Ikarian Lunch

This eggplant-and-halloumi bake has roots in Ikaria, a North Aegean island with Blue Zone status ("Blue Zone" refers to regions recognized for their high longevity and healthy living due to specific lifestyle, diet, and social factors). Ikarians are among the world's healthiest individuals, with one in three living well into their nineties. This satiating bake draws on their largelyplant-based approach to nutrition, with eggplant—rich in vitamins, fiber, and polyphenols, which help the body metabolize sugar—as the star ingredient. Stuffed and baked in the center of the eggplant boat are cubes of tangy halloumi cheese, made from grass-fed goat's milk, tomato sauce with capers and herbs. Note: Halloumi is hypoallergenic and can usually be enjoyed by lactose-intolerant individuals. High in calcium, potassium, and stress-relieving tryptophan.