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, […]
HELPFUL TIP: It’s preferable to buy whole beans and stir clear from trimmed or pre-packaged beans. No matter the color or the variety, you need to prep them by trimming them. Make sure you do this just before you need to use them as they tend to oxidise and dry out quickly. Before trimming them, […]
CHORIZO 101: Chorizo is a name given to a variety of sausages, both fresh and cured originating in the Iberian peninsula. It is made with chopped pork meat and pork fat, seasoned with paprika and garlic, all stuffed into a natural gut. Although there are many regional varieties, most chorizo can usually be placed into […]
HELPFUL TIP: Just a little bit of yogurt in a dressing goes a long way. Used here, it creates a creamy dressing that is healthy and packed with both nutrients and flavor.
MUSSELS 101 Mussels are a significant low-fat source of protein and an excellent source of vitamin B12 and various other B vitamins, WHICH have a crucial role in energy production, forming red blood cells, and supporting immune and cognitive health. They’re also a rare animal-based source of Vitamin C. They’re also chock-full of minerals. You […]
PRAISE FOR THE PORTOBELLO Because they’re so substantial, fleshy and succulent, portobello mushrooms easily satisfy even the most tempting cravings for red meat. They’re nothing more than the mature form of button and cremini mushrooms. All of these mushrooms are, in fact the same species at different stages of maturity. Portobellos are rich in flavor, […]
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 […]
A LITTLE HISTORY: There are 37 official versions of Caponata, which is essentially a sweet and sour ratatouille and a specialty of Sicily. Sicilian Caponata mirrors all the flavors of all the conquerors who have ever stepped foot on the island. This version, not among the 37 official ones, calls for Greek olives as a […]