Cookbook author Irina Georgescu writes in her cookbook “Carpathia: Foods From the Heart of Romania” that this Romanian version of moussaka borrows from the best parts of the Greek and Turkish versions, using sliced potatoes instead of eggplant, a rich meaty tomato-based filling, and a blend of yogurt and cheese on top. Comforting and satisfying, it’s a dish that also tastes as delicious cold the next day as when bubbling hot right out of the oven.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days.
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Ingredients
measuring cupServings: 6-8
Directions
Time Icon Active: 1 hour | Total: 1 hour 30 minsStep 1
In a 12-inch frying pan over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onions and carrot and cook, stirring, until the onions soften and start to turn translucent, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the pork, tomatoes, tomato sauce and paprika and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened, about 25 minutes.
Step 2
While the filling cooks, peel and slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and blanch the potatoes until just softened, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, stir together the cheese, yogurt and egg yolks until combined. Set the cheese mixture aside.
Step 4
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees.
Step 5
Grease a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with a little butter and arrange a third of potatoes in an overlapping layer on the bottom. Dot with small pieces of butter and season lightly with salt and pepper, then spread half of the filling on top. Repeat with another third of the potatoes, butter, salt and pepper, followed by the remaining filling. Finish with remaining potatoes and top with the cheese mixture.
Step 6
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top begins to brown and bubble, and serve hot.
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Nutritional Facts
Per serving (based on 8)
Calories
377
Fat
21 g
Saturated Fat
9 g
Carbohydrates
31 g
Sodium
253 mg
Cholesterol
104 mg
Protein
17 g
Fiber
5 g
Sugar
7 g
This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.
Adapted from “Carpathia: Foods From the Heart of Romania” by Irina Georgescu (Interlink, 2020).
Tested by Jim Webster.
Published April 22, 2021
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