Moussaka with zucchini and boiled potatoes

To prepare a delicious baked potato recipe, we need a few essential ingredients and a little patience to achieve a tasty dish. We start by peeling and slicing the potatoes thinly, ensuring they are of uniform size for even cooking. Then, we place them in a large pot with water and a pinch of salt, boiling them until they become slightly soft, but not fully cooked, for about 10-15 minutes. After they have boiled, we drain them well and set them aside.

In a baking dish, we grease the bottom with butter, creating a savory base for our potatoes. We begin layering a first layer of boiled potatoes, then add a generous layer of meat sauce, which will add a deep and rich flavor. Next, we follow with the zucchini, which we prepared earlier on the grill to enhance their aroma. Then, we pour a layer of white sauce, which will add creaminess to the dish, and repeat the process with another layer of potatoes.

On top, we will prepare a mixture of beaten eggs with sour cream, which we pour evenly, ensuring we cover the entire surface well. This mixture will form a golden and delicious crust during baking. We preheat the oven to medium temperature and place the dish in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggs with sour cream become golden and fluffy.

To prepare the meat sauce, we start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a pan with a little oil until they become translucent. Then, we add the minced meat, seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. We cook the meat until it turns brown, making sure to stir it constantly. After the meat is cooked, we add the tomato juice and let everything simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Once the sauce has cooled slightly, we incorporate the sour cream, adding extra creaminess.

For the white sauce, we melt the butter in a saucepan, adding the flour and stirring constantly. After the flour becomes slightly golden, we gradually pour in the cold milk, whisking to prevent lumps from forming. We season with salt, pepper, and a small amount of nutmeg, and finally, when the sauce has thickened, we add the grated parmesan, mixing well until it completely melts.

Thus, we have created a delicious dish that combines varied textures and flavors, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy your meal!