Briam for 5,000 in Thessaloniki

It is estimated that the meal were sufficient for 5,000 people who will have the opportunity to receive a free briam dish, salad and fruit salad.

The queues were quickly created, as those who were gathered at the White Tower to receive a plate of briam were many.

The Me-Nou (With Thought) for 5000, part of the international campaign “Feeding the 5000” is the latest in a series of similar events that have been organized in cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, New York, Oakland, Nairobi and Warsaw.

Thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables are tossed away because they are ... uncomely and others because they are superfluous!

Over 1/3 of the world's food is wasted from the fields to households and restaurants because they do not cover the aesthetic criteria of the market, while every household in Greece wastes 98.9 kgs of food per person annually.

Organized by the environmental organization Feedback in cooperation with ANATOLIKI SA. Development Agency of Eastern Thessaloniki, WWF - Better Life, the We Can organization, the European Youth Capital 2014 organization, Harokopio University, EU Fusions, Slow Food Thrace, the British Council and with the support of the Municipality of Thessaloniki.

Greek Briam recipe – A Mediterranean mixed roasted vegetables dish

Crispy and fluffy potatoes, sweet, flavourful aubergines and juicy zucchinis garnished with fresh herbs to form an amazing full of Mediterranean flavours hearty vegetarian dish. The vegetables are coated with olive oil, flavoured with sweet onions and garlic and then baked to perfection. Simply delicious! This traditional Greek recipe for Briam falls under the category of Greek dishes called “Ladera”, meaning Greek dishes prepared only with olive oil, with no addition of other fat. So make sure to use some good quality extra virgin olive oil, which will surely lift the flavour!  Greek mixed roasted vegetables (briam) are perfect on their own, served with a hearty block of feta cheese and lots of bread to dig into all the delicious juices, or accompanying roast lamb, chicken or pork. With only 10 minutes prep time, this briam recipe is definetely the perfect quick and easy mid-week meal!

Instructions

1. To prepare this delicious briam recipe, start by preparing your vegetables. Peel and cut the potatoes in slices. Wash thoroughly the courgettes and aubergines and slice into 1cm slices. Alternatively you can cut the vegetables in chunks. Peel the tomatoes and cut into thin slices. (You can also use green bell peppers).
2. To bake the briam use a large baking pan, approx. 30*35cm, so that the vegetables are not layered too deep.
3. Layer the bottom of the pan with sliced tomatoes and season. Place on top the sliced vegetables and season well. Sprinkle with the onion and garlic and top with the rest of the tomatoes. Season well, garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Cover the briam with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven at 200C (both top and bottom heating elements on) for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Uncover the briam halfway through cooking time, toss the vegetables and continue baking until nicely coloured.
5. Serve this traditional briam dish with salty feta cheese and lots of bread. Enjoy!