage is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The ground meat provides necessary proteins for the body, and the olive oil in the recipe adds healthy fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can experiment with various vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, instead of cabbage.

2. How can I make the moussaka lighter?
You can replace the meat with a vegetarian option or reduce the amount of oil used in the preparation.

3. Can I prepare the moussaka in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the moussaka a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it before serving.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! This moussaka with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and ground meat will surely become a family favorite, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort to your table. Enjoy your meal!