This simple Turkish bulgur and lentil stew recipe is easy, nutritious, affordable, freezes well, and is utterly delicious! Photo Credits: Ali Redmond Why This Red Lentil Stew Works It’s a cozy and filling vegetarian stew: Lentils and bulgur make it hearty. Big flavor from the pantry: Lemons aside, every other ingredient is from the pantry. Great for meal prep: It reheats and freezes beautifully, so it’s perfect to make ahead....
Stracciatella is one of my favorite go-to dishes for lunch or dinner. While it’s composed of just three ingredients this traditional Italian soup is nourishing, richly flavored, and comes together in under 20 minutes. Photo credit: Mariam Hamdy Stracciatella soup is made from a handful of pantry staples: chicken broth, eggs, Parmigiano cheese, and, sometimes, just a whisper of nutmeg. The delicate soup has been a mainstay for generations of Italian children and is equally beloved by their parents, most of whom grew up on it....
Ultra creamy, lemony, and just enough garlicy white bean hummus! Serve it plain with a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil , or dress it up with some nutty dukkah (highly recommended). The perfect bean dip! I don’t have to tell you that plain, classic hummus with chickpeas and tahini is the dip of choice in this house. So let me clarify right away that this white bean dip is not the traditional Middle Eastern hummus I grew up with....
The Mediterranean Diet is a research-backed way of life that includes natural daily movement, joyful social living, and a diet rich in healthy fats like olive oil, loads of vegetables and fruits, seafood, nuts, whole grains, and more. Photo Illustration: Kristina Larsen Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, accounting for nearly one in every five deaths. The good news?...
This vegan, gluten-free Acorn Squash Soup recipe gets a bold Mediterranean twist thanks to freshly grated ginger and Ras el Hanout! With warming spices like turmeric, allspice, and cumin, this vibrant North African spice blend adds savory depth that perfectly complements the roasted acorn squash’s natural sweetness. Photo Credits: Katherine Irwin Nothing signifies fall quite like the piles of funny-shaped squashes on display at the farmer’s market. One of my favorites is the ridged, green acorn squash....
Easy chicken burger recipe with the juiciest, most flavorful chicken patties seasoned Mediterranean-style! No outdoor grill necessary. Photo Credits: Katherine Irwin If you’ve been afraid to try chicken burgers for fear of dry patties; worry no more! I’ve got you covered with this juicy, flavor-filled chicken burger! You’re gonna love it! Like with salmon burgers , chicken burgers have a bad reputation for being bland and dry. Not here! I have a few tricks to ensure you get the juiciest, most delicious chicken patties....
Replace the noodles in your soup recipe and try Chicken Gnocchi Soup instead. Bite-sized, pillowy dumplings simmered gently in chicken stock are the epitome of comfort food. Throw in mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, and a hint of thyme and rosemary for a nourishing, and delicious dinner. Photo Credits: Katherine Irwin When people think of Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the United States they often think of the creamy version from Olive Garden, an American chain restaurant serving Italian food....
Everyone raves about my easy baked ziti recipe! It’s perfect for weeknights in, bringing to a friend in need, potlucks, and beyond. Photo Credits: Mark Beahm Just like anything in my life, I am learning that there is a rhythm for eating. Variety and moderation–so true of the Mediterranean diet –provides a certain quality and richness as we feed ourselves and others. This take on American-style baked ziti is a great example: all the comfort, but just a touch lighter....
Spanish tortilla, sometimes called a Spanish omelette, is made with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and eggs, gently cooked in olive oil. The potatoes are tender, satisfying, and this recipe is so easy to make at home. Photo Credit: Mark Beahm Spanish tortilla or Tortilla de Patatas is one of Spain’s most popular dishes and a favorite in tapas bars served along side other favorites like Gambas al Ajillo , a....
This easy flatbread pizza recipe celebrates Greek flavors with feta cheese, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and sun dried tomatoes. It’s the definition of no-fuss! No pizza stone required and it cooks in the oven in just 5 minutes! Photo Credits: Mark Beahm There are nights where I want to go all out on pizza night, making the dough from scratch and even firing up the grill . Flatbread pizza, though, is for when I want to take it easy....
