FARRO 101: Farro, is an ancient whole grain wheat, rich in protein and fiber, it looks similar to barley, though with a slightly more elongated and larger grain. Like barley, farro retains a notable amount of chew when it gets cooked. SUITABLE SUBSITUTE: Barley
ABOUT RED LENTILS Red lentils are typically bright orange in appearance, and are similar to other lentil varieties in terms of overall – great – nutritional benefits. They tend to break down a little more easily than brown, green or black lentils, and have a mushier texture as well. Additionally, they have a slightly […]
WHITE VS BROWN RICE: Even though the milling process removes the rice’s husk, bran, and germ, it’s artificially fortified with nutrients. It’s also polished so it appears to be more palatable. On the other side, brown rice is a whole grain thus it’s richer in nutrition as a whole. The key difference between these […]
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 […]
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 […]
FUN TIP: Creamy texture doesn’t have to be achieved with, well, cream! In this recipe, I call for an age-old Greek tradition for using nuts as a thickener. Cashews, while not native to Greece, are a much-loved nut. They are super rich in iron and copper, which impacts our metabolism in a positive way. […]
Chicken soup, Greek penicillin (!), is one of the most delicious winter dishes. Most people know it in its restaurant interpretation, as chicken soup avgolemono, with rice and the classic egg-lemon liaison. This old recipe, from northern Greece, calls for trahana, a delicious, sour grain product that is one of the oldest agricultural products in […]
A simple stew with complex layers of flavor. Try serving with one of Greece’s red wines, such as Xynomavro or Agiorgitiko. To find some of the artisinal Greek products you’ll need to make this, visit my online shop here, where you’ll discover a host of lovingly curated Greek ingredients.
Here’s a spruced up version of Greek country dish–fava, or yellow split peas–served as a soup, with truffle oil and a bit of Greek cured pork. I like to serve this in the winter. Vegans and vegetarians: Skip the pork and make this dish your own!
Here’s a great meze for Dad! This is the kind of dish Greek guys love to eat when enjoying a glass of wine with their buddies at the local taverna!