Potato Moussaka

Potato Moussaka

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Potato moussaka is a delicious traditional dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family meal or with friends. This simple recipe will delight you with delicious flavors and surprising textures. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of potatoes
- 650 g minced meat (beef or pork, depending on preference)
- 2 large onions
- 1 bell pepper
- 200 g of tomato paste (or 2-3 fresh tomatoes)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Potato spices (or a mix of herbs)
- Dried parsley
- Ground pepper to taste
- Oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Start by peeling the potatoes. Wash them well under cold running water, then slice them into thin rounds, about 5 mm thick. This will help them bake evenly and quickly.

2. Heat a deep skillet over medium heat and add a generous layer of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the potato slices. Brown them on both sides for 5-7 minutes until golden, then remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

3. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This step will add a special flavor to the mixture.

4. Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned, stirring frequently to break up the meat. Season with sweet paprika, ground pepper, and a little dried parsley to enhance the flavors. If using tomato paste, add it now and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add it to the meat mixture. This will help bind the ingredients and add a touch of richness.

6. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, layer the potatoes, followed by a layer of the meat mixture. Continue alternating layers, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.

7. If you want a more appetizing appearance, you can drizzle some oil or a spoonful of sour cream on top.

8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

9. Serve the potato moussaka warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions: This moussaka is delicious alongside a crisp green salad or, for a contrast in textures, a serving of Greek yogurt.

Possible variations: You can experiment with various vegetables by adding zucchini or eggplant between the layers of potatoes and meat. Also, for a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms.

This potato moussaka recipe is a perfect choice for a quick lunch or dinner that will impress anyone. Enjoy every bite and savor the enticing flavors!