Moussaka is a beloved dish across the Balkans and the Middle East, and the Bulgarian version is particularly hearty and delicious. It typically features layers of potatoes, ground meat, and a creamy yogurt-egg topping, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Bulgarian Moussaka, you will need:
- 500 grams of ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
- 1 kg of potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil or olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Topping:
- 2 cups of plain yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meat and Vegetables
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until it is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) to the skillet, along with the paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Assembling the Moussaka
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the meat mixture is simmering, peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
- Layering: In a large baking dish, spread half of the diced potatoes in an even layer. Pour the meat mixture over the potatoes and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining potatoes, spreading them out to cover the meat mixture completely.
Step 3: Making the Topping
- Mix the Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the Topping: Pour the yogurt-egg mixture over the layered potatoes and meat, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Baking the Moussaka
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Cooling: Allow the Moussaka to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Serving
Bulgarian Moussaka is best served warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a slice of crusty bread.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Variations: You can add layers of sliced eggplant or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Topping: For a richer topping, you can mix some grated cheese into the yogurt-egg mixture.
- Meat Variations: Lamb is also a traditional meat used in moussaka and can be substituted for beef or pork.
Bulgarian Moussaka is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the best of the region’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish with your loved ones!