Moussaka - Tasty and Greek

I have been fond of Mediterranean (Greek) food for a few years now. I recently looked through my stash of favorite cookbooks and realized two things: that most of my cookbooks are about Greek cooking and that I bought my first Greek cookbook back in 2007. Since then, I've dabbled a little bit here and there with a few of the recipes. However, a few months ago I made a decision to follow my culinary passion, get over my fear and begin to incorporate more Greek cooking into my daily life. Then came the questions from family and friends.......

Mediterranean food is incredibly delicious and healthy for you. In fact, the Mediterranean Diet is considered the healthiest diet in the world. This is one of the reasons why I am so attracted to this cuisine. The word "diet" is actually a misnomer though, because the Mediterranean diet is more of a lifestyle than a diet. People eating a traditional Mediterranean diet eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and moderate amounts of red wine.

Mediterranean food offers much more than just appealing taste. Eating Mediterranean style food is a great way to prevent disease, particularly lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and some cancers. So in addition to contemplating the taste of Mediterranean prepared dishes, think beyond the borders of taste and begin to consider all the benefits foods of the Mediterranean can offer you. Do you want MORE energy, MORE health and MORE freedom in 2010? You can get off to a great start by beginning to connect with foods of the Mediterranean. Try this simple recipe for Vegetable Moussaka.

Nine Simple Elements of the Mediterranean Diet: (www.mayoclinic.com)

1. Eat your meals with family and friends

2. Eat a generous helping of fruits and vegetables

3. Use healthy fats like olive oil and canola oil

4. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods

5. Eat small portions of nuts

6. Drink red wine, in moderation (optional)

7. Eat red meat sparingly

8. Eat fish or shellfish at least twice a week

9. Avoid hydrogenated products and derivatives (i.e. trans fat)

Vegetable Moussaka (adapted from Perfect Greek)

Here's what you need:

1 large eggplant, peeled and sliced thickly

2 medium zucchini, sliced thickly

2 white onions, sliced thick

2 red bell peppers, washed, cored and julienne

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt (Fage is good)

14oz canned chopped tomatoes in juice

1/3 cup Greek feta cheese

Here's what you do with it:
1. Put eggplant, zucchini, onions, bell peppers, and garlic in roasting pan. Drizzle with oil, toss together, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

2. Roast in preheated oven at 425 degrees for 30-35 minutes, turning the pan halfway through the cooking, until vegetables are golden brown and tender.

3. Beat together the eggs, yogurt, salt and pepper. When vegetables are cooked, reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.

4. Put half the vegetables in a layer in a large ovenproof dish. Spoon over the canned chopped tomatoes and their juice, then add the remaining vegetables. Pour over the yogurt mixture and crumble over the feta cheese. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until golden brown.

5. Serve hot, warm or cold.