Food n' Focus - Food, Travel, Photography

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Salad
    • Soup and Stews
    • View All Recipes
  • Travel
  • Services
  • Press
  • About
  • Contact

Get our seasonal cookbook FREE! when you sign up for email updates

Home / feat. Poultry / Celebrate Cholesterol Awareness Month with Lightened Up Moussaka
Lightened Up Moussaka

Celebrate Cholesterol Awareness Month with Lightened Up Moussaka

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ChooseMazola #CollectiveBias
Lightened Up Moussaka
Now that I’m back in town from Europe, I have been eager to open up all of the cookbooks that I purchased during my travels and dive into more European cuisine. One of my favorite discoveries during my time abroad happened while I was in Athens, as I discovered my love for moussaka. This is an eggplant-based dish that includes other vegetables and ground meat. Since it’s Cholesterol Awareness Month, I thought that I would make a better-for-you version of this tasty dish using Mazola®​ Corn Oil and a few other ingredient swaps. A clinical study showed Mazola Corn Oil reduces cholesterol 2x more than extra virgin olive oil. To learn more about this claim, see Mazola.com.

 Lightened Up Moussaka

Even if you’re not a fan of eggplant, you’re going to love this dish! Traditional moussaka is made with olive oil, ground beef or lamb and a creamy layer of bechamel on top. To create a lighter version of this dish, I swapped the olive oil for Mazola Corn Oil, the ground beef for turkey and created a creamy topping using Greek yogurt and eggs instead of butter and milk.

 Mazola® Corn Oil​ is an all-purpose, cholesterol free cooking oil that is a smart heart-healthy* choice for your family. *See Mazola.com for more information on the relationship between corn oil and heart health. It has a variety of uses including baking, grilling, sautéing, stir frying, or mixing up a marinade or dressing.
Mazola Corn Oil has more cholesterol-blocking plant sterols than other cooking oils – four times more than extra virgin olive oil and one and a half times more than canola oil. Clinical studies indicate that when consumed as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, plant sterols can help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.

Lightened Up Moussaka IngredientsLightened Up Moussak
What I love most about this recipe is that it is quick and easy to make during the weeknight rush and is loaded with flavor. I first tried this dish during a food tour in Athens and was impressed that I actually enjoyed the eggplant in the recipe. I’m almost certain that your entire family will enjoy this meal, even the pickiest of eaters like myself. It is even really great as leftovers. Give this recipe a try this week to celebrate Cholesterol Awareness Month and let me know what you think! I’m curious to know your thoughts on moussaka and if this dish makes you fall in love with eggplant, too! Lightened Up Moussak

Lightened Up Moussaka
 
Print
Author: April | Food n' Focus
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Mazola® Corn Oil
  • 10 ounces ground turkey
  • 2 cups cubed eggplant
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • ½ cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
  • 1 cup canned white beans, rinsed, drained, and slightly mashed
  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup unsalted chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ cup plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Heat Mazola Corn Oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add turkey; cook 5 minutes or until browned. Add eggplant, bell pepper, onion, thyme, and garlic; cook 6 minutes.
  3. Add mashed beans, tomato, tomato sauce, stock, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish.
  4. Combine yogurt and eggs in a bowl. Pour yogurt mixture over dish. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes or until bubbly and yogurt mixture is set. Sprinkle with parsley and pine nuts.
#version#

    Share this:

    • Tweet

    feat. Poultry// Main Dishes// Mediterranean2 Comments

    Subscribe

    « Tomato Chickpea Flatbread
    Scottish Highlands Whisky Tour »

    Comments

    1. Vickie says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:56 pm

      Love love moussaka!
      Now that a family member has borderline diabetes will gives this a try.

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Classic Greek Cuisine: Barley and Pomegranate Salad says:
      July 16, 2020 at 7:01 am

      […] to Greece was the cuisine. I have always been a fan of classic Greek dishes including tzatziki, moussaka and spanakopita. The fresh ingredients used in Mediterranean cooking have always been of interest […]

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rate this recipe:  

    Want more delicious recipes?

