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 […]
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 […]
SERVING TIP: You can serve these shrimp as is, or over brown rice or quinoa.
Invariably mispronounced with the accent on the second instead of the last syllable, moussakå 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 […]
A TIP FOR CRUSTLESS QUICHE You can freeze your crustless quiche either whole or in slices. Leave it in the fridge overnight to defrost. It can then be served either cold or hot; reheat in the oven, covered loosely with foil until heated through.
ABOUT VEGETABLE SOUPS: One of my favorite ways to cook vegetables is in soups, and the variations and versatility are endless. You can make almost any vegetable into a simple but elegant soup and the beauty is in the garnishing. Drizzle thin threads of olive oil over the soup; stream a little balsamic or honey […]
Have you ever had a glut of cucumbers? Avid gardeners will understand this problem! There is a point in the summer, usually mid-July in my Ikarian longevity garden, when I can’t give cucumbers away! How many Greek salads and how much tzatziki can one consumer! So, I’ve taken to cocktails, chutneys, jams and even chips. […]
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN FETA: For one it should be Greek! Feta is a protected designation of origin cheese allowed by EU law to be produced only in Greece, where it is a traditional dairy product. American “feta” is made with cow’s milk and sometimes with goat’s milk, and is generally salty and coarse. […]
In the Greek diet, we love watermelon! Watermelon is one of the summer fruits that provide great hydration and a light delicious way to enjoy a Mediterranean diet snack and or an unusual Mediterranean diet recipe! While gazpacho obviously isn’t a traditional Greek recipe, but rather a classic Spanish one, I make this all the […]
WHY IS THIS HEALTHY?Eggplant is filling, but it’s also low in carbs, fat, and calories. It also has plenty of bone-building calcium and antioxidants that can help to ward off heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Breadcrumbs in combination with high-protein chickpea flour make this coating healthier than using plain all-purpose flour or some […]