During winter, sauerkraut, dried beans and potatoes
figure more prominently on Romanian tables, which dates back to a time when all
produce was seasonal. Potatoes are a part of many dishes.
They can be baked, boiled, mashed, or fried. A popular
dish using potatoes during the cold season is a version of moussaka.
One of the simplest dishes using potatoes is potato
stew. You need a kilo of potatoes, two or three onions, fresh parsley, tomato
paste, oil, and salt to taste. Peel the potatoes, wash well and cut into medium
sized chunks. Slice the onion and sweat in oil. Add the potatoes and water to
cover, then boil on medium heat.
At the end add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste, the
fresh parsley, finely chopped, and salt to taste. Allow sufficient water into
the dish, since the potatoes will soak up a lot of liquid.
Another recipe that is popular is used mostly as a side
dish, and is known in Romanian as peasant-style potatoes. If you have guests,
you can make as much as 10 portions of this dish by using 2 kilos of potatoes,
two or three large onions, 200 grams of cured sheep cheese or cheddar style
cheese, milk or sour cream, and two eggs.
Boil the potatoes in their skin in salt water. Take them
out, let them cool a bit, then peel them and slice them thinly. Chop the onion
and sweat in oil. You can add bacon to the recipe, about 200 grams, chopped
finely, then browned in the oil with the onion.
Next, take a deep oven tray, laying in it successive
layers of potatoes and onion with bacon. In between layers put in crumbled
cheese or grated cheddar. Beat the eggs with the milk or sour cream, then pour
it on top. Put in the oven for 30 minutes. You can also add to the recipe
garlic and dill. Enjoy.