Asparagus and spinach salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1/2 pound fresh asparagus
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 garlic clove, halved
8 slices baguette

For dressing:
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chicken stock
2 tablespoons canola oil
salt and pepper to taste

preparation

Clean and cut the tender part of asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
Boil for 5 minutes. Refresh under cold water.
Clean and spin dry spinach. Cut into bite size pieces.
Rub both sides of bread with garlic. Toast bread until golden. Cut into small squares.
Dressing:
In a medium bowl whisk the dressing ingredients together. Combine spinach and asparagus.
Toss with dressing. Sprinkle toasted bread over salad.

Bouillabaisse

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 pounds dressed fish (bass, cod, flounder, whiting, orange roughie or tilefish)
12 mussels
12 clams
1-2 pound live lobster
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup cleaned and chopped leek
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 bouquet garni
4 ounces fennel, cut into julienne
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon saffron
12 slices garlic bread

preparation

Use a variety of fish like bass, cod, flounder, whiting, orange roughie, or tilefish. Cut into 1 inch cubes.
Scrub and wash mussels and clams.
Heat oil in a heavy pot. Add onion and leek. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic, parsley, chopped tomatoes, bouquet garni, salt and saffron.
Cut live lobster across into pieces, and crack the claws.
Layer fish, shellfish and lobster on top of vegetables. Cover with boiling water.
Simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Arrange fish in a serving earthtenware dish. Reduce cooking liquid by one third. Cut bread into round slices. Toast lightly.
Rub with a garlic clove. Pour liquid over fish. Heat, and serve in soup plates with bread.

Bruschetta orzo salad

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:None

3/4 cup orzo, freshly cooked, rinsed and drained
2 medium Italian tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped black olives
1/2 cup red onion finely diced
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

preparation

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Serve with toasted garlic bread

Butternut squash and apple soup

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 1/4 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes
5 to 6 cups vegetable broth
1 Gala apple, peeled, cored, diced
1/2 cup apple juice
light sour cream
Chopped fresh chives

preparation

Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and nutmeg; sauté until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add squash, 4 1/4 cups broth, apple, and apple juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered until squash and apple are tender, about 30 minutes.
Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more broth if desired. Ladle soup into bowls.
Garnish with sour cream and chives.

Butternut squash and caramelized onion flatbread

Serves: 4

Preparation time:1 hour

Cooking time:1 hour

Roasted Butternut Squash
1 butternut squash cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
salt + pepper to taste
Caramelized Onions
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions halved & thinly sliced
salt + pepper to taste

1 prepared pizza crust
1/2 cup Fontina or Italian blend cheese shredded
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp sage leaves cut into ribbons
2 tbsp toasted walnuts chopped (optional)

preparation

Roasted Butternut Squash
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Spread squash onto a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until tender.
Caramelized Onions
Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat.
Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until completely caramelized, stirring occasionally at first and more often as onions begin to brown, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Season with freshly ground pepper.
Preheat oven to temperature indicated on pizza crust package.
Top crust with caramelized onions, cheese, and squash.
Bake for time on package or until squash is heated through and cheese has melted.
While pizza is baking, heat oil in small skillet over medium high heat. Add sage leaves and saute, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes or until leaves are crispy, but still green.
Sprinkle sage leaves and walnuts on pizza before serving.

Carrot ginger soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3 ounces butter
1 medium onion, peeled and slced
3 ounces flour
8 cups chicken broth
1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon sliced ginger
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

preparation

In a saucepan melt butter. Add onion. Mix for a minute. Do not brown. Pour chicken broth. Mix well with roux. Add sliced carrots and sliced ginger. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Puree soup in a blender. Strain. Add milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Creamy chickpea soup with crisp tofu

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours 30 minutes

2 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup dried chickpeas, sorted through and rinsed
1 tsp. kosher salt
For the soup:

3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 inner rib celery, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 Tbs. sherry vinegar
10 oz. firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh chives

preparation

Cook the beans:
Wrap the bay leaves, garlic, and thyme in cheesecloth and tie with twine. Put the chickpeas in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches (about 2 quarts). Add the herb bundle and the salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to maintain a very gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the chickpeas are tender (try biting into one) but not splitting and falling apart, about 2 hours (check occasionally to be sure the chickpeas aren't boiling and are covered with liquid; add water if needed). Discard the herb bundle. Set aside the chickpeas and their cooking liquid.

Make the soup:
Heat 1-1/2 Tbsp. of the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring. Add the chickpeas and their cooking liquid (there should be about 5 cups; if not, add more water to equal this amount) and half of the thyme. Season well with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a bare simmer, and cook for 30 minutes so that the chickpeas soften a little more but don’t break up. Working in batches, purée the chickpeas and broth in a blender. Return the puréed soup to the saucepan, stir in the cream, vinegar, and remaining chopped thyme, and keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Taste for salt, pepper, and vinegar.

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Cook the tofu in the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. oil until it’s brown, about 5 minutes; With a slotted spoon. transfer half the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels and stir the rest into the soup.
Laddle the soup into shallow bowls. Sprinkle with the tofu, scatter with the chives, and drizzle with a bit of the reserved tofu oil, if you like. Serve immediately.

Crispy kale chips

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 head kale, washed and thoroughly dried
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt, for sprinkling

preparation

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.

Remove the ribs from the kale and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Lay on a baking sheet.
Bake until crisp, turning the leaves halfway through, about 30 minutes.
Toss with the olive oil and salt.
Serve as finger food.

Eggplant papeton

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 medium eggplants
2 medium shallots, chopped
2 ounces olive oil
1 ounce butter
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup light cream
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon Aromat seasoning
1 cup light tomato sauce .

preparation

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Peel eggplants. Cut into squares. Remove seeds.
Sauté shallots in oil and butter. Add eggplants. Cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Puree mixture in food processor. Beat in eggs, cream, and cornstarch. Season well.
Pour into buttered oven proof individual dishes. Bake until mixture is firm.
Unmold on plates and serve with hot tomato sauce or marinara sauce

Goat cheese and sun-dried tomato toasts

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

5 ounces goat cheese
1 teaspoon cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
12 long slices of baguette, cut diagonally about 1/4 inch thick
3 to 4 sun-dried tomatoes
freshly ground black pepper

preparation

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese and cream together.
Mix in half of the herbs and set it aside. Brush one side of the bread slices with olive oil, and toast them in the oven or under the broiler so that both sides are lightly colored.
Remove them from the oven and spread the cheese over the oiled sides. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, and slice into narrow strips.
Lay the strips of tomato in a crisscross or diagonal pattern over the top and return the bread to the oven.
Bake until the cheese is warm and soft, about 3 minutes. Garnish with the remaining herbs and a grinding of black pepper over the top.