    CUISINE: Recipes for the Season

    Download free when you sign up for email updates

    Welcome to Food n’ Focus!

    Hi! I’m April: food and travel lover, wine enthusiast, ice cream obsessed and the vision behind the Food n’ Focus! I just returned from a year in Europe and am sharing all of my adventures and recipes right here! Read More…

    Top Posts

    • White Cheddar Shortbread Bites
      White Cheddar Shortbread Bites
    • Authentic Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice With White Sauce
      Authentic Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice With White Sauce
    • The Best Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
      The Best Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
    • Pear and Ginger Ice Cream
      Pear and Ginger Ice Cream
    • Tomato Wedge Salad
      Tomato Wedge Salad

    Instagram

    foodnfocus

    Food 🍝 Travel ✈️ Photography 📷
    #california #foodblogger #travel
    🌐 Current location: USA 🇺🇸
    👇🏻For recipes & travel guides, click this link:

    April | Food & Travel Blogger
    Spending my Valentine’s weekend with this beauti Spending my Valentine’s weekend with this beautiful and delicious salad. How about you? #cobbsalads #valentinespecial❤️ #avocadolover #saladsofinstagram #tomatoes🍅 #bluecheese #saturdaymood #foodblogging #lovesalad
    Today we took a little day trip to the coast to tr Today we took a little day trip to the coast to try and spot some migrating whales. On our way, we stopped at this cypress lined road to snap a few pics of the gorgeous arch they were creating! And yes, we did spot some whales 🐳 #cypresstrees #californiadreaming #daytripping #mothernature #cypresstreetunnel #treesofinstagram #californiaadventure #treeline
    KE-TO-GEN-IC - That's a mouthful! You may have hea KE-TO-GEN-IC - That's a mouthful! You may have heard about the keto diet before and you're probably wondering what the heck it actually is! Today on the blog I teamed up with @raleys and I'm serving up a beginner's guide to keto so you can decide for yourself if its right for you! There's also a delicious recipe for you to try! 🥗 😍 Tap the link in my bio for more info -> @foodnfocus #cauliflowerrecipes #ketoweightloss #ketofriendly #steakdinner #beefitswhatsfordinner #mexicanfood #healthycook #newyearnewstart #ketolove #raleys
    You can turn hummus into a meal with this deliciou You can turn hummus into a meal with this delicious Mediterranean Hummus Plate! I love making this when I'm looking for a meatless meal or it's a great appetizer for guests. Tap the link in my bio for more info -> @foodnfocus⁣
⁣
⁣
#droolclub #f52gram #thekitchn #sweetmagazine #tastespotting #forkfeed #foodgawker #kitchenbowl #bhgfood #buzzfeast #DinnerIdeas #Dinner_Time #Dinners #DinnerTonight #DinnerTable #FoodPhotographyProps #FoodPhotography101 #PhotographyFood #VegetarianEats #VegetarianMeals #VegetarianRecipe
    The endless poppy fields in France were one of my The endless poppy fields in France were one of my favorite things to photograph. I have already been planning my post-pandemic return to this amazing country and seeking out these vibrant flowers will be high on my list! ✈ 🌎#frenchcountryside #postcardsfromtheworld #goexplore #wanderlust #travelbug #wonderfulplaces #Globetrotter #NextDestination #LetsTravel #HappyTraveller #TravelTips #TheBestDestinations #TravelInspiration #TravelJunkie #WorldExplorer
    I decided to 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 put some I decided to 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 put some pictures on my wall after 8 months in my townhouse. After much deliberation I decided to go with a Paris theme including this shot. If I can't travel to Paris right now, I might as well sit on my couch and daydream about it! #daydream #travelfrance #Paris #covid2021 #super_france #arcdetriomphe #parisfrance #travelfrance #frencharchitecture #parisianstyle #travelbloggerlife #artistsoninstagram
    I know that a lot of us are turning our attention I know that a lot of us are turning our attention to salad, but it's still January and soup is still in season! My absolute favorite soup is Chicken Tortilla and I've got the perfect recipe on the blog! This soup uses rotisserie chicken making it super easy to prepare. Don't forget all of the delicious toppings: tortilla strips, cheese and avocado! 🥑🧀🥘 Tap the link in my bio for more info -> @foodnfocus
    Was your new year's resolution to eat more salad? Was your new year's resolution to eat more salad? 🥗 I've got plenty of tasty salad recipes over on the blog including this Coconut Kale Chicken Salad that's loaded with delicious chicken, roasted sweet potatoes and quinoa, perfect for lunch. Want more salad inspiration? Head on over to the blog ➡ https://foodnfocus.com/category/salad
    𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲! Have you all taken the time to write down your resolutions for 2021? ::𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘴:: I'm hoping that 2021 brings less pandemics, new adventures, more wine and blue skies ahead! I'm guessing more of us are on the same page with these requests. ⁣
⁣
What are some of your new year's resolutions for yourself?⁣
Tell me below 👇👇

