Dried vs Canned Black Beans Dried black beans need to be soaked overnight and then cooked. The length of time needed to prepare them is their biggest drawback when it comes to comparing them to canned beans. But from a nutrition and sodium perspective, dried, soaked home-cooked beans are definitely better and richer in nutrients. […]
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, like […]
About Bonito: Many people might know bonito in its dried, flaky form and as the basis for dashi, the Japanese soup stock that is the foundation of miso soup. Bonito is an oily fish in the tuna, sardine, and mackerel family and is quite popular throughout the Mediterranean, where it is eaten fresh in many […]
Apricot Appreciation! Apricots, with their delicious tart-sweet flavor, are a great fruit to pair with yogurt for an easy, elegant dessert. They’re also a good source of potassium, phosphorus, and Vitamin A. From a cook’s perspective, because they aren’t super sweet, they pair beautifully when roasted with aromatic, robust herbs like sage and rosemary.
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 sparingly, […]
MORE ABOUT THE EGGPLANT: The eggplant is one of the most loved vegetables in Greek cuisine. It’s an ideal partner to quintessential Greek and Mediterranean ingredients like onion, garlic, tomato, zucchini, and peppers. There are many eggplant varieties in Greece, from the light purple, long Tsakonitiki from the Peloponnese to small and large flask-shaped eggplants […]
NOTE: Peaches and peppers go into an obscure but delicious salad from the Eastern Mediterranean. The combination is perfect. The peaches and peppers share a similar smooth and slippery texture but their distinctly different flavors provide a nice contrast. You can try this dish with shrimp, or even with grilled lobster.
NOTE: Beets have are rich in water, have a fair ammount of fiber and protein, and low in calories.
NOTE: Did you know that Greece was estimated to be the 3rd largest producer of the kiwi by the end of 2019 (from 4th place the previous year). Kiwis are highly nutritious and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, plus fiber. They’re particularly rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that’s essential for immune health.
NOTE: Melons are rich in nutrients, they may help to reduce blood pressure due to its high potassium and low sodium content. Honeydew melon contains several nutrients that are vital for repairing and maintaining strong bones, including folate, vitamin K and magnesium.