Lemony garlic butter bean dip

Serves: 6

Preparation time:10 minutes

2 cans (each 398 mL) butter beans
¼ cup (60 mL) extra virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, roughly chopped
5 tbsp (75 mL) fresh lemon juice
½ tsp (2 mL) sea salt
½ tsp (2 mL) fresh ground pepper

GARNISH
1 tbsp (15 mL) extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp (2 mL) dried chilies
Zest of 1 lemon

preparation

1 Drain and rinse butter beans and place in food processor. Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth.

2 Place in serving bowl and garnish with olive oil, chilies and lemon zest. Serve alongside toast rounds or vegetable sticks

Panisses

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

270 g (2 ¼ cups) chickpea flour
1 liter (4 cups)vegetable or chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
oil, for frying
Salt and pepper
Fleur de sel (optional)
FOR THE PESTO DIP:
50 g pine nuts
½ a clove of garlic
50 g Parmesan cheese
1 bunch of fresh basil
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

preparation

Oil a 33 x 23-cm (13 x 9-inch) rectangular pan and line with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.
In a bowl, combine the chickpea flour with half the broth (500 mL / 2 cups) using a whisk.
In a saucepan, bring the remaining broth (2 cups / 500 mL) and garlic to a boil. Drizzle in the chickpea paste, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes while stirring. Spread over the prepared pan in a thin even layer. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm to touch.
On a work surface, gently unmold the dough. Cut into 48 sticks, or into 4 strips crosswise and 12 lengthwise.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 cm (½ inch) of oil until the temperature reaches 165 ° C (325 ° F). Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Fry about a quarter of the sticks at a time, about 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, turning halfway through cooking. Drain on absorbent paper. Continue with the rest of the sticks.
Eat as an aperitif with a little fleur de sel, to taste.
PESTO DIP:
For the dip, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan, then tip into a food processor. Crush in the garlic and grate in the Parmesan, measure in 60ml of extra virgin olive oil, then add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until combined but still coarse. Season to taste, and scrape into a serving bowl.

Peas and ricotta falafels

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 14-oz can white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup peas, thawed
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
salt and pepper, to taste
Canola or vegetable oil, for frying

preparation

If using fresh peas, add to a pot of salted boiling water, and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until tender. Drain the water and cool the peas completely.

Combine all ingredients (except the oil) in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well-combined, but not puréed. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Heat about 1/4 cup of oil in a skillet over medium heat, until it reaches 350°F.

Meanwhile, form the mixture into small patties. Prepare a paper towel-lined baking sheet and set aside. Fry the patties in batches, a couple at a time, without crowding the pan. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet to cool. Repeat with the remaining patties, and then serve immediately.

Pistou soup

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion
3 cloves of garlic
3 medium leeks
1 small fennel bulb
3 carrots
1 stick of celery
3 courgettes
2 sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 fresh bay leaves
250 g baby green beans
1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes
1 x 400 g tin of cannellini beans
1 x 400 g tin of borlotti beans
70 g small macaroni

PISTOU SAUCE
5 cloves of garlic
6 sprigs of fresh basil
60 g Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

preparation

Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic, then trim and slice the leek. Chip and chop the fennel, carrots, celery and courgettes, then pick and roughly chop the parsley leaves.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic and leek for 5 minutes.
Add the other chopped ingredients, the bay, green beans and chopped tomatoes. Drain and add the beans. Cover with water, season and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add the pasta and simmer until cooked, adding water if the soup is too thick.
For the pistou sauce, peel and add the garlic to a pestle and mortar, pick in the basil leaves and add some sea salt. Pound until puréed, then finely grate in the Parmesan and muddle in the extra virgin olive oil to make a paste.
Serve the soup with a dollop of pistou.

The pistou sauce can also be made in a food processor or blender,

Provençal three-grain soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1/3 cup spelt
1/3 cup pearl barley
1/3 dark green lentils
3 leeks, white portion only
2 carrots, chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 t. of fresh or dry thyme
1 head of garlic, all the cloves peeled
1 28 oz. can of tomatoes/or your own canned tomatoes,chopped
Sea salt
Olive oil

preparation

Rinse your grains and lentils off in a fine colander, set aside.

Put about a tablespoon of olive oil, about 1 teaspoon of sea salt, the herbs, leeks or onions, and carrots in a heavy bottomed soup pot. Turn the heat on fairly low and cook them covered for about five minutes, so they soften but don’t brown. This is called sweating.

Add the whole can of tomatoes, juice and all, then add about 5 cups of water. Bring this to a simmer.

Add the grains, lentils and all those garlic cloves (The garlic cloves are the secret weapon! If you or your family is garlic shy, don’t worry, the soup doesn’t taste very garlicky when it’s done.)

Simmer covered until the grains are tender, about 45 minutes, depending on the grains. Add more water if necessary, to keep it at the thickness you prefer.

Test for seasoning. Add some fresh ground pepper, and serve in bowls drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Don’t skip the olive oil swirl. It really makes it, somehow.

It’s that easy, and that good. I usually double this recipe for leftovers.

Note re: leftovers: The grains soak up all the liquid when the soup is sitting in the fridge, leaving the soup a semi-solid mass–so you’ll have to add a good deal of water when you go to reheat. This doesn’t effect flavor at all. It’s an excellent leftover type soup.

Provençale fish soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 pound grouper, cod, or halibut fillet
2 teaspoons saffron
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Aromat seasoning
2 medium chopped shallots
1 small diced white leek
1 large minced garlic clove
1 14 ounce can tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 quarts fish stock
1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning
4 ounces roux
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
croutons

preparation

Cut the grouper or halibut fillet into small cubes. Season with1/2 of the saffron, 1/2 of the olive oil, and Aromat seasoning.
Pour the remaining olive oil in a heavy bottom soup pot. Add shallots, leek, and garlic and sauté over low heat. Stir in the remaining saffron and the chopped tomatoes. Add the wine, fish stock, and sea food seasoning.
Whisk in the roux to slightly thicken the soup. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce.
A few minutes before serving, add diced grouper. Simmer the soup for 5 minutes. Serve in soup plates or cups with croutons.

Red pepper bisque

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1/2 cup instant rice
3 cups chicken stock
8 cups sweet red peppers
2 medium sliced white onions
6 cups chicken stock
3 cups milk
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
salt to taste

preparation

In a large saucepan, simmer plain rice in the 3 cups of chicken stock.
In another saucepan, simmer sliced red sweet peppers and sliced onion in remaining chicken stock. Simmer till tender.
Purée red pepper mixture with rice in a blender. Add milk and cream. Season with Tabasco, pepper, paprika and salt.

Roasted tomato soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

3 lbs ripe tomatoes, quartered
1 large yellow onion, quartered
8 garlic cloves, peeled and trimmed
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cups Chicken Stock, or vegetable stock
4 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar, plus more to taste

preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the tomatoes, onions, and garlic cloves in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, and then drizzle with the oil and season with ½ teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Roast for 45 to 50 minutes, until the edges of the tomatoes and onions begin to brown. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

In a blender or food processor, add half of the tomato mixture with 1 cup of the broth and 2 tablespoons of the basil. Blend until smooth, and then transfer the puree to a large soup pot or Dutch oven and set aside.

Add the remaining tomato mixture, plus any juices that have accumulated in the pan, to the blender, along with the remaining 1 cup of broth and 2 tablespoons of basil. Blend until smooth and transfer to the pot.

