FARRO VEGETABLE SOUP WITH BEANS, CARROTS, TOMATOES & HERBS

  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

RUSTIC HOMEMADE TORTELLINI SOUP WITH TOMATO, BASIL, AND SPINACH

  FRESH VS FROZEN SPINACH You can definitely substitute fresh spinach with frozen for this recipe. Spinach is a frozen vegetable with flavor that holds up to the freezing process and retains its texture. Fresh spinach provides more folate, a B vitamin that, according to some studies by the American Heart Association, it’s believed to […]

RED LENTIL SOUP WITH MOROCCAN SPICES

  LENTIL SOUPS THROUGHOUT THE MEDITERRANEAN The lentil plant originates from Asia and North Africa and is one of the ancient foods. The humble lentil is a cousin to the pea and rich in protein and carbohydrates. It’s also an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B. The types of lentils most widely […]

RED LENTIL SOUP WITH CHILI, CILANTRO AND TOASTED PITA BREAD

  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 […]

Savoy Cabbage Bean Soup

Savoy Cabbage Bean Soup

  Savoy cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable named after the Savoy region in France, where it’s believed to have originated. It’s a versatile cabbage that even though it isn’t as crunchy as the green cabbage, it keeps its texture when cooked. It has a full flavor and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, pickled and roasted […]

CHILLED BEET-TOMATO BORSCHT

  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 […]

Zucchini Veloute

  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 […]

Watermelon Gaspacho

WATERMELON GAZPACHO

  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 […]

Yogurt Cucumber Soup With Walnuts

Yogurt cucumber soup with walnuts

  About Yogurt Soups Throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, yogurt is a basic ingredient, the use of which dates back thousands of years. Fermented dairy has always been an important source of nourishment in this part of the world. Some of these soups, such as the Armenian Spas, contain cooked wheatberries and are served hot. Others, […]

Zucchini “Cream” Soup

Zucchini cream soup

  WHY LEMON ZEST? Lemon zest is one of my secret go-to ingredients when I want to perk up the flavor of otherwise mild or subtle dishes. Can you think of another vegetable as mild as zucchini?! Lemon is, in fact, as crucial a flavor enhancer as salt and works pretty much the same way […]

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