Mom’s Chicken & Potato Moussaka ππ₯
Overview:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 713
- Recipe Category: Potato
- Keywords: Vegetable, European, Free Of…, < 60 Mins, Oven
Description:
This delightful dish is my Mom’s twist on the classic Bulgarian Moussaka, offering a simpler baking approach without compromising on flavor. The process may seem a bit more involved, but fear notβit’s actually quite easy, especially with the step-by-step guide. The cooking time includes boiling the potatoes while simultaneously frying the chicken, ensuring everything comes together beautifully in the end. Let’s dive into this comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 | Potatoes |
| 1/3 cup | Milk |
| 2 tbsp | Butter |
| 1 lb | Ground Chicken |
| 1 tbsp | Tomato Paste |
| 1 tsp | Cumin |
| 1 tsp | Black Pepper |
| 1/2 tsp | Nutmeg |
| To taste | Salt |
| 3/4 cup | Plain Yogurt |
| 1 | Egg |
| 2-3 tsp | Dried Thyme |
| 1 tbsp | Fresh Parsley, chopped |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes until tender, then peel and mash them in a bowl.
- Add butter and a pinch of salt to the mashed potatoes.
- Gradually mix in milk until you achieve a soft, creamy consistency. Adjust thickness to your liking.
-
-
Cook the Chicken:
- In a frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground chicken, tomato paste, cumin, black pepper, nutmeg, and salt to the pan.
- Use a fork to break apart the chicken as it cooks, creating crumbly, flavorful meat.
- Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
-
Assemble the Moussaka:
- Preheat your oven to a medium temperature.
- Grease a baking tin generously with oil, ensuring to coat the sides as well.
- Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of the baking tin.
- Spoon the cooked chicken mixture over the potatoes, creating a delicious layer of savory goodness.
- Top the chicken layer with the remaining mashed potatoes, smoothing it out with a spatula.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the assembled moussaka in the preheated oven and allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes.
- While the moussaka is baking, prepare the yogurt topping.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the plain yogurt, egg, dried thyme, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
-
Add the Yogurt Topping:
- Remove the moussaka from the oven after the initial 5 minutes.
- Carefully pour the yogurt mixture over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the moussaka to the oven and continue baking until the top is golden brown, typically 10-15 minutes.
-
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the moussaka is beautifully golden and bubbling, remove it from the oven.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the potatoes retain heat incredibly well.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the moussaka warm and revel in the comforting flavors of this homemade delight!
Tips & Notes:
-
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the moussaka ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
-
Customize Your Moussaka: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
With its layers of creamy mashed potatoes, flavorful chicken, and tangy yogurt topping, Mom’s Chicken & Potato Moussaka is a true crowd-pleaser. This dish offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the warmth and love that Mom put into this comforting classicβhappy cooking! π½οΈπ₯
