Potato Moussaka

Potato Moussaka a la Grădi - a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Who doesn’t fondly remember the warm meals at home, where the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air? Potato Moussaka a la Grădi is one of those recipes that brings back childhood memories, of days spent around the table with family. This recipe is a savory and simple version, perfect for satisfying the cravings of the little ones and more.

The history of moussaka is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions, where the combination of vegetables, meat, and cheese has always been appreciated. Whether prepared with eggplants, potatoes, or other vegetables, moussaka has managed to maintain its popularity over time.

Ingredients and nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious! Here are the ingredients you will use:

- 7 potatoes (about 1 kg) – an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamin C
- 1 kg ground meat (pork or beef, preferably freshly ground)
- 1 carrot – rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A
- 7-8 green onions – full of antioxidants and vitamins
- 10 cherry tomatoes – packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil – rich in healthy fats
- 1 egg – a good source of protein
- 2 tablespoons sour cream – for added creaminess
- 1 bunch of parsley (optional) – adds freshness and flavor
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 100 g mozzarella or cheese – for a delicious topping
- 50 ml milk – provides creaminess to the dish

Preparing the potato moussaka

Step 1: Preparing the potatoes
After washing and peeling the potatoes, slice them into not-too-thin rounds. It’s important that they have a uniform thickness for even baking. Place the potato slices in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a little rosemary. The latter will give a wonderful aromatic flavor. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes become slightly golden.

Step 2: Preparing the meat filling
In a bowl, mix the ground meat with the grated carrot and finely chopped green onion. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. In a frying pan, heat the oil and add the meat mixture. Stir well and let it cook until the meat changes color and is well cooked through. Add the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, depending on their size. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. If desired, you can also add some chopped parsley for extra flavor.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce
Beat the egg with the 2 tablespoons of sour cream. When the meat mixture has cooled slightly, incorporate the sour cream mixture. This sauce will add a creamy texture and bind all the ingredients together.

Step 4: Assembling the moussaka
In a greased baking dish, start by layering a layer of potato slices. Then add the meat mixture and cover with another layer of potatoes. On top, place a few slices of cherry tomatoes for an attractive look.

Step 5: The final topping
In a separate bowl, mix the grated mozzarella or cheese, sour cream, and milk. Evenly distribute this mixture over the moussaka, ensuring everything is well covered.

Step 6: Baking
Place the moussaka in the preheated oven at 180 degrees and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and appetizing.

Step 7: Serving
Once the moussaka is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve the dish with freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness.

Suggestions and variations
This recipe is extremely versatile! You can experiment with different types of vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplants, to create alternative versions. You can also substitute pork with chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

2. How can I make moussaka healthier?
You can use lean meats, such as chicken, and reduce the amount of sour cream. Additionally, adding more vegetables will enhance the fiber content.

3. Is moussaka good for reheating?
Absolutely! Moussaka will keep well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of potato moussaka a la Grădi contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It provides protein from meat, carbohydrates from potatoes, and vitamins from vegetables. It is a complete meal, ideal for a family dinner.

This potato moussaka a la Grădi recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I hope you try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!