Rhodopean Moussaka

This recipe was first published in the January, 2002 "Discover Plovdiv" Newsletter

The most common vegetable in this area is the "lowly" potato. While different varieties are available, in this mountain-hilly region of Bulgaria, the most common potato variety grown is the Orbita. The plant normally produces about 6 medium-size almost-round tubers on each plant with a brown skin; the inside is a very pale yellow.

If you think only of Moussaka the Greek way, using eggplant (aubergines), you will appreciate the heartiness and welcome the mild flavor of this original Rhodopean recipe.

Ingredients:

1/2 kg of minced meat (mix pork and beef but beef only will do)
1 kg of potatoes, peeled if you wish, finely chopped in cubes
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
parsley, 1/3 cupful, finely chopped
one onion, finely chopped
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup yoghurt
2 tbs flour
salt and pepper to taste
sunflower oil for cooking
1 tbsp chubritza (if you must, substitute oregano - but it's not the same!)

Try these other recipes using Bulgarian products

Try these other recipes using Bulgarian products

Cabbage Soup - Vegetarian
Chicken Liver Sarma
Rhodopean Moussaka