By George Drakopolos
I
don’t think I have to tell you all the heart healthy benefits of the classic
Mediterranean diet, but what I would like to share is more than about what we
eat. My Greek lifestyle of food, family, debate and laughter is like a layered
Greek salad set in the center of the dinner table of life. It’s not only about
eating healthy, and the quality of the food, but living a happy life. Being
healthy is feeling whole and that is what my cultural heritage has given
me.
As a
chef I have grown to love and appreciate more and more the authentic and
classic sides to meals and smaller things in life that my family taught me.
Each day I find it best to mix in everything all I have learned along the way and
take a deeper look into the many sides of life.
I
have a little Greek Café in Mt Airy called Malelani Greek Café, where I share
my culture with the community. Healthy Mediterranean food includes lots of
vegetables, fresh herbs and natural ingredients that my patrons now crave, and
the nation as a whole has become more accepting of. Now more than ever all of
us have many healthy vegetarian and vegan options because of the ethnic
influences that have created a plethora of side vegetables and sauces that are
tasty and good for us. In most international cultures, meat is only a
small portion of the meals. There is more of an emphasis on the sides on the
plate to be served. If you haven’t already, you should try taking a smaller
portion of meat and adding more vegetables on your plate.
Forget
the rich dishes you find in restaurants and chain coffee shops. Consider more
what your grandparents and descendants brought from their country – the heritage
foods and ingredients. The side dishes speak volumes about a place. My mother
bakes the desserts we sell at the cafe. And the salads and dips I make are from
whole, fresh ingredients with some spice and laughter mixed in to meld the
flavors. Even just a squeeze of lemon goes a long way to brighten flavors!
And
speaking of lemon, don’t forget it is also important to drink healthy beverages
that don’t have a lot of sugar. Many herbal teas are served at our café, made
from herbs that are known to be beneficial to our health. We even have a local
tea maker, Craft Tea, who blends a variety of soothing and unique teas on site
to serve our customers. They are also packaged for purchase to take home to
enjoy.
Ask
your family, and I’m sure you will not only get recipes for family dishes to
enjoy, but recipes for life. My Greek culture is about sharing the sustenance
of life.
George Drakopolos’s Family Recipe for White Bean Salad
- 3 Qts. Canellini Beans
- ½ c. minced red onion
- 2 ribs minced celery
- ½ c. Copped roasted red
peppers - 2 lemons, zested &
juiced - 1 Tbs. Kosher salt (or
to taste) - 1 tsp. crushed red
pepper - 2 c. walnut pieces
- 4 cloves fresh garlic,
crushed - ½ c. E.V. olive oil
- 1 bu. Italian basil
Mix
altogether then marinate for 2 hours. Before serving remove garlic cloves.