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A close-up of a slice of moussaka in a triangle shape. You can see the first layer of potatoes, the thick layer of minced meat, and the last layer of potatoes with the sour cream mix on top, sprinkled with chopped parsley. It sits on a blue plate, alongside chopped fresh green salad.

Romanian Moussaka Recipe

The Romanian Moussaka is a hearty dish, perfect to indulge in when you are in need of a comfort food to warm you up and make you feel good.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 750 gr potatoes
  • 500 gr minced meat pork and beef mix
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 350 ml tomato passata
  • 2 eggs
  • 200 gr sour cream
  • 200 gr cascaval cheese grated
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes optional
  • a few springs of parsley optional

Instructions
 

  • Boil the potatoes with their skin on for 30 minutes.
  • Drain and let them cool down.
  • Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan.
  • Add the chopped onions and carrots and fry for 5 minutes, until they get soft.
  • Add the minced garlic, black pepper, chilli flakes, bay leaf, and nutmeg and mix well.
  • Add the minced meat and fry on a medium heat.
  • The meat will leave water in the pan. Simmer until the water evaporates.
  • Turn the heat off and add the tomato passata and the paprika. Mix well.
  • Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick slices.
  • Whisk the two eggs with the sour cream and 100 gr of the grated cheese.
  • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
  • Line a baking tray with baking paper.
  • Assemble the dish. Start with a layer of potatoes, then add a layer of the meat mixture.
  • Continue with another layer of potatoes and one of meat, then finish with a final layer of potatoes.
  • Cover the dish with the eggs, sour cream and grated cheese mixture.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, top the moussaka with the remaining grated cheese, and bake for another 5 minutes.
  • Optional, before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top.
  • Serve hot, with salad or pickles.