Mediterranean Magic: A Greek Feast to Savor

What are the traditional dishes served during a Greek feast?

Intro:

Experience the magic of the Mediterranean with this delightful Greek feast. With fresh and vibrant flavors, our recipe will take you on a culinary journey through the sun-kissed hills and azure waters of Greece. From the iconic moussaka to the tangy tzatziki, this meal will make your taste buds dance with delight. So why wait? Let’s dive right in and savor the flavors of Greece!

Recipe:

Moussaka

Moussaka is one of the most quintessential Greek dishes, made with layers of eggplant, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Here’s how to make it:

• 4 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the béchamel sauce:

• 4 tbsp. butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 egg yolks

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the red wine and simmer until reduced by half.
5. Add the tomatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly add milk and nutmeg, whisking to avoid lumps.
7. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and add salt and pepper to taste. Gradually whisk in egg yolks until incorporated.
8. Grease a large baking dish. Layer half of the eggplant slices on the bottom of the dish, followed by the ground beef mixture. Repeat with another layer of eggplant slices and beef. Finish with a layer of the béchamel sauce.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a tangy and creamy traditional Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It’s perfect paired with moussaka, gyros, or as a dip for veggies and pita bread.

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess liquid with a clean dish towel or paper towel.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Greek Salad

A Greek salad is a classic side dish made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese. It’s light and refreshing, and pairs perfectly with any Greek entrée.

• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 large cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 4 oz. crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top of the salad and serve.

Outro:

There you have it, a complete Greek feast to savor. From the rich and savory moussaka to the tangy tzatziki and refreshing Greek salad, these traditional dishes will transport you straight to Greece. So why not invite some friends over and make a night of it? With these delicious flavors, you’ll be the host(ess) with the most(est)!