Explore the benefits of the Mediterranean diet with delicious recipes, nutrition tips, and lifestyle advice - Irini Savva
Imagine being transported to the Mediterranean and nibbling on a mezze platter under the shade of a vibrant pink bougainvillea. If you can’t make it there this year, you could make your own with this homemade beetroot hummus.
These avocado based mocha cups are a creamy, chocolate mousse type dessert with a hint of coffee and sweetened with local date syrup.
Boost the nutrient content of your usual hummus recipe with added raw carrots.
Orange cookies are a favourite during Greek Orthodox Easter but can also be made during other festive seasons when oranges are sweet and flavoursome. Serve these dairy free and refine sugar free cookies with an afternoon coffee or tea. You may need to double the recipe as they don’t last long.
Upgrade your regular beans on toast with this healthier Mediterranean style herby butter beans on garlicky rye toast.
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.
