RecipesBulgariaBulgarian Moussaka

Bulgarian Moussaka

A comforting baked dish featuring layers of ground meat (usually pork or a mix), potatoes, and a savory yogurt-egg mixture, distinct from its Greek counterpart.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings8
DifficultyMedium
Bulgarian Moussaka - Bulgaria traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Potatoes(peeled and diced)
  • 500 g Ground pork
  • 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Paprika(sweet)
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
  • to taste Salt
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 400 g Plain yogurt
  • 50 g Butter(melted, for topping)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish.

  2. 2

    Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until just tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and spread them in the prepared baking dish.

  3. 3

    In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent.

  4. 4

    Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.

  5. 5

    Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.

  6. 6

    Spread the meat mixture evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish.

  7. 7

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and yogurt until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the meat and potatoes.

  8. 8

    Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.

  9. 9

    Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Ensure potatoes are not overcooked in the boiling stage, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
  • For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of dried mint or savory.
  • This dish is excellent served with a side of fresh salad or plain yogurt.

🔄 Variations

  • Use a mix of ground pork and beef.
  • Add a layer of sautéed leeks or spinach.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

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