Over medium heat, bring the soup to a simmer. Stir in the cream, Parmesan, tomato paste, sugar, and remaining 1½ teaspoons of salt. Continue stirring so the cheese melts evenly into the soup. Taste and season as needed with more cream, sugar, salt, or pepper. Garnish with more basil and Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead:

To Refrigerate: Cool and pack leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Cool completely and then pack in an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving headroom for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Spinach and feta crisps

Serves: 5

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1 cup fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil spray

preparation

Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, combine spinach, feta cheese, flour, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Shape the Crisps: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly to form 3-4 inch rounds.

Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Let the crisps cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy warm as a snack or appetizer.

Mediterranean Touches:
Feta Cheese: The use of feta cheese adds a tangy, salty flavor that is characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.
Oregano: Oregano is a popular herb in Mediterranean cooking and adds a warm, earthy flavor to the crisps.
Olive Oil: The use of olive oil for cooking and drizzling adds a rich, fruity flavor that is typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Tips and Variations:
Add-ins: Feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients to the mixture, such as chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped artichoke hearts.

Dips: Serve the crisps with a variety of dips, such as hummus, tzatziki, or baba ghanoush.
Make-Ahead: You can make the crisp mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shape the crisps just before baking.

Tuscan soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3/4 cup spelt or semipearled farro *
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling, if desired
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 medium-size carrot, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
5 cups vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups or one 15-ounce can cannellini or other white beans, drained and rinsed

preparation

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, salt and pepper. Sautee over medium heat until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaf and oregano. Add the stock and bring to a boil.
Add the spelt or farro and bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the soup for 20 to 30 minutes or until the farro is almost tender (you don't want the grains completely cooked since the soup will cook for additional time and the vegetables are cooked). Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
Add the beans and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve hot, drizzled with a little olive oil, if desired.

Winter three-grain soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

3 medium leeks, white parts only, halved lengthwise and chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon thyme
Fine sea salt
One 14-ounce can peeled whole tomatoes, crushed, juices reserved
6 cups cold water
1 head of garlic, separated into peeled cloves
1/3 cup spelt
1/3 cup dark green lentils
1/3 cup barley
Freshly ground pepper

preparation

In a 4-quart enameled cast-iron casserole, combine the leeks, carrots, olive oil, bay leaves, thyme and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring a few times. Add the tomatoes with their juices, the water and garlic and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Add the rice, lentils and wheat berries, cover and simmer over low heat until the grains are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Thin with water if needed. Discard the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Asparagus strudel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

1 pound asparagus spears
2 medium leeks, white parts only
1 tablespoon chopped shallot
6 ounces melted butter
8 ounces grated Gruyère cheese
3 eggs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons chopped fresh snipped chives
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
dash cayenne pepper
12 sheets packaged phyllo pastry
Tomato coulis

preparation

Trim and cut asparagus into 1-inch lengths. Blanch in salted boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and chill in cold water. Drain on pat dry. Reserve in a bowl.
Slice leek across thinly and wash thoroughly. In a non-stick pan, melt 2 ounces of the butter. Sauté leeks and shallots in butter until transparent.
Add to the asparagus together with grated Gruyère cheese, eggs, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh snipped chives, salt, fresh ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lay 1 leaf of phyllo on work surface. Brush with melted butter. Continue until there are 6 buttered layers. Place half of the asparagus mixture along one short end, tuck ends in and roll up jelly-roll fashion. Place on a buttered baking sheet.
Make second strudel with remaining phyllo, butter and filling, and place on same baking sheet.
Brush rolls with any remaining butter. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden. Cool lightly and slice into 2-inch pieces. Serve as appetizer with fresh tomato coulis.

Bouillabaisse

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 pounds dressed fish (bass, cod, flounder, whiting, orange roughie or tilefish)
12 mussels
12 clams
1-2 pound live lobster
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup cleaned and chopped leek
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 bouquet garni
4 ounces fennel, cut into julienne
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon saffron
12 slices garlic bread

preparation

Use a variety of fish like bass, cod, flounder, whiting, orange roughie, or tilefish. Cut into 1 inch cubes.
Scrub and wash mussels and clams.
Heat oil in a heavy pot. Add onion and leek. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic, parsley, chopped tomatoes, bouquet garni, salt and saffron.
Cut live lobster across into pieces, and crack the claws.
Layer fish, shellfish and lobster on top of vegetables. Cover with boiling water.
Simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Arrange fish in a serving earthtenware dish. Reduce cooking liquid by one third. Cut bread into round slices. Toast lightly.
Rub with a garlic clove. Pour liquid over fish. Heat, and serve in soup plates with bread.

Braised leg of lamb cleopatra

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:3 hours

1 whole leg of lamb
8 garlic cloves
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups onions, chopped
4 cups carrots, chopped
3 cups celery, chopped
2 cups fennel, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded, minced
4 cups tomatoes, peeled, chopped
6 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup italian parsley, chopped

Spice mix
Combine the following spices, all ground
2 tablespoons cumin
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoons allspice
1 tablespoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 tablespoon cardamon
1 teaspoons ginger
1/2 teaspoon star anise
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
a pinch cloves

Couscous
1 pound instant couscous
2 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup golden raisins, small
3 tablespoons sweet butter
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons coriander, chopped

preparation

Blend the spices into a blender to obtain a fine powder.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Remove lamb hip bone.
Make 18 incisions all around meat with a small knife. Insert small garlic sticks in meat.
Rub lamb with 4 tablespoons of the spice mix, and salt and pepper. Heat olive in a deep roasting pan, brown the lamb on all sides over high heat.
Add remaining garlic, onions, carrots, celery, fennel, and jalapeño. Stir well. Add tomatoes, 1 tablespoon spice mix, and salt. Cover pan, and roast for 1 hour.
Add hot chicken stock to lamb; Decrease oven temperature to 300 degrees. Cover and cook another 2 hours. Turn lamb every 20 minutes.
Remove lamb from pan with vegetables. Add parsley to sauce with salt and pepper; Spread couscous into a casserole. Pour hot chicken stock, honey and 1/2 tablespoon spice mix, and raisins over couscous. Cover. Remove from heat. Add butter, pine nuts, and coriander leaves. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Arrange lamb and vegetables on a platter. Cover with sauce. Carve meat and serve with couscous.

Broccoli apricot and red pepper salad

Serves: 5

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

4 cups broccoli florets
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 small red pepper, cut into thin strips
3/4 cup sliced water chestnuts
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/3 cup raisins

Dressing:
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup each light mayonnaise and sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
freshly ground pepper to taste

preparation

Steam broccoli and carrots until tender crisp; drain and rinse under cold water; drain well.
In a serving cowl, combine broccoli, carrots , red pepper, water chestnuts, red onion, dried apricots and raisins.
Whisk together parsley, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic and pepper.
Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate. Serve chilled

Bruschetta orzo salad

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:None

3/4 cup orzo, freshly cooked, rinsed and drained
2 medium Italian tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped black olives
1/2 cup red onion finely diced
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

preparation

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Serve with toasted garlic bread

Butternut squash and apple soup

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 1/4 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes
5 to 6 cups vegetable broth
1 Gala apple, peeled, cored, diced
1/2 cup apple juice
light sour cream
Chopped fresh chives

preparation

Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and nutmeg; sauté until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add squash, 4 1/4 cups broth, apple, and apple juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered until squash and apple are tender, about 30 minutes.
Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more broth if desired. Ladle soup into bowls.
Garnish with sour cream and chives.