#winelovers #newyearnewme #celebratetheseason #resolutions2021 #lifegoalsinspirations #celebrate2021 #2021goals #winewisdom #covidkindness
    I guess I’ll get on the Top 9 of 2020 bandwagon! I guess I’ll get on the Top 9 of 2020 bandwagon! This year was nothing short of crazy, and in the midst of COVID we sold our home and moved out to California! I’m actually thankful for this move because even without being able to travel this year our move presented a world of new adventures! Here’s to a better 2021 filled with more adventures, less pandemics and getting back to travel! 🥂🎉 #topnine #top9of2020 #newyearseve #celebrating #2021goals #happynewyear2021 #californiadreaming #californian #anniversarycelebration #movetocalifornia #relocation #theamericanclub
    The lack of travel this year has me feeling a litt The lack of travel this year has me feeling a little stir crazy so I'm thankful that my move to California has made it easy to take quick trips to some amazing places! I had the chance to visit Sonoma and Napa a couple of weeks ago and I'm talking all about how to spend 24 hours in Napa and Sonoma on the blog today! 🍷🍾 From @domainecarneros to @opusonewinery, you can certainly find something within your taste and budget. Get all of the details on the blog today! #sonoma #winecountry #napacalifornia #wineanddine #covidtravel #californiawinery #winetasting #winesofinstagram #winenight #travelblogger #wineblogger #californiared #foodblogger #foodandwine #winewednesday #sparklingwine
    Be honest - How many Christmas cookies have you ea Be honest - How many Christmas cookies have you eaten so far this week? Are you getting tired of them yet? Maybe you should change things up and pair them with your wine for an entirely new experience! I've got The Best Holiday Cookie and Wine Pairings on the blog this week and it'll help you work your way through all of those holiday cookies throughout this month! Get all of the details here 👉 https://foodnfocus.com/desserts/the-best-holiday-cookie-and-wine-pairings
    Load More... Follow on Instagram

    More Poultry

    Cider-Brined Roast Chicken and Fall Vegetables

    Cider-Brined Roast Chicken and Fall Vegetables

    Authentic Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice With White Sauce

    Authentic Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice With White Sauce

    Creamy Paprika Chicken Stroganoff

    Creamy Paprika Chicken Stroganoff

    Skinnytaste Cornflake-Crusted “Fried” Chicken with Romaine Slaw

    Skinnytaste Cornflake-Crusted “Fried” Chicken with Romaine Slaw

    Chimi Chicken and Yellow Rice Bowls

    Chimi Chicken and Yellow Rice Bowls

    All Poultry

    More Travel

    How to Spend 24 Hours in Napa & Sonoma

    How to Spend 24 Hours in Napa & Sonoma

    Unique Gift Ideas For The Home Chef

    Unique Gift Ideas For The Home Chef

    Best Date Ideas in Milwaukee

    Best Date Ideas in Milwaukee

    Scottish Highlands Whisky Tour

    Scottish Highlands Whisky Tour

    Le Marais Food Tour in Paris

    Le Marais Food Tour in Paris

    All Travel

    Copyright © 2021 · Food n' Focus