Explore the benefits of the Mediterranean diet with delicious recipes, nutrition tips, and lifestyle advice - Irini Savva
As barbeque season approaches, mix up your usual grilled recipes with these quick and tasty marinated Greek shrimp kebabs.
A much-loved tangy, creamy dip that pairs well with a wide array of grilled foods, Mediterranean meze platters or just a simple snack with veggie sticks and pita bread for kids and picky eaters
There are a few flavours in my kitchen that evoke a flurry of memories—lemons, oranges and the sweet aromas of rose and vanilla. Rose in particular is one of my favourite nostalgic smells and is used regularly in Greek and Mediterranean desserts.
Nourish bowls, also known as Buddha bowls, are a healthy mix of macronutrients divided into vegetables or fruits, carbohydrates and protein, usually topped with a dressing or sauce. The ingredients for nourish bowls may vary according to season and feature a variety of whole food plant-based ingredients. They are ideal for light lunches or dinners or for make ahead meal prep recipes.
Eating simple foods with a few inexpensive ingredients will help keep you on track with your healthy eating goals. This Mediterranean black eye bean and spinach bowl is a perfect example. Beans are high in plant protein and fiber, black eye beans in particular are one of the easiest beans to cook because you don’t need to soak them overnight.
Few dishes are satisfying, comforting and uncomplicated as a well-roasted chicken. This recipe for Roast Chicken with Clementine & Zaatar calls for a combination of traditional and festive Mediterranean flavours—clementine, lemon, garlic, cinnamon as well as the beloved Middle Eastern zaatar.
Warm pears cooked in a delicately spiced syrup is one of my favourite ways to enjoy this winter fruit. Baking or poaching pears is ideal as they hold their shape when cooked and improves their taste (they taste even better the next day). Serve as a naturally sweet breakfast over yoghurt and granola, a warm bowl of porridge or enjoy as is with creme fraiche, freshly whipped cream or ice cream for a treat.
Made with spelt flour and low in sugar, these cupcakes are a healthier way to celebrate kids birthday parties or holidays.
One of the most widely used ingredients in both cooking and medicinal purposes, is the sweet and zesty ginger. Originating in Asia, this super plant is now available all year round and across the globe—including the Mediterranean—so it’s no surprise that it has crept into many modern Mediterranean foods.
Crumbed chicken and chips must be the most requested food when my kids eat out. While I’ve seen and tasted all kinds of variations, it’s the cringe-worthy, highly processed chicken nuggets that got me testing homemade versions in my kitchen.
This recipe takes me back to last summer when we were enjoying sweet juicy watermelons and salty village halloumi on the beautiful island of Cyprus.
Over the years, I must have searched thousands of Mediterranean recipe ideas that include “one pan”, “one dish”, or “tray bake”. They’ve saved me hours in the kitchen as well as my sanity. This layered tray bake is a version of a fish bake my mother made when I was growing up.
Pastitsio, also known as makaronia tou fournou, is a very well known and loved family meal made in both Greece and Cyprus. Almost every Greek grows up eating some version of this creamy layered bake. Try this lighter dairy-free version now.
High in fiber and protein, quinoa is often served as part of a healthy meal. This gluten-free seed is used to replace carbs for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a balanced diet. As with all health foods, it needs to be seasoned well and not overcooked.
If you’ve visited Cyprus before, you will know that souvlaki restaurants are as popular as cafe culture. A favourite among locals, and eaten regularly across the island as an easy and delicious dinner.
