Every summer, I look forward to making this delicious eggplant recipe for dinner, Greek Moussaka. It is one of the few recipes where we get to enjoy our least favorite vegetable, eggplant. However, to make it fit our anti-inflammatory and clean eating lifestyle, I had to create a healthy version of it that does not leave us full of guilt.
What is different about this Moussaka
No Frying
The traditional Moussaka recipe calls for frying the vegetables. In this one, the vegetables are pre-baked, which reduces the fat content considerably. And makes the moussaka much lighter and easier on the stomach.
Less Time
My modification was to steam the eggplant slices instead of baking them. It helps reduce the bitterness and cuts 20 minutes off the prep time.
What you need from the garden to make this Greek Moussaka
There is nothing more rewarding about having a garden than harvesting the ingredients for dinner. The vegetables needed are a shiny eggplant, a nice-looking zucchini, a few tomatoes, and some thyme.
Potatoes, garlic, and onions are cool-season crops. If you grew enough of them, you might have them in storage.
Special equipment
Mandolin
I recommend adding a mandolin as an essential tool in any kitchen. It slices vegetables fast with equal thickness. It is better to use it in this recipe instead of a knife, just because it will ensure the even cooking of the vegetables.
Steamer
There are different types of steamers, some made of bamboo, others made of stainless steel. Whatever the material, they both do the job.
A steamer has two parts; a perforated top and a bottom pot. While the water boils in the bottom part, the steam cooks the vegetables in the top.
Measurments do not matter
Unlike baking, cooking does not rely on exact measurements. That’s why I enjoy it so much. Feel free to substitute any spices, herbs, or even vegetables. Some people, like my daughter, do not like onions or eggplants. There is no problem in omitting them from the recipe.
Click on the link to check out Akis’ video. How to make Greek Moussaka
