Greek Vegetarian Penne with Charred Eggplant, Tomatoes, and Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil

In the Greek diet, pasta figures in both vegetarian recipes and with animal protein, such as the classic baked Greek pasta recipe, pastitsio. My personal favorites are the Greek pasta recipes that bring to mind the best of the Mediterranean diet, with Mediterranean ingredients that focus on plants. This Greek recipe for penne calls for […]
GRILLED EGGPLANT PANINI

Chipotle peppers aren’t a traditional variety in the Mediterannean, but this dish was born out of my work in the kitchen at New York’s Pylos, where the chef, Juan Tzitzimititla, sometimes throws together what I like to call Med-Med treats for himself and his Mexican cooks. Munch on this simple sandwich at lunchtime with a […]
Panfried Eggplant with Crumbled Feta

Eggplants with feta are found in tavernas and prepared at home with equal gusto. You don’t even have to follow through the last step -broiling the dish so that the cheese melts. Once the eggplants are softened in the skillet, you can serve them, warm or at room temperature, with feta crumbled on top.
BROCCOLI CRUST PIZZA WITH MUSHROOMS, AVOCADO AND CREAMY LIGHT CHEESE SAUCE

BROCCOLI PIZZA CRUST – A FEW TIPS! This ersatz but delicious pizza definitely tastes best the day it is made. But if you’re a pizza lover like I am, you also know the guilty pleasures of enjoying a leftover slice the next day. You can reheat this in a hot oven at about 400 degrees […]
Creamy Light Baked Cauliflower Gratin

ABOUT OAT MILK: I chose to use oat milk in this recipe because it is the creamiest of all the non-dairy milks out there. You can, of course, use cow’s milk or even goat’s milk in this recipe, but if you want to reduce your dairy intake, oat milk is a good option. Read the […]
Simple Grilled Butternut Squash With Garlic

HOW TO PEEL A BUTTERNUT SQUASH: After trying just about every method and knife, I have come to the conclusion that the best way to peel the hard skin off a butternut squash is with a good, old-fashioned vegetable peeler, especially the kind in which the peeling blade extends across a U-shaped top, perpendicular, not […]
Sugar Free Lemon Ice Pops
CHILLED BEET-TOMATO BORSCHT

BEETROOT NUTRITION: Beets – both the greens and the bulbs – are an important part of the Ikaria diet and an important ingredient in the Greek and Mediterranean diets. The greens are nutritionally comparable to iron-rich spinach but the bulbs are also very healthy, although they contain natural sugars and carbs. Overall, beets are a […]
Farro Salad With Sundried Tomatoes, Feta And Herbs

ABOUT FARRO: Farro, a high-protein, high-fiber ancient whole-grain wheat, figures prominently in the Mediterranean diet. It looks similar to barley, though with a slightly more oblong and larger grain. Like barley, farro retains a notable amount of chew when it gets cooked. Farro and barley can be used interchangeably in most recipes. Farro is a […]
Overnight Oatmeal with Greek Honey, Bananas, and Chia Seeds

NUTRITIONAL INFO ABOUT OATMEAL: Oats are rich in carbs and fiber, including beta-glucan fiber. This fiber helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promotes healthy gut bacteria, and increases feelings of fullness. They are also a great source of high-quality protein, with a good balance of essential amino acids. Oats are loaded with important vitamins, […]
The Simplest Spicy Shrimp

SERVING TIP: You can serve these shrimp as is, or over brown rice or quinoa.
Moussaka (Baked Eggplant with Ground Meat and Bechamel)

Invariably mispronounced with the accent on the second instead of the last syllable, moussakÃ¥ is probably the Greek national dish to many foreigners, although its origins are thought to be Asian. This Greek recipe, a true Greek classic, might actually be related or descended from the Asian maghuna, a “ayered dish of mutton, onions and […]