WHAT IS MASTIHA AND HOW DO YOU GRIND IT:Greeks consider Mastiha their #1 superfood, a panacea that’s good for everything from gut health to gum health! But it’s also an incredibly versatile spice, pairing beautifully and adding an exotic mysterious undertone to everything from citrusy dishes to tomato-based dishes to savory and sweet white sauces […]
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: TOFU AS AN EGG SUBSTITUTE Tofu makes a great substitute for eggs, but the trick is to find the right kind of tofu. Experiment with different brands and degrees of firmness or softness and try to opt for a tofu variety that is as close as possible to the final texture of […]
BEAN TIPS: There’s always been a lively debate between dried vs. canned beans and which are better for you. Dried beans are definitely more nutritionally dense and taste richer and fresher. But most require soaking, which has become an apparent inconvenience to many people. Canned beans are a close second in terms of nutrition, and […]
HELPFUL TIP: How to make couscous fluffyYou can toss the uncooked couscous in a drizzle of olive oil before adding the liquid, which coats each grain in oil and helps them stay separate. Alternatively, add a drizzle of oil as you fluff up the grains. Use a fork to fluff the couscous—stirring it with a […]
FUN FACT: The Mediterranean diet is many things, but more than anything it’s a road map for how not to waste food! Turning stale, leftover bread into delicious recipes is an age-old tradition that spans the region’s many different cuisines. Crostini, bruschetta, Greek bread-based dips like skordalia and more are all ways in which poor […]
HELPFUL TIP: You’ve probably guessed after reading this recipe that tofu is hardly a traditional ingredient in the Blue-Zone longevity diet of Ikaria. But it is elsewhere and it is available and widely embraced among plant-loving, health-conscious Greeks! So, I’ve embraced it, too, and have discovered that its versatility and mild flavor make adapting it […]
FUN FACT: Onions are a really important ingredient in the Greek-Mediterranean diet and in the longevity foods of Ikarians and other denizens of the Blue Zones. They’re rich in plant compounds and antioxidants, and they make everything taste better, too! There are a few differences in taste and nutritional components among onions. Colorful varieties, such […]
USEFUL TIP: The best way to protect your unpacked, loose mushrooms from fridge humidity is inside a paper bag or wrapped with newspapers.
HELPFUL TIP: To remove the beard from the mussels, grab it with your thumb and forefinger and tug it toward the hinge of the mussel shell. You can also use a knife to gently scrape away the beard.Ideally, you want to prepare and cook the mussels as soon after buying as possible, but as long […]
FUN NUTRITIONAL FACTS: You could call this pizza for health! Who doesn’t love a quick savory pie or pizza? You can experiment with different flatbreads and flatbreads made with different grains. The toppings are what give this pizza its…pizzazz! Artichokes, chickpeas and arugula combine to make this a nutritional powerhouse. Chickpeas provide earthy satisfaction and […]