Eggplant

A marinade of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, herbs and spices perks up the grilled chicken and vegetables in this dish. It's all served with wild rice.

This dish is delicious warm, but it can also be prepared ahead, stored in a covered container and served at room temperature at a picnic. Either way, its terrific.

Although it would be years before most Greek cooking would become familiar to Americans, one Greek dish, moussaka, did catch on in the seventies.

This gorgeous dish is similar to ratatouille.

For dinner in a matter of minutes, try this Mediterranean-flavored main course.

This slightly spicy side dish is excellent with grilled meat or chicken.

At Aruns in Chicago, owner and chef Arun Sampanthavivat has come up with this fresh take on a traditional Thai recipe.

In Egypt, eggplant was roasted over hot coals until the skin was charred. At home, I char the eggplant directly over the gas flame, turning frequently with tongs until the juices begin to ooze out. It can also be baked in a 425°F oven for 30 minutes.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

The hearty sauce is also great over couscous.

This meatless dish can do double duty as a main course or a side dish.

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 hr 20 min