Carrot ginger soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3 ounces butter
1 medium onion, peeled and slced
3 ounces flour
8 cups chicken broth
1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon sliced ginger
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

preparation

In a saucepan melt butter. Add onion. Mix for a minute. Do not brown. Pour chicken broth. Mix well with roux. Add sliced carrots and sliced ginger. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Puree soup in a blender. Strain. Add milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Chicken provencale

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 3-pound chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 pound small mushrooms
1 cup peeled, seeded, chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken bouillon
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

preparation

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a heavy skillet and add the chicken, skin side down. Cook for 10 minute, or until golden brown. Turn the pieces. Add the garlic, onion, rosemary, thyme and mushrooms. Cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes.
Pour off the fat in the pan and add tomatoes, wine and bouillion. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Thicken the sauce by reducing it briefly over high heat. Add the parsley or basil and serve.

Chickpea flour pizza crust recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 c. chickpea flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1⅓ c. water
3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. garlic powder

preparation

Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You'll end up with a very lumpy batter (not a stretchy dough, don't worry!).
Cover and allow to rest overnight on the counter top. (Note: Best soaking practice is to leave out the salt and incorporate it the following day.) You should find that by the next day, the lumps have all worked themselves out, which is handy.
When ready to make the pizzas, heat 1-2 cast iron skillets over medium heat for at least 5 minutes to get the cooking surface nice and hot.
Prepare all your toppings for efficiency.
Preheat broiler to high (or low, see below).
Add a little oil of your choice to the skillet.
Pour a thin layer (about ⅔-1 cup) evenly into the skillet, tilting it if necessary or using the back of a ladle to spread out the batter to the edges. Thinner crusts are tastier and crispier.
Cook 1-2 minutes until browned on the bottom – it will bubble on the top a lot like pancakes when it's ready to flip.
Flip and cook 1-2 minutes more. For extra crispy crust, flip two more times to really brown it without burning.
Remove the crust to a baking stone or cookie sheet. (You can get another one going in the skillet at this point.) If you have a lot of cast iron skillets or are making a smaller batch, you could certainly add your favorite toppings and broil right in the skillet.
Top with sauce, toppings and cheese of your choice.
Broil 1-3 minutes on high to melt the cheese. (or you can broil for about 5-7 minutes on low.

Chickpea salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

For the Chickpea Salad:
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

preparation

Rinse and thoroughly drain the chickpeas. Add to a large skillet or cast iron pan along with the tablespoon of olive oil. Saute on medium high heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the chickpeas are slightly crisped.
Make the dressing by whisking together the minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a serving bowl.
Add the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, diced orange and yellow bell peppers and parsley to the bowl and toss. Top with the crumbled feta cheese and serve at room temperature.

Chickpea stew with coconut and turmeric

Serves: 4

Preparation time:50 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

¼ cup olive oil, plus more for serving
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, finely chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 (15-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk
2 cups vegetable stock
1 bunch Swiss chard, kale or collard greens, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup mint leaves, for serving
Yogurt, for serving (optional)

preparation

Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large pot over medium. Add garlic, onion and ginger. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally until onion is translucent and starts to brown a little at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric, 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, and the chickpeas, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, so the chickpeas sizzle and fry a bit in the spices and oil, until they’ve started to break down and get a little browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove about a cup of chickpeas and set aside for garnish.
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, further crush the remaining chickpeas slightly to release their starchy insides. (This will help thicken the stew.) Add coconut milk and stock, and season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits that have formed on the bottom of the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until stew has thickened, 30 to 35 minutes.

Add greens and stir, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cook until they wilt and soften, 3 to 7 minutes, depending on what you’re using. (Swiss chard and spinach will wilt and soften much faster than kale or collard greens.) Season again with salt and pepper.
Divide among bowls and top with mint, reserved chickpeas, a sprinkle of red-pepper flakes and a good drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside yogurt and toasted pita if using; dust the yogurt with turmeric if you'd like.

Chickpea-broccoli burgers

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

½ cup couscous
1 cup water
1 ½ cups broccoli florets
2 tsp. olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas or 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 Tbs. toasted sesame tahini
¼ to ½ cup plain dry breadcrumbs
Salt to taste

preparation

In small saucepan, bring couscous and water to a boil; turn off heat, cover and let stand until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup couscous and save remaining for another use.
Meanwhile, steam broccoli until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from steamer and set aside to cool.
In medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in cumin. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Preheat oven to 400F. Line large cookie sheet with foil, then dust with breadcrumbs.
In food processor or blender, combine couscous, broccoli, onions, chickpeas and tahini. Process until blended, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl when necessary. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Gradually add 1/4 cup bread crumbs. Add enough additional bread crumbs until mixture is stiff enough to form into patties but still moist. Season with salt.
Shape mixture into 3-inch patties (1/2-inch thick). Put patties on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until lightly browned on both sides about 30 minutes, turning once halfway. They can be served at this point or grilled or broiled until crispy for 1 or 2 minutes per side.

Corn and black bean salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

1/2 cup sheep’s milk feta
3 tbsp (45 mL) white wine vinegar
1/4 cup (50 mL) olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 cans black beans (540 mL each), rinsed and drained
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
2 cups frozen corn, thawed and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped
1 cup red pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

preparation

1. In a large bowl, break up feta with a fork. Whisk in vinegar, olive oil and mustard.

2. To the same bowl add black beans, grape tomatoes, corn, basil, red pepper and onion. Stir well, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

Crab tian with gazpacho coulis

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 25 minutes

6 ounces jumbo lump crab, picked over to remove cartilage and bones
1/2 cup avocado, diced
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup tomato concasse
1 tablespoon shallots, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chives, finely sliced
1 lemon, juiced
4 ounces mayonnaise
3 ounces stiffly beaten whipped cream
salt and pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons gazpacho coulis, (see recipe below )
4 sprigs chervil or leaves of basil, for garnish

preparation

In a small bowl, gently fold the crab with the avocado, cucumber, tomato concasse, shallots, chives and lemon juice together.
In a larger, separate bowl, fold the mayonnaise with the whipped cream. Using a spatula, fold the crab mixture into the mayonnaise mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Place a 3-inch round cookie cutter in the center of a chilled plate. Fill the cookie cutter with the crab salad and remove the cookie cutter.
There should be a cylinder of crab salad. Drizzle the gazpacho coulis around the crab salad, and garnish with chervil or basil.

Gazpacho Coulis:

1 tomato, peeled and seeded
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 small cucumber, peeled and seeded
1 red bell pepper, seeded
1 clove garlic, peeled and cleaned
1 rib celery, cleaned and trimmed
extra-virgin olive oil
salt

In a food processor, liquefy the tomato, tomato paste and cucumber.
Use a juicer to extract juice out of red pepper, garlic, and celery. With the food processor running, add the juice and olive oil to the tomato puree. Season with salt.

