Potato moussaka with meat

Potato Moussaka with Meat: A Comforting Delight

Potato moussaka with meat is a dish that brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients. This recipe, which has won the hearts of many families over generations, is perfect for family lunches or dinners with friends. Easy to cook yet impressive in appearance and taste, potato moussaka is a dish that blends tradition with comfort.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

- 1 kg potatoes
- 500 g minced meat (beef and pork mix)
- 2 medium onions
- 200 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 eggs
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt, pepper to taste

A Brief History

Moussaka is a classic dish in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in gastronomic traditions. Although recipes vary, the basic ingredients remain constant, and the preparation method is a ritual appreciated by every housewife. This version of potato moussaka with meat is simple and accessible, ideal for busy days or when you want to impress guests.

Steps for a Perfect Moussaka

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Start by peeling and finely chopping the onions. It is important to chop them evenly for uniform cooking. Once the onion is ready, place it in a heated pan with 4 tablespoons of oil. Cook over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This step is essential for developing the base flavors of the dish.

2. Cooking the Meat

Add the minced meat over the onion and mix well. Cook until the meat is nicely browned. It is important to cook it thoroughly to avoid an unpleasant appearance at the end. Once the meat is cooked, let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the Potatoes

Peel and wash the potatoes, then slice them into thin rounds. These will be the base of your moussaka. Place the potato rounds on a kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture. In a pan with heated oil, fry the potatoes over medium heat, being careful not to brown them too much. The goal is to make them slightly golden, not crispy.

4. The Meat Mixture

In a bowl, beat 2 raw eggs and add them to the fried meat, along with salt, pepper, and finely chopped parsley. Mix well to combine the ingredients. The parsley adds a fresh note and a unique flavor.

5. Assembling the Moussaka

In a fireproof dish, place 1 tablespoon of tomato paste dissolved in water at the bottom. Arrange a layer of potatoes, followed by half of the meat mixture. Continue with another layer of potatoes and then the remaining meat. Make sure to cover the moussaka with a final layer of potatoes.

6. Preparing the Sauce

In a pot, add a tablespoon of oil and the rest of the tomato paste dissolved in water. Let it boil for a few minutes, then pour the sauce over the moussaka.

7. Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish with moussaka in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. Then, beat the remaining 2 eggs and pour them evenly over the moussaka. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until the moussaka turns golden and browned.

Useful Tips

- Choose ingredients carefully: Opt for fresh meat and quality potatoes. Starchy potatoes are best for moussaka as they will cook evenly and absorb flavors.
- You can experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the meat mixture for a subtle yet unique taste.
- Variations: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with vegetables (such as eggplant or zucchini) and feta cheese.

Delicious Combinations

Serving potato moussaka with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with pickled cabbage will add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. You can accompany the dish with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing drink that will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional Information

This potato moussaka recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving, being a good source of protein due to the meat and eggs. The potatoes provide essential carbohydrates, while the parsley offers vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace the meat with something else? Yes, you can use chicken or turkey meat, or opt for a vegetarian version.
- What is the secret to not making the potatoes too soft? Make sure to fry them lightly and not leave them too long in the oven.
- How can I store the moussaka? You can keep the moussaka in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for a future meal.

Potato moussaka with meat is a dish that combines tradition with flavor, bringing a touch of warmth to any meal. Whether you prepare it for your loved ones or for a special occasion, this recipe will undoubtedly win the hearts and taste buds of everyone. Enjoy your meal!