Foodbuzz Project Food Blog: The Classics

Hey Friends! So as you know I have advanced to the second round of the Foodbuzz Project Food Blog 🙂

The Challenge: “How well can you tackle a classic dish from another culture?”

At first I thought I would do something Thai, because we just LOVE Thai food. But decided to reach deep down and try something that challenges me and to make it even harder, I decided to try and “healthify” it! So what challenges me, EGG PLANT and GREEK FOOD!!

My friend told me I should try and make a Healthy Moussaka… so I did!

What is Moussaka you ask? Basically, it is a noodle-less lasagna that the Greeks love!
Definition: Casserole of eggplant and ground beef with onion and tomatoes bound with white sauce and beaten eggs.

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HEALTHY MOUSSAKA

The Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp of Onion Powder (or 1 chopped onion)
  • 1 tbsp of Garlic Salt
  • 3/4 pound of 93% Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 can of No-Salt Added Diced Tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 tsp of Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp of Ground Allspice
  • 1/4 tsp of Basil Leaves 
  • 2 Eggplants (peeled and cut lengthwise into slices)
  • 6 tbsp of Olive Oil
  • 2 cups of 1% Milk
  • 3 tbsp of Cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup of Grated Romano Cheese

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What to do??

Heat the broiler. Coat baking dish and a large baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.

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Heat a large skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef, onion, and garlic powder and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often or until the beef is browned and cooked through.

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Prep Eggplants

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Hmm… knife

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…or peeler?

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Knife!

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Stir in the tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

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Place half of the eggplant on the prepared baking sheet and brush with 3 tablespoons of the oil. Broil for 10 minutes or until browned, turning once. Repeat with the remaining eggplant and 3 tablespoons oil.

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I GOT NEW PANS!! Thanks to Costco!

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Whisk together the milk and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, whisking for 8 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.

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Layer half of the eggplant in the baking dish, then half of the meat sauce. Repeat with the eggplant and meat sauce. Spread the cheese sauce on top.

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Broil for 3 minutes or until the cheese starts to brown.

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It actually came out beautifully!

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Healthy & Delicious!

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Those Greeks sure know how to eat!

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Next time, I will have to experiment with adding in more VEGGIES!

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The big test was my first bite. Loved it 🙂

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Experimenting in the kitchen brings me great JOY 😉

I will let you all know when the voting pole opens 🙂


Comments

One response to “Foodbuzz Project Food Blog: The Classics”

  1. Kind regards for the reliable info here plz apologize my bad English as it is now not my first language. I adore Thai land and internet sites like this only make me want return to Thailand a lot quicker.