Creamy chickpea soup with crisp tofu

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours 30 minutes

2 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup dried chickpeas, sorted through and rinsed
1 tsp. kosher salt
For the soup:

3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 inner rib celery, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 Tbs. sherry vinegar
10 oz. firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh chives

preparation

Cook the beans:
Wrap the bay leaves, garlic, and thyme in cheesecloth and tie with twine. Put the chickpeas in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches (about 2 quarts). Add the herb bundle and the salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to maintain a very gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the chickpeas are tender (try biting into one) but not splitting and falling apart, about 2 hours (check occasionally to be sure the chickpeas aren't boiling and are covered with liquid; add water if needed). Discard the herb bundle. Set aside the chickpeas and their cooking liquid.

Make the soup:
Heat 1-1/2 Tbsp. of the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring. Add the chickpeas and their cooking liquid (there should be about 5 cups; if not, add more water to equal this amount) and half of the thyme. Season well with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a bare simmer, and cook for 30 minutes so that the chickpeas soften a little more but don’t break up. Working in batches, purée the chickpeas and broth in a blender. Return the puréed soup to the saucepan, stir in the cream, vinegar, and remaining chopped thyme, and keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Taste for salt, pepper, and vinegar.

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Cook the tofu in the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. oil until it’s brown, about 5 minutes; With a slotted spoon. transfer half the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels and stir the rest into the soup.
Laddle the soup into shallow bowls. Sprinkle with the tofu, scatter with the chives, and drizzle with a bit of the reserved tofu oil, if you like. Serve immediately.

Crispy potato eggplant tart

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 1/4 cups finely diced, peeled eggplant
1 tablespoon coarse salt plus more to taste
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons minced shallots
4 large Idaho potatoes
to taste pepper
1/4 cup butter

preparation

Place eggplant in non-reactive bowl. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and set aside for 20 minutes. Remove to a clean kitchen towel and tightly twist to squeeze out all moisture.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in sauté pan. Add eggplant and shallots and sauté over medium heat until very tender. Remove from heat. Peel potatoes.
Using a mandoline, shred potatoes into a clean kitchen towel. Tightly squeeze out moisture. Heat remaining 1/4 cup of oil in a 9-inch ovenproof, nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Using a spatula, evenly press half of the potatoes into the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread the reserved eggplant over the top. Pat remaining potatoes evenly over the eggplant. Again season to taste. Cook, until bottom is golden. Carefully turn and dab the crust with bits of butter. Cook until bottom begins to crisp.
Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until potatoes are cooked and tart is golden and crisp.
Remove from oven and allow to rest 5 minutes. Cut into 6 wedges.

Eggplant and lamb cake with a garlic jus

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

For the lamb medallions:
12 lamb chops from the rack
salt, freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the lamb jus:
3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 cup onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 coriander seeds
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine

For the vegetables:
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 large eggplants, peeled, ends trimmed, and sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 large tomatoes, cored, peeled, and sliced
1/4 inch thick
2 cups white mushrooms, caps only, sliced
1 cup onions, peeled and thinly sliced
2 pounds spinach leaves, stems removed, thoroughly washed, drained and blanched in boiling water
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

preparation

For the lamb medallions:
Bone and trim lamb chops. (reserve the trimmed bones for the jus)
Flatten medallions slightly on a cutting board using a mallet.
Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large roasting pan on high heat on top of the stove with olive oil. Brown lamb chops on each side, 2 minutes for rare, 3 to 4 minutes for medium, 5 to 7 minutes for well-done.
Remove the lamb and set aside to cool.
For the lamb jus:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add the reserved lamb bones to the roasting pan and roast in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, onions, cumin, and coriander seeds and roast for another 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and place the pan on the stove. Add the tomato paste, stir well, add the white wine, and reduce over high heat until all the moisture is evaporated. Add 1 cup water, simmer gently, and reduce.
Strain over a small bowl and set the sauce aside. Discard the sauce and herbs.
For the vegetables:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brush a baking pan with olive oil. Place the eggplant strips side by side in the pan. Brush the top with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
Bake the eggplant in the oven until soft, lightly roasted and golden, about 20 minutes.
Finish cooking under the broiler if necessary. Remove the eggplants with a spatula and set aside to cool.
Use the same pan, brush with olive oil. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Arrange the tomato slices in the pan and roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes or until baked and lightly dried.
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive in a heavy skillet.
Sauté mushrooms over high for 5 minutes. Add onions and cook for 5 more minutes.
Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a plate.
To assemble cake, line the bottom of an 8-inch springform cake pan (or regular cake pan lined with parchment paper) with the cooked slices of eggplants, placing the narrow end of the eggplant in the center of the mold and the large end resting over the rim of the mold. Slightly overlap the next slice on the first one and continue lining the pan with the remaining eggplant slices.
Spread the mushroom mixture over the eggplant. Place the baked tomatoes over the mushrooms. Flatten with a spoon. Place the lamb medallions over the tomatoes. Place the spinach over the lamb. Press to flatten. Fold the large ends of eggplant slices over spinach. Press down firmly with a spatula or a plate. Heat the lamb in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Heat the lamb jus.
To serve:
Invert the eggplant cake on a round platter and unmold it. Serve the warm lamb jus on the side. Cut cake into wedges around lamb medallions.

Eggplant and pepper tian on fried eggplant

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

4 cups small dice eggplant, lightly salted to release excess water and bitterness
2 cups diced red pepper
2 cups diced yellow pepper
1/2 cup diced apple-wood smoked bacon
5 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons basil cut into fine strips
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fried Eggplant, recipe below

preparation

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Place 1/2-teaspoon extra virgin olive oil in a saute pan and add garlic cloves and bacon. Cook until bacon is slightly crisp. Blot the salted eggplant with paper towels to dry slightly. Discard 1/2 of the fat and add the eggplant. Cook until tender, season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Drain and remove garlic.
In 2 separate saute pans add the remaining extra virgin olive oil and gently saute the red and yellow peppers until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and basil. Drain.
Form the tians by placing a layer of eggplant in a ring mold and packing it down gently. Next, add a layer of red peppers, then eggplant, finishing up with yellow peppers. Pack everything down gently.
Place in oven to warm. Unmold on a platter and serve with fried eggplant.
Fried Eggplant:
1 Japanese eggplant Salt, to purge the eggplant
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour, seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper

Slice the neck of a Japanese eggplant thin on an electric slicer. It should be the thickness of a potato chip. Lay the slices out flat and sprinkle with salt and let stand for three hours.
Preheat a fryer to 300 degrees F. Blot eggplant slices dry with paper towels. Dip the slices in buttermilk, then in seasoned flour, and fry until crisp. Drain.

