Hawaii’s Greek community celebrates the 32nd anniversary of bringing the flavors of the Greek islands to the Hawaiian Islands.
The festival features "all things Greek," including such dishes as spanakopita, gyro sandwiches, moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki, a variety of Greek salads and more. Greek products will also be available.
To help get you in the mood for "all things Greek," festival organizers shared these delicious recipes.
32ND ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL
» When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday
» Where: McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park
» Admission: $3; free for active military, and children 12 and under
» Info: www.greekfestivalhawaii.com
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EASY MOUSSAKA
1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1-pound lean ground beef or lamb, or a combo of both
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup crushed canned tomatoes
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup plain yogurt
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup cream (may substitute with whole milk)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush eggplant rounds with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Over medium-high, heat large, nonstick skillet and brown eggplant. When done, place on paper towel to drain; set aside.
In same skillet over medium-high, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook onions and garlic for 3 minutes. Add ground meat and brown; drain excess fat and liquid. Add spices and tomatoes. Simmer 10 minutes.
Spray 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and layer meat mixture first, then eggplant and top with Parmesan.
In medium bowl, combine yogurt, eggs and cream. Season with salt and pepper and pour over casserole.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving. Serves 16.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt to taste): 160 calories, 11 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 80 mg cholesterol, greater than 150 mg sodium, 4 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 10 g protein
KOULOURAKIA (GREEK CINNAMON BREADSTICK)
1/2 pound butter (2 sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With mixer on medium speed, cream butter and sugar 1 to 2 minutes until combined. Add eggs, one at a time until incorporated. Slowly add 2 cups of the flour, baking powder and cinnamon to the butter mixture; mix well.
Remove batter from mixer and add remaining flour, incorporating by hand until dough is pliable.
Grease cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Roll dough into 4-inch-long pieces; bend at center and twist.
Line up koulourakia on pan, brush tops with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serves 16.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 260 calories, 13 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 55 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 10 g sugar, 4 g protein
More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at www.heco.com.