ROAST BEETROOT “SPAGHETTI” WITH CARDAMOM AND SPICED GREEK YOGURT
A LITTLE CARDAMOM LORE Cardamom, native to India, was known to the ancient Greeks and used in making perfume, so highly esteemed was its aroma. That very same aroma informs so much cooking all over the world today – cardamom truly is one of the greatest spices on earth. In many parts of the world […]
TAGLIATELLE IN TOMATO SAUCE WITH CHICKPEAS, AND BASIL
PASTA AND BEANS In the Greek kitchen, we cook up a few very old recipes that marry pasta with beans or legumes. Lentils and small pasta are still enjoyed in the Dodecanese islands and in Cyprus, for example. But for sure, the Italians take the prize on so many great recipes for pasta e fagioli […]
Greek Spicy Spaghetti with Shrimp
A wish list of Mediterranean diet ingredients goes into this Greek recipe for garlicky shrimp pasta! Seafood is an important component of the Greek diet, and shrimp is always a favorite. Indeed, there are even a fewnative species of Greek shrimp. This dish would not be the same without both the herbs and the extra […]
Spaghetti with Mastiha Greek-Yogurt Chicken & Vegetables
In the Greek diet, pasta is often cooked with both proteins such as chicken as well as a whole bevy of seasonal vegetables and fresh or dried Greek herbs. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight meal when you’re looking for something fast and healthy and when you need a little of that one-of-a-kind comfort […]
Linguine al Greco with Leftover Chicken, Peas & Greek Yogurt
I’ve been tossing pasta with yogurt in various forms since I was a kid. This Greek pasta recipe, for linguine (or any other ling extruded pasta) tossed with tangy Greek yogurt, extra virgin Greek olive oil, peas and feta is a perfect weeknight or brunch option and speaks tomes to the vibrant simple cooking that […]
Fusilli with Morels
MORELS Morels have an earthy, nutty flavor and a meaty texture. They’re also packed with antioxidants, essential minerals, and vitamins and contain one of the highest amounts of Vitamin D among all edible mushrooms. You can substitute dried morels for fresh in this recipe, too. If so, use 4 ounces of dried morels, rehydrated. Save […]
Orecchiete With Mastiha or Tomato Sauce
HELPFUL TIP: Orecchiette means little ears in Italia, for the shape of these small thumb-size discs with an indentation makes them perfect for “clinging” to the sauce. The shape is a traditional one from Puglia in the Italian boot, and there it’s usually served with a simple chunky tomato sauce. You can substitute Orecchiette with […]
Simple Trahana Soup with Spiced Red Pepper Puree, Greek Feta and Olive Oil
The best Mediterranean diet recipes are the oldest, most traditional and easiest ones, and this Greek recipe for trahana is a perfect example. What is trahana, for those of you who may not be familiar with the world’s oldest slow fast food? It’s a fermented grain product made by cooking wheat or flour with milk, […]
Spinach Tagliatelle with Creamy Walnut Sauce
The concept of using ground nuts, especially walnuts, to help thicken a sauce is rooted in some of the regional Lenten traditions of Greece. It was a brilliant way for cooks to mimic the texture of, say, ground meat, during periods of fasting, and to provide important nutrition. (read more on Notes below)
Wild Rice – Orzo Pilaf with Caramelized Leeks
A colorful wild rice pilaf dish, with plenty of flavors and fragrances! Feel free to enjoy it not only during the holiday season, but year-round just as well!
Cold Tahini Noodle Salad
This Mediterranean diet recipe calls for a very traditional, nutritious Greek-Mediterranean ingredient: tahini! Used all over the Eastern Mediterranean, tahini is one of the superfoods of the Mediterranean diet. While this isn’t a traditional Greek recipe per se, but rather inspired by the delicious cold sesame noodles in Chinese cuisine, the extra virgin Greek olive […]
Linguine or Spaghetti with Greens and Feta Pesto
Pesto doesn’t have to be the classic Genovese recipe! I make this easy Greek recipe for pesto with any sweet greens I have on hand and like to think of it as the perfect—and literal–example of the green Mediterranean diet! Here’s an added benefit: The almonds are a good-mood superfood, high in plant protein and […]