The concept of using ground nuts, especially walnuts, to help thicken a sauce is rooted in some of the regional Lenten traditions of Greece. It was a brilliant way for cooks to mimic the texture of, say, ground meat, during periods of fasting, and to provide important nutrition. (read more on Notes below)
Salmon and mangoes might seem like an odd combo, but this Grec-Mex inspired recipe is a star! The salsa that accompanies the salmon is both beautiful and nutritious. And, remember, salmon — always try to look for wild salmon — is one of the best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. FIsh is a cornerstone […]
Tzatziki, the classic Greek yogurt-cucumber dip, has grown in stature in recent years, as chefs experiment with mixing more than just cukes into a thick bowl of Greek yogurt. Indeed, avocado and yogurt make a perfect Mediterranean diet ingredients pairing! You can play around with the herbs. Cilantro, mint, parsley, dill and basil all work […]
EGG WASH TYPES & THEIR USE: Egg wash is the mix of eggs beaten with water, milk, or cream. It’s the finishing touch applied to baked goods before baking. It creates a golden-brown gloss that makes them irresistible. When it comes to egg washes with water, the main difference is the following: Egg white + […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
ABOUT WILD RICE – NUTRITION: Wild rice is a nutrient-rich food and contains manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. It’s also gluten-free and has more protein than regular rice. SOAKING VS NOT SOAKING: Soaking wild rice is beneficial but unnecessary. It’s usually done to reduce the cooking time; however, it doesn’t affect the texture of the […]
BULGUR 101: A lot of people confuse bulgur with cracked wheat. It is cracked wheat, usually Durum, but with a difference. Bulgur is parboiled. That makes it so easy to use; it needs much less cooking time. In fact, it doesn’t have to be cooked; you can just soak it in water or broth to […]
COUSCOUS 101 Couscous is a type of pasta originating from North Africa. It’s made from crushed durum wheat semolina flour and water shaped into tiny granular pieces. There are two different types of couscous: fresh and instant. Fresh, handmade couscous is steamed for about an hour, whereas instant – the one found at grocery stores […]