TIP: Tsipouro was firstly produced by the Mount Athos monks in the 14th century, and then its production and use were spread throughout Greece. Tsipouro is distilled a number of times in order to enrich its flavor. If you do not like the stong smell and flavour of anise seed -that gives tsipouro a unique, […]
MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN-RICE DISHES: Chicken and rice are a classic combo in the Mediterranean kitchen. In the context of the Ikaria Diet Recipe Club, enjoying animal protein at most once a week fits into an overall meal plan. On Ikaria, chicken and rooster are both esteemed meats, and in the traditional diet they were consumed sparingly, […]
NOTE: Peaches and peppers go into an obscure but delicious salad from the Eastern Mediterranean. The combination is perfect. The peaches and peppers share a similar smooth and slippery texture but their distinctly different flavors provide a nice contrast. You can try this dish with shrimp, or even with grilled lobster.
NOTE: Beets have are rich in water, have a fair ammount of fiber and protein, and low in calories.
NOTE: Did you know that Greece was estimated to be the 3rd largest producer of the kiwi by the end of 2019 (from 4th place the previous year). Kiwis are highly nutritious and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, plus fiber. They’re particularly rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that’s essential for immune health.
Seafood is a huge part of the Mediterranean Diet, and Greece, with its lengthy and rich coastline provides much local goodness in the form of shrimp, mussels and other seafood. They are at the heart of so many Mediterranean diet ingredients and Mediterranean diet recipes. In this Mediterranean shrimp recipe, there is a Greek technique! […]
HELPFUL HINT: All mushrooms are versatile ingredients but portobello mushrooms are an excellent choice for all those wanting to reduce meat and animal protein from their diets. By adding portobellos to your diet, you help increase your fiber intake and lower your risk for heart disease, high cholesterol and digestive conditions. You can eat them […]
HEALTHY TIPS: Are you a smoothie fan? Smoothies can be an excellent way to eat a balanced meal on the go or when there’s time pressure. Some of the healthiest ingredients to add in a smoothie are fruit, veggies, protein, liquids, spices/ extracts and spirulina. I enjoy adding plain Greek yogurt in my smoothies, as […]
VEGGIES EVERY WHICH WAY: This selection of vegetables is like a poster child for Mediterranean cooking. Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and eggplant combine in countless ways, from dishes like French Ratatouille to Greek Briam to more complex layered recipes that include cheese or are seasoned with local flavor palettes. But they also make for a great […]
A LITTLE CARNIVOROUS INDULGENCE: It might seem odd to include an occasional meat dish, and for pork, nonetheless, in a recipe club aimed at sharing and teaching the benefits of a mostly plant-based diet. In the Mediterranean, though, meat consumption is not anathema; it’s just not a daily or, dare I say, even weekly indulgence, […]