Potato Moussaka with Meat and Cheese

Potato Pie with Meat and Cheese: A Combined Culinary Indulgence

In a world full of mundane recipes, potato pie with meat and cheese stands out as a comforting delicacy, bringing together the rich flavors of a moussaka with the slightly crispy texture of a pie. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth and familiarity to any family meal. It can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner and will surely become a staple recipe in the culinary repertoire of any cooking enthusiast.

Total preparation time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ground pork
- 8 medium potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (approx. 400 g)
- 2 fresh tomatoes
- 10 slices of fatty cheese
- 200 g sour cream
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Dried basil
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of margarine
- 5 eggs

Recipe history:
This combined potato and moussaka pie recipe is a modern reinterpretation of traditional dishes often found at family meals. Its origins can be traced back to various cultures that value potatoes as a staple ingredient, combining them with meat and vegetables to create hearty and filling meals. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted according to individual preferences, making it perfect for various occasions.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the potatoes:
- Start by peeling and washing the potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized cubes for uniform cooking.
- Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and let them boil for 10-15 minutes until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. Then drain and let them cool.

2. Preparing the meat:
- In a large skillet, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion along with the crushed garlic for 1-2 minutes until translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the meat changes color.

3. Adding the spices:
- Once the meat is done, add the can of diced tomatoes, chopped dill, and parsley, and season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes to reduce the liquid.

4. Arranging in the baking dish:
- Grease a medium baking dish (about 20 cm) with margarine. Place an even layer of potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, beat 2 eggs with a pinch of salt, add half of the sour cream and the 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and pour the mixture over the potatoes.

5. The meat layer:
- Add the meat mixture over the potatoes, leveling it evenly.
- Chop the remaining dill and sprinkle it on top.

6. Final preparation:
- In another bowl, beat the remaining 3 eggs with the rest of the sour cream and pour the mixture over the dish. Use a fork to gently mix the meat with the egg without disturbing the potatoes.
- Place the slices of cheese on top.

7. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the dish in the oven. Bake for about 2 hours and 30 minutes until the pie is golden and well-cooked.
- After this time, remove the dish and garnish with thinly sliced tomatoes. Brush the tomatoes with the remaining egg, sprinkle a little dried basil, and leave in the oven for another 15 minutes.

Serving suggestions:
This potato pie with meat and cheese is served warm and is delicious alongside a fresh green salad or a summer salad with tomatoes and cucumbers. A combination of dry white wine or pale beer would perfectly complement the meal.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of meat (chicken, beef, or even vegetarian meat) according to your preferences.
- Adding vegetables such as carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture can enhance the nutritional value of the dish.
- You can make the pie a day in advance and keep it in the fridge, making it even tastier the next day.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a sweet note and an interesting texture to the dish.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can replace the meat with a mix of vegetables and a plant-based protein, and the eggs and sour cream with vegan alternatives.
- How can I make the recipe quicker? Use pre-cooked potatoes or mashed potatoes to reduce preparation time.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is a good source of protein due to the meat and eggs, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates essential for energy. Dill and parsley add essential vitamins and minerals to the body, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

In conclusion, this potato pie with meat and cheese is not just a recipe but a culinary experience that will bring joy and comfort to every meal. Whether you prepare it for family or friends, it is impossible not to become a favorite! Enjoy your meal!