Eggplant caviar molds

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 medium eggplants
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 medium sliced onion
5 medium garlic cloves, sliced
1 teaspoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
Tabasco jalapeño
Aromat seasoning
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 cup roasted red pepper coulis (see recipe below)

preparation

Peel eggplants. Cut into halves lengthwise. Slice across and sprinkle with lemon juice.
In a microwavable dish, combine eggplants, onion, garlic and olive oil. Microwave on high for 6 to 8 minutes or until eggplants are tender. Season with salt and pepper, Tabasco jalapeño and Aromat seasoning. Mix in the basil. Dissolve gelatin in water. Let set for 5 min. Melt over low heat, and stir into the warm eggplant mixture.
Spoon mixture in small ramekin dishes or molds. Refrigerate until set. Unmold on cold plate. Serve with cold tomato coulis or red red pepper coulis.

ROASTED PEPPER COULIS
Makes about 1 cup

2 red bell peppers
3 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
coarse salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rub peppers with 2 teaspoons olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until almost charred. Remove and place in plastic container with a lid to steam and cool.
When cool enough to handle, push off the skins and remove stems and seeds. Place peppers in food processor fitted with metal blade and puree along with the vinegar, 1 teaspoon olive oil and 3 teaspoons water.
Season to taste.

Eggplant-walnut paté

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

1 large eggplant
1 cup walnut pieces
2 teaspoons fresh gingerroot, peeled, grated, and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
salt and hot pepper sauce to taste

preparation

Preheat oven to 450°F.
Pierce the eggplant with a fork in several places and bake until very soft, about 45 minutes.
While the eggplant is baking, grind the walnuts in a food processor until very fine, and set aside.
Remove the eggplant from oven, slash to let steam escape, drain off any liquid, and scrape the pulp into a food processor with the gingerroot, garlic, and olive oil. Process until smooth. Add the ground walnuts and allspice, and process until smooth.
Season to taste with the salt, and hot pepper sauce. Spoon into a small loaf dish and chill several hours or until firm.

Figs and goat cheese pizza

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

For the dough:
2.5g (¾ tsp) active dried yeast
125g (4½oz) plain flour, plus more for dusting
125g (4½oz) bread flour
1 tsp olive oil

For the topping:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups onion, halved and very finely sliced
4-5 medium figs, halved
2 cups peeled choppe dtomatoes
1/2 cup black olives pitted
125g (4½oz) goat’s cheese, broken into chunks
a little extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

preparation

First make the dough. Have 175ml (6fl oz) lukewarm water ready. Put the yeast into a couple of tablespoons of the warm water in a small bowl and add a tablespoon of the flour. Stir together, then leave somewhere warm to “sponge” for 20 minutes or so
Put both types of flour into a large mixing-bowl and make a well in the centre. Pour on the sponged yeast, ¼ tsp salt, the oil and remaining water and gradually mix all the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form a dough (it will be quite wet). Knead for 10 minutes until satiny and elastic, then put in a clean bowl, cover with a cloth and leave somewhere warm for 2½ hours. It should double in size. (If you are using bought fresh dough put it somewhere warm for 30 minutes before using.)

Boil the sliced onions until tender. Drain
Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the onions. Fry over a medium heat for about ten minutes until golden. Add tomatoes and continue cooking until moisture is all evaporated. Season with salt and pepper Set aside.
Half an hour before you want to cook the pizza, preheat the oven to 230°C/450°F/gas mark 8 – it really needs to be as hot as you can get it. Place a baking-sheet or pizza stone into the oven to heat.
Turn out the dough on to a lightly floured surface and knead it a little, then roll it into a circle or a rough square, depending on whether you are using a pizza stone or a baking-sheet. It should be about 30-32cm (11¾-12½in) across.
Carefully take the hot baking-sheet or stone out of the oven and flour it. Put the pizza dough on to it and, working quickly, top with the onions tomato mixture and the halved figs and olives, leaving a 3cm (1-inch) rim all the way around the pizza. Spoon a little balsamic vinegar on top of each fig half and sprinkle a bit of sugar on each as well. Dot the chunks of goat’s cheese among the figs. Drizzle the goat’s cheese with a little olive oil. Grind some pepper over the top. Bake in the hot oven for 15 minutes. The pizza should be golden and the figs slightly caramelised in patches.
Serve immediately. A rocket, (arugala), spinach or watercress salad is good on the side.

Fillets of salmon with roasted garlic

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

2 medium heads of garlic, peeled
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
8 6-ounce salmon fillets
4 teaspoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place garlic in a ramekin dish. Pour enough oil to cover. Wrap in double thickness of foil. Bake until very tender, about 35 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer garlic and 1 tablespoon of oil to a small bowl. Squeeze garlic cloves out of heads of garlic. Place cloves and oil in a food processor. Add butter and purée. Season with salt and pepper.
Arrange salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle each with lemon juice and spread 1 tablespoon of garlic butter purée over each.
Bake uncovered about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with rosemary.

Grapefruit salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 large grapefruit (about 1 1/4 pounds) peeled, membrane removed, sectioned
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped peanuts
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
1 cup mint leaves, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
bibb lettuce leaves, washed and dried

preparation

In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, lime juice and sugar. Whisk to dissolve sugar. Set aside.
Peel and cut grapefruit into sections. Store in a bowl. When ready to serve, pour off juice that has accumulated at the bottom of the bowl; reserve for another use.
Add peanuts, shallot, mint and pepper to the grapefruit and toss to combine.
Drizzle the dressing over the top; toss to combine. Taste and if necessary, adjust the balance of salt, sweet and sour. Transfer to a plate lined with lettuce leaves. Serve immediately.

Grilled Fresh sardines

Serves: 3

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

10 fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving

preparation

Clean and Prep the Sardines: Rinse the fresh sardines under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the belly of each sardine to open it up, then remove any remaining entrails. Rinse the sardines again to ensure they are clean, and gently pat them dry.
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. This marinade will infuse the sardines with fantastic flavors.
Marinate the Sardines: Place the cleaned sardines in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them, making sure they are coated evenly. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the sardines to absorb the flavors.

Preheat the Grill:
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the sardines from sticking.
Grill the Sardines: Remove the sardines from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the sardines on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Since sardines are small and delicate, they cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. The skin should turn slightly crispy and charred, while the flesh becomes opaque and flaky.
Check for Doneness: To check if the sardines are cooked through, insert a small knife into the thickest part of one of the fish and gently pull the flesh away from the bones. It should easily flake off if they are done.
Serve: Transfer the grilled sardines to a serving platter. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor. You can also drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired. Serve the grilled sardines immediately while they are still warm.
Enjoy: Grilled sardines are delicious on their own or served with crusty bread, a simple salad, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired seafood dish with family and friends for a delightful and healthy meal!

Grilled sardines

Serves: 2

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

For The Sardines:

600 grams (1.3 pound) whole fresh sardines
3 tablespoons olive oil
⅔ teaspoon kosher salt
dried oregano to serve with
lemon quarters to serve with

For The Lemon Dressing:

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice

preparation

Prepare The Sardines:

Place the sardines in a bowl with very cold water. And allow them to soak for 20 minutes. This will help firm their skin so it won't break as you clean them.
Rub the skin to remove any scales.
Gut the sardines by making a small incision with a knife on the belly right after the head.Pull out the innards.
Rinse the sardines well.

