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 on […]
Greek lentils, extra virgin Greek olive oil and herbs like dried Greek oregano make this easy Greek salad a delicious classic.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]