Lentils figure prominently in the plant-rich Mediterranean diet. Indeed, lentil soup is one of the staples of almost every cuisine around the Mediterranean and for good reason. This humble pulse is a nutritional powerhouse. There are many varieties of lentils that are native or popular around the Mediterranean and many varieties, like these red lentils, […]
A PLACE FOR DESSERT: Why a Vegan Cheesecake? Why a dessert at all in a compilation of recipes that aim to be plant-based and life-enhancing? For one, at least in my experience on Ikaria, centenarians don’t avoid eating sweets. They just do so judiciously and make a special occasion out of it. Most traditional Greek […]
HELPFUL TIP: You’ve probably guessed after reading this recipe that tofu is hardly a traditional ingredient in the Blue-Zone longevity diet of Ikaria. But it is elsewhere and it is available and widely embraced among plant-loving, health-conscious Greeks! So, I’ve embraced it, too, and have discovered that its versatility and mild flavor make adapting it […]
FUN FACT: If one thing sets Greek food apart from other cuisines across the Mediterranean, it is the prevalence of purely plant-based main courses. This root vegetable stew, while inspired by the spice palette of regions a little further to the East, is a great example of a hearty, totally plant-based, real-food vegan main course. […]
FUN FACT: Onions are a really important ingredient in the Greek-Mediterranean diet and in the longevity foods of Ikarians and other denizens of the Blue Zones. They’re rich in plant compounds and antioxidants, and they make everything taste better, too! There are a few differences in taste and nutritional components among onions. Colorful varieties, such […]
USEFUL TIP: The best way to protect your unpacked, loose mushrooms from fridge humidity is inside a paper bag or wrapped with newspapers.
I don’t think I can say this enough: The Greek-Mediterranean diet is packed with excellent, hearty, main course vegetable fare prepared in every way, shape and form. Soup, of course, is one way we eat vegetables, and in winter that’s often part of a weekly Mediterranean meal plan! It’s also a great way to prepare […]
Here’s a wonderful Mediterranean meal and great Mediterranean diet recipe for sheet pan chicken that’s easy and tasty. Chicken is a go-to Mediterranean diet food protein because it’s so convenient and there are, truth be told, so many great chicken recipes across the region, it’s hard to choose. The deliciously pungent Greek garlic, Greek olive […]
HELPFUL TIP: To remove the beard from the mussels, grab it with your thumb and forefinger and tug it toward the hinge of the mussel shell. You can also use a knife to gently scrape away the beard.Ideally, you want to prepare and cook the mussels as soon after buying as possible, but as long […]
FUN FACT: Carrots are about 10 percent carbs, consisting of starch, fiber, and simple sugars. They are extremely low in fat and protein. Also, the beta carotene in carrots is a skin-friendly nutrient that gets converted to vitamin A inside the body, and we need vitamin A to strengthen our immune systems, for eye health […]