Prepare The Lemon Dressing:

Add the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice to a small bowl and whisk until it thickens.e one.

Grill The Sardines:

Heat a grill pan, griddle, or bbq on high. Brush the grates with oil.
Pat dry the sardines. Then drizzle with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle the salt on top. Gently mix so the oil and salt spread all over.
The cooking surface must be very hot so that the fish won't stick. If cooking on a bbq you may need to adjust the heat to medium. Sardines tend to flame up due to their fat content.
Cook the sardines for 2 minutes on high or 5-6 minutes on medium before flipping them.
Flip the sardines carefully.
Cook for 3 more minutes on high or 6-7 minutes on medium.
Add sardines to a plate, and pour the emulsified dressing all over the fish. Sprinkle some dried oregano on top and serve with a few pieces of lemon on the side.

Grilled vegetable stacks

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 medium eggplants
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium yellow squash
1 medium zucchini
2 medium tomatoes
for the dressing:
1/2 cup virgin olive oil
2 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon coarse chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon coarse chopped fresh basil
to taste salt and black ground pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, or hot chile such as serrano

preparation

Slice eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle with salt, and layer in a colander. Set aside to drain for 20 minutes.
Press slices with paper towels to remove moisture. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill, (or place a stove-top grill pan over high heat). Slice squash and zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and slice tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Lightly brush all vegetables with oil, then grill turning once, until tender and slightly charred.
The dressing:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
To assemble: Place 1 eggplant round on a plate and stack on top a tomato round, a second eggplant round, and squash and zucchini rounds. Drizzle with dressing and top with diced red pepper.

Honey-garlic chicken

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

4 boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken skin side down in a broiler proof dish. Stir remaining ingredients together and pour over top. Bake 15 minutes.
Baste at least once with sauce. Turn chicken skin side up.
Turn on broiler and continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, basting often with sauce until skin is crispy.

Kale tabbouleh

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 cup fine bulgur
1 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves finely chopped (5 cups)
3 tablespoons mint, roughly chopped
4 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 spring onions, sliced
½ cucumber, diced
4 tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
pinch of ground cinnamon
pinch of ground allspice
6 tbsp olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
100g feta cheese, crumbled
4 lettuce leaves separated, to serve

preparation

Cook bulgur according to package instructions. Cool.
Stir the kale, mint, spring onions, cucumber and tomatoes through the bulghar wheat. Season with the cinnamon and allspice, then dress with the olive oil and lemon juice to taste. Scatter over the feta. To serve, scoop the salad onto leaves of lettuce.

Leg of baby lamb niçoise

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3 lemons
16 baby artichokes
2 legs of baby lamb, 2 1/2 pound each
1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon honey
8 plum tomatoes, cored, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeds discarded
1/4 cup black Nicoise olives, pitted
1 tablespoon italian parsley, chopped

preparation

Zest lemons and cut into julienne. Make juice with two.
Peel and cut the third into sections removing skin and membranes. Blanch lemon zest in boiling water. Strain and set aside. Remove the outer leaves of the baby artichokes.
Cut off leaves 1 inch above the hearts, and trim the bottoms until round and smooth. Halve the artichokes lengthwise and toss them in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Set aside.
Remove lamb hip bone and fat. Season with pepper and salt. Heat oil in a roasting pan. Brown lamb on all sides. Add thyme, bay leaf, onion, garlic, salt and pepper and artichokes. Stir well.
Roast in 425 degree oven 25 to 30 minutes tossing vegetables every 10 minutes.
Brush the legs with the honey, pour 2 tablespoons lemon juice over meat with lemon zest. Mix well and roast for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and roast for 15 minutes. Remove from oven when done. For rare inside temperature of lamb is 130 to 140 degrees, medium-rare, 145-155, and for well done, above 170 degrees.
Transfer lamb to a platter. Add 2 tablespoons water to vegetable mix. Taste for seasonings.
Crush pitted olives with a mallet. Carve lamb, surround with vegetables. Sprinkle with lemon fillets and olives.

Lentil burgers

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 ½ cups dried red lentils
2 large garlic cloves minced
1/3 cup diced shallot
1/2 cup grated carrots
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
oil for pan frying

preparation

Soak the lentils in cold water to cover by about 2 inches for two hours. Rinse and drain thoroughly.
Combine the drained lentils, garlic, shallot, carrot, tomato paste, cilantro or parsley, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture at a time. Shape into patties, about ½ inch thick.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
Bake the patties for 5 minutes. Flip them over and bake for about 5 more minutes.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve with a bun and desired toppings; a salad; or oven browned potatoes.

Lemon herb Tahini sauce https://pageturnercookbooks.com/sauce

Longevity stew with black eyed peas

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large red onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups fennel bulb chopped
1 cup (8 ounces) black eyed peas (with dried peas, bring to a boil, boil for 1 minute, remove from heat, cover and let sit for an hour. Drain, rinse, and use.)
1 large, firm ripe tomato, finely chopped
2 tsp tomato paste, diluted in ¼ cup water
2 bay leaves
salt to taste
1 bunch dill, finely chopped

preparation

Heat half the olive oil over medium heat and cook the onion, garlic, and fennel bulb stirring occasionally, until soft (about 12 minutes). Add the black-eyed peas and toss to coat in the oil.
Add the tomato, tomato paste and enough water to cover the beans by about an inch. Add the bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the black-eyed peas are about half way cooked. (Check after 40 minutes, but it may take over an hour.)
Add the chopped dill and season with salt.
Continue cooking until the black-eyed peas are tender. Remove, pour in remaining raw olive oil and serve.

Mamie zucchini au gratin

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 pounds small zucchini, about 8 small
1 cup of spring water
1 teaspoon chicken base
2 tablespoons semolina or corm meal
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup grated Emmenthal cheese

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel and slice zucchini. Put in a saucepan together with water and chicken base. Cover and boil until 3/4 of the moisture has evaporated about 20 minutes.
Using a wooden spoon, break zucchini into small pieces. Gradually stir in corn meal then add milk or cream.
Stir over medium heat until mixture is medium thick. Add more cornmeal if necessary. Transfer to a baking dish.
Sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or is golden brown

Mediterranean egg sandwiches

Serves: 4

Preparation time:5 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

4 multigrain sandwich thins
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon snipped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
4 eggs
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
1 medium tomato, cut into 8 thin slices
4 tablespoons feta cheese
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Split sandwich thins; brush cut sides with 2 teaspoons of the olive oil. Place on rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven about 5 minutes or until edges are light brown and crisp.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil and the rosemary over medium-high heat. Break eggs, one at a time, into skillet. Cook about 1 minute or until whites are set but yolks are still runny. Break yolks with spatula. Flip eggs; cook on the other side until done. Remove from heat.
Steam the spinach for 5 minutes. Cool and drain well.

Place the bottom halves of the toasted sandwich thins on 4 serving plates. Divide spinach among sandwich thins on plates. Top each with 2 of the tomato slices, an egg and 1 tablespoon of the feta cheese. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Top with the remaining sandwich thin halves.

