Potato Moussaka

To prepare a delicious potato and meat dish, we start by ensuring we have all the necessary ingredients at hand. We begin with the potatoes, which we wash well, taking care to remove any impurities. Then, we place them on a tray and put them in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius, letting them bake in their skins for about 45 minutes, or until they become soft inside.

Meanwhile, we take care of the filling. We take the meat, which we will finely chop in the food processor, along with a large onion, which will add extra flavor. After obtaining a homogeneous paste, we heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. We add the meat and onion mixture and sauté it over medium heat, stirring frequently. After a few minutes, when the onion becomes translucent and the aroma spreads throughout the kitchen, we add a glass of water to steam the meat. We let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the meat is well cooked.

Once the meat is cooked, we add tomato sauce, which will add a note of acidity and sweetness to the dish. We season to taste with salt, pepper, and perhaps even a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor. We let the mixture simmer for another 10-15 minutes, so that the sauce reduces and becomes more concentrated. Finally, we add a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to give it a fresh appearance and an inviting aroma.

After the potatoes are baked, we carefully peel them and slice them into suitable rounds. In a glass dish or a ceramic tray, we start layering. The first layer will consist of slices of potatoes, which we sprinkle with salt and a few teaspoons of tomato sauce. Then, we add half of the previously prepared meat. We continue with another layer of potato slices, followed by the remaining meat. Finally, we cover everything with the remaining potatoes.

To bind the dish, we beat an egg with a little tomato sauce and herbs, which we pour over the last layer of potatoes. This mixture will create a golden and delicious crust during baking. We place everything in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes, until it becomes nicely browned.

In the end, we take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before portioning it. It is served warm, alongside a spoonful of sour cream and a little fresh herbs sprinkled on top. This recipe is not only comforting but also full of flavors, perfect for bringing the family together at the table. Enjoy your meal!