Summer Vegetable Stew from Ikaria
This Greek recipe for a summer vegetable stew is from Ikaria, the Blue Zone Greek island of longevity. It’s called soufico and in this version, from t he south side of the island, it’s basically all the summer vegetables cooked together in a skillet with extra virgin Greek olive oil and herbs. It’s a classic […]
Ikaria Style Grilled Zucchini Salad
This Ikaria style grilled zucchini salad with lots of garlic and oregano is a Greek recipe adapted from my first Ikaria book: Ikaria: Lessons on Food, Life and Longevity from the Greek Island Where People Forget to Die. My next Ikaria-inspired book, The Ikaria Way, will be out in March 2024, and you can pre-order […]
Two-Bean Hummus with Mastiha and Caramelized Onions
Hummus is one of the world's most beloved foods, and this two-bean hummus with Mastiha and Caramelized onions is a great example of how delicious, nutritious and versatile the traditional dishes of the Mediterranean diet can be. While hummus is mostly a Middle Eastern specialty, it has also been adapted to the Greek kitchen, and […]
Grilled Artichokes with Greek Lemon VinaigretteÂ
Artichoke Lore: Artichokes are one of the most ancient and beloved vegetables in the Eastern Mediterranean, and Greeks have been eating them forever, or at least since discovering and embracing their ancestor, the wild cardoon. There are several artichoke varieties grown in Greece, mostly in the Peloponnese and Crete. Try serving this with a bowl […]
Chunky Carrot Tomato Soup
I raised my kids on Greek soup recipes and have more than a few up my proverbial sleeve, but this one, for chunky carrot tomato soup perfumed with great spices, is really special. Its simplicity belies its delicious, complex flavor. Soups are a great Mediterranean diet food category and this one, totally vegan and so […]
Halva, Orange-Spiced Semolina Pudding Cake with Dried Fruits and Nuts
If dessert can be healthy, halva would win the top prize. Halva Semigdalenios, or Semolina Halva, is one of the most traditional Greek desserts and it's often served during periods of fasting because it contains no dairy. Indeed, it's a traditional vegan desssert before Greeks even knew they had a great selection of vegan recipes […]
Leek-Walnut Rice with Saffron and Currants
This Greek recipe for leek walnut rice with saffron can be both a main course and a side dish. It is perfumed with all the wonderful flavors of the Greek earth, especially in the saffron, aka krokos Kozanis. Rice is an important ingredient in the Greek diet and is often prepared as a main course, […]
Quinoa With Corn Salad And Pistachios
THE IMPORTANCE OF HERBS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET: Herbs are widely used in the Mediterranean Diet. They are used not only as flavor enhancers but also because of their medicinal properties. The contribution of the traditional herbs of the region to good health is indeed incredible. Herbs such as parsley, oregano, rosemary and, thyme, marjoram […]
Vegan Stew With Chickpeas, Sweet Potato, And Kale
QUINOA NUTRITION AND HOW IT ADAPTS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET: Even though quinoa is technically a seed, it is categorized as a whole grain and a good plant protein and fiber source. One cup of cooked quinoa offers about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. It’s a complete protein, including all nine […]
Vegan Risotto With Red Bell Pepper And Sweet Corn
STOCK FOR RISOTTO TIPS: A good stock is essential for a good risotto. Its temperature is very important – it should be hot and simmering and kept at this temperature throughout cooking the dish. Most of us will use store-bought stock for risotto, which is fine, but make sure to look for low-sodium stocks and/or […]
Hummus With Squash And Pumpkin Seeds
PUMPKIN SEEDS NUTRITION FACTS: Pumpkin seeds contain many antioxidants, iron, zinc, magnesium, and several other nutrients and plant compounds. There are many ways to incorporate them into your diet: As a snack, raw or cooked, salted or unsalted. They can be added to granola, Greek yogurt, and smoothies. Also, they can be added to any […]
Cauliflower Salad With Cabbage, Kiwi, Tomatoes, And Sprouts
KIWI NUTRITION FACTS: Kiwis are a great source of vitamin C, an effective antioxidant in the body, protecting cells against oxidative destruction. It’s also involved in immune function. Kiwis also contain a host of other nutrients and vitamins, including potassium, copper, vitamin K, folate, and vitamin E. Kiwis are low in calories, protein, and fat […]