Give meatloaf a Mediterranean treatment with this weeknight-friendly Greek meatloaf recipe! Wrapping the meat in grape leaves makes not only a show-stopping presentation, but it also keeps the meatloaf extra juicy as it bakes—all while imparting the perfect tang! Give this healthy meatloaf recipe a try! Photo Credits: Mariam Hamdy If you’ve cooked from my book or been here a while, you’ll know I love giving American favorites my own Mediterranean twist, from baked potatoes to breakfast hash ....
Turn arancini rice balls into a comforting weeknight rice casserole everyone will love! Chicken sausage, peas, mozzarella and marinara sauce are weaved into this tasty casserole. Best part, you can make it ahead and freeze for later. About this rice casserole…Who doesn’t love a comforting dish that’s also on the healthier side? Sicilian rice ball casserole! So much to love… Simple. An easy casserole (no need to worry about forming rice balls)....
In this kibbeh recipe, a mixture of bulgur wheat , onions, and ground beef forms a hollow shell for a delicious stuffing. Enveloped in warm and earthy Middle Eastern spices like allspice and ground cinnamon, kibbeh is the epitome of Middle Eastern comfort food. The kibbeh croquettes can be deep fried or baked, and are often served as mezze or side dish. See more on kibbeh and the step-by-step tutorial below!...
This Italian-style lemon ricotta cake is light, fluffy, and rich all at the same time, with a touch of extra virgin olive oil so it’s beautifully tender and flavorful. Photo Credits: Mark Beahm This lemon ricotta cake recipe is full of dualities. It’s dense but fluffy, rich but light, and creamy yet bright. It looks rustic from the outside, but a slice exposes the crumb’s alluring texture. The bright lemon flavor also helps to keep it feeling light, balancing the richness of the ricotta, butter, and olive oil....
Easy savory mashed sweet potatoes with thyme and garlic. Perfect quick side for busy weeknights or special occasions! Plus, my lighter version swaps out the butter and heavy cream in favor of extra virgin olive oil and a little whole milk. There’s certainly a time and place for mashed sweet potatoes with a little sweetness, but sometimes, only a savory version will do! Enter my recipe for mashed sweet potatoes with garlic and thyme — quick, easy, and oh-so delicious....
This okra recipe takes on a delicious, bright Mediterranean/Middle Eastern twist. It is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and just a little bit spicy! We call it Bamya, a quick okra and tomatoes stew with onions, garlic, jalapenos, warm spices, and spiked with lime juice. Be sure to check out the tips for how to cook okra while reducing the slime factor! Okra Here in the states, comforting, fiber-rich okra is very much thought of as soulful Southern cooking....
Puttanesca is perhaps the ultimate pantry pasta! This classic puttanesca recipe will teach you how to make this bold, briney, and beautiful sauce in 30 minutes or less. Photo Credits: Suzy Karadsheh Sugo alla puttanesca (or puttanesca sauce) is a Neapolitan pasta sauce dating back to the early 20 th century. It’s made with pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, anchovies, and olives and/or capers. Flavorful and comforting in the best way, it’s a great example of Italians using simple ingredients to create something truly magical!...
Embrace summer like a Venetian with this easy Peach Bellini Recipe. And why not? You only need two ingredients and 10 minutes or less! Photo Credits: Elana Lepkowski Warm summer days call for drinks made with fresh and juicy in-season peaches. This super simple Peach Bellini recipe uses sweet peaches, pureed and topped with ice-cold Prosecco. It’s a Venetian tradition dating back almost 100 years! Like a Tinto de Verano or Carajillo , you need just two ingredients to make this classic cocktail....
Simit is an easy-to-make Turkish bread coated in sesame seeds. Sometimes called a Turkish Bagel, this simit recipe is delicious on its own, or sliced in half to make a sandwich. Serve it as part of a breakfast, lunch or brunch spread. Photo Credits: Caitlin Bensel I adore simit and it really is the quintessential Turkish street food; these sesame-encrusted bread rings are no doubt the most popular snack in my homeland Turkey....
This steak pizzaiola is the kind of dinner I make when I want bold Italian flavor on the table fast! A tender steak in a garlicky tomato sauce, my recipe is a riff on the Italian-American classic designed for weeknights. Photo Credits: Ali Redmond Why Steak Pizzaiola is a Family Favorite It delivers bold Italian flavor in about 30 minutes, making it realistic on a weeknight. Lean steak finished in tomato sauce stays tender and delivers rich flavor....
