Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Wild Rice & Pine Nuts
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, […]
Fanned Eggplant with Feta, Tomato and Herbs
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 […]
Scallop, Pepper and Peach Salad
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.
Beetroot Tart Tatin
NOTE: Beets have are rich in water, have a fair ammount of fiber and protein, and low in calories.
Arugula Kiwi Salad
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.
Portobello “Pizza” Marguerita
HELPFUL HINT: All mushrooms are versatile ingredients but portobello mushrooms are an excellent choice for all those wanting to reduce meat and animal protein from their diets. By adding portobellos to your diet, you help increase your fiber intake and lower your risk for heart disease, high cholesterol and digestive conditions. You can eat them […]
Mediterranean Warm Grilled Vegetable Salad
VEGGIES EVERY WHICH WAY: This selection of vegetables is like a poster child for Mediterranean cooking. Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and eggplant combine in countless ways, from dishes like French Ratatouille to Greek Briam to more complex layered recipes that include cheese or are seasoned with local flavor palettes. But they also make for a great […]
Balsamic-glazed Pork Chops
A LITTLE CARNIVOROUS INDULGENCE: It might seem odd to include an occasional meat dish, and for pork, nonetheless, in a recipe club aimed at sharing and teaching the benefits of a mostly plant-based diet. In the Mediterranean, though, meat consumption is not anathema; it’s just not a daily or, dare I say, even weekly indulgence, […]
Braised Green Beans With Garlic Confit and Herbs
HELPFUL TIP: It’s preferable to buy whole beans and stir clear from trimmed or pre-packaged beans. No matter the color or the variety, you need to prep them by trimming them. Make sure you do this just before you need to use them as they tend to oxidise and dry out quickly. Before trimming them, […]
Spanish-style Baked Omelet With Chorizo and Vegetables
CHORIZO 101: Chorizo is a name given to a variety of sausages, both fresh and cured originating in the Iberian peninsula. It is made with chopped pork meat and pork fat, seasoned with paprika and garlic, all stuffed into a natural gut. Although there are many regional varieties, most chorizo can usually be placed into […]
Mussels Cooked in Tomato Sauce With Lemon Zest, Wine and Herbs
MUSSELS 101 Mussels are a significant low-fat source of protein and an excellent source of vitamin B12 and various other B vitamins, WHICH have a crucial role in energy production, forming red blood cells, and supporting immune and cognitive health. They’re also a rare animal-based source of Vitamin C. They’re also chock-full of minerals. You […]
Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed With Briam
PRAISE FOR THE PORTOBELLO Because they’re so substantial, fleshy and succulent, portobello mushrooms easily satisfy even the most tempting cravings for red meat. They’re nothing more than the mature form of button and cremini mushrooms. All of these mushrooms are, in fact the same species at different stages of maturity. Portobellos are rich in flavor, […]