Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking Season 6 Episode 9 Maria Loi's Greek Feast

In season 6 episode 9 of Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking, host Pete Evans travels to New York City to meet up with renowned Greek chef Maria Loi, who takes him on a culinary journey through her favorite Greek dishes and ingredients. Loi, who grew up on a farm in Greece, is passionate about showcasing her country's cuisine and demonstrating how easy it is to make at home.

The episode kicks off with Loi and Evans meeting at the Union Square Greenmarket, where they select an array of fresh ingredients for their feast, including heirloom tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and feta cheese. From there, they head to Loi's restaurant, Loi Estiatorio, where she demonstrates how to make her famous tiropita, a savory phyllo pastry filled with feta cheese and herbs.

Next up, Loi takes Evans to her rooftop garden, where she grows an abundance of fresh herbs and vegetables. They harvest some basil and tomatoes for their next dish, a flavorful Greek salad with creamy feta cheese. Back in the kitchen, Loi grills some perfectly charred eggplant for a smoky and delicious eggplant dip known as melitzanosalata.

For the entree, Loi prepares one of her favorite Greek dishes, moussaka. This hearty casserole is made with layers of roasted eggplant, spiced ground beef, and creamy bechamel sauce. Loi shares her tips for making the perfect moussaka, including how to achieve just the right texture for the bechamel.

Finally, it's time for dessert. Loi whips up a simple and refreshing yogurt parfait with fresh peaches, honey, and pistachios. She explains that Greeks often enjoy yogurt as a dessert, and the combination of tangy yogurt, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts is the perfect ending to any meal.

Throughout the episode, Loi shares her personal experiences and memories of growing up in Greece, and her love for her country's cuisine is evident in every dish she prepares. Evans is a willing and enthusiastic apprentice, learning from Loi's expertise and passion for Greek food. Together, they create a feast that celebrates the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Greek cooking.