Mediterranean farro salad

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 cup uncooked Farro, soaked in water for 1 hour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, cut into julienne slices
1 large cucumber seeded and finely diced
3/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers drained and finely diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
1 cup frozen petite peas thawed
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Italian Vinaigrette Dressing:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

preparation

Rinse and drain farro, then cook according to package instructions. Transfer to a large mixing or serving bowl.
While the farro cooks, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly blended. Pour half of the dressing over the warm farro and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat.
Add all of the remaining ingredients to the bowl except for the feta: sundried tomatoes, cucumber, roasted red pepper, cherry tomatoes, peas, and parsley. Toss to coat. Taste and add as much of the remaining dressing as you like. Sprinkle with feta, lightly toss again, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Mediterranean fillets of cod

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1/2 cup oil
8 ounces fresh fennel cut into small wedges
10 ounces tomatoes
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 teaspoon saffron
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
6 7-ounce cod fillets
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup dry white wine
Garnish with dill sprigs
6 lemon wedges

preparation

Heat the oil in a saute pan. Stir in the fennel and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Peel tomatoes, remove seeds, and chop. Add the tomatoes, garlic and saffron to the fennel. Season with cumin and coriander. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Arrange the fish fillets in a buttered baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with breadcrumbs. Pour the wine over and cover with the sauce.
Bake for 10 minutes at 400 F (205 C). Transfer the fillets onto serving platter. Simmer sauce to reduce. Coat with the sauce.
Garnish with dill and lemon wedges.

Mediterranean sardine salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

For the Salad
1 can white beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cans sardines (4.5 oz cans in olive oil, roughly chopped in large chunks)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
2 green onions (chopped)
1 to 2 jalapenos (chopped, seeds removed if you don't want the heat)
1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley (chopped)

For the Dressing
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 lime (zested and juiced)
1 to 2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon sumac
1 to 2 teaspoon pepper flakes

preparation

To make the dressing,
combine the mustard, lime zest and juice, garlic, sumac, and Aleppo, and a dash of kosher salt and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk, and while whisking vigorously, drizzle in 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, until emulsified.

In a large bowl, combine the beans, sardines, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Mussels and spaghetti

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3 pounds fresh mussels
1 bay leaf
6 peppercorns
2 whole cloves
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 quarts water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound spaghetti
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 cup stewed tomatoes
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper

preparation

Scrub mussels under cold water. Remove beards and drain. In a large saucepan or kettle add mussels, bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, and wine. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook over high heat until mussels open, 4 to 6 minutes. Strain mussels. Remove from shells. Save broth.
Cook spaghetti in boiling water for 6 minutes. Drain. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook briefly, stirring, but do not brown.
Add tomatoes, broth and spaghetti. Cook, stirring often until spaghetti are done. Add mussels. Stir and heat for a moment. Add basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss and serve hot.

Niçoise salad

Serves: 2

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil

For the Salad

2 small red potatoes
1/2 cup cut fresh green beans
3-1/2 cups torn Bibb lettuce, washed and spun dry
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or a summer red tomato, cut into small wedges
10 Nicoise olives, pitted
2 hard-boiled large eggs, quartered
1 (5-ounce) can albacore, drained and flaked

preparation

To make the dressing, combine the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking as you go. Set the dressing aside.

Cook the vegetables on the stovetop. For the potatoes, place the whole red potatoes in a small saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and discard the cooking water and let the potatoes cool before cutting them into quarters.

For the green beans, blanching is best. Bring a small saucepan of salted water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 3 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp. Remove the beans to a bowl of ice water to cool them down.

Divide the lettuce between two salad bowls. Top each plate with half of the potatoes, beans, tomatoes, olives, hard-boiled eggs and tuna. Drizzle the salads with dressing and serve any extra dressing on the side.

Chef's notes:
The 19th century century Niçoise salad recipe as it is kept in the archives in Nice, France consists of local ingredients:
Tomatoes, Broad beans and/or small purple artichokes hearts, green Onions or radishes, local summer peppers, Basil, Anchovy, Nice black olives (small and specific to the region), Olive oil, Garlic, Salt pepper
If we want to respect in an orthodox way the model of the Nicoise salad, we should not add anything more. Forget about the grilled tuna, it was a rich thing back then, nobody ate that. You'll also notice there's no egg: at that time, the Nicoise salad was really all raw - or at least, as far as anchovies and olives go, fermented, but not cooked.
Dressing the salad: Traditionally, the Niçoise salad is laid out flat, so that all the ingredients are visible and well distributed. You should therefore take a large, slightly deep plate rather than a salad bowl.
The local garlic, which is pink, will be used to rub the plate to flavor it. Do not put the minced garlic cloves directly in the salad, it would be too strong. Place the tomatoes in quarters first, then add all the other ingredients on top and drizzle with a little olive oil (and red wine vinegar if you like). A little salt if necessary and a turn of the pepper mill, a few chopped basil leaves, and it's ready.

Nowadays, Niçoise salad has become a mix of various colorful ingredients consisting of potatoes, black olives, green beans, artichokes hearts, green onions, radishes, cucumbers, peppers, anchovies and vinaigrette dressing. Hard boiled eggs , tuna, (canned or fresh broiled and sliced) , grilled salmon pieces, or chicken are often the main proteins in the recipe.
Some people say the salad is served on a bed of lettuce and others say that tomatoes are the base. And some do not arrange the elements of the salad at all, but just toss it all together.

Paella of mussels

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 pounds fresh mussels
1 medium chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups rice
1/2 teaspoon saffron
1 medium sliced red pepper

preparation

Clean and scrub mussels.
Steam in a kettle containing a small amount of water until mussels are opened.
Drain them and retain the cooking liquid. Remove top shells of mussels. In a medium kettle, brown the onion and garlic in oil. Stir in the rice and saffron.
Pour the strained cooking liquid and water over rice, to make 3 1/2 cups. Stir in the red pepper.
Bake covered at 350 degrees F (180 C) for 10 minutes. Add mussels in their half shells and combine with the rice. Continue baking for 10 more minutes or until rice is done.
Serve the paella in a preheated casserole dish.

Pan-seared cod fillets in white wine and tamato basil sauce

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup Marinara sauce or tomato sauce
1 cup diced peeled tomatoes
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
salt to taste
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

For the Cod:
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 - 6 ounce fillets fresh cod
Salt and pepper

preparation

For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes and garlic and saute for 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, diced peeled tomatoes and the white wine. Cook 9 to 12 minutes, stirring over low heat. Stir in the basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set aside until needed. For the Cod:Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Pat the cod dry with paper towels. Then season both sides of cod with salt and pepper. Place cod in the oil and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip the cod over and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, OR until it's cooked through. Pour the white wine tomato basil sauce over the cod, let the sauce warm up for a minute, then remove from heat and and serve at once.

Panzanella salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

5 oz or ½ loaf of a rustic Italian bread or baguette, preferably stale cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
2 pounds very ripe tomatoes, preferably a mix of varieties and colors
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Black pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion or shallot
1/2 cup packed fresh basil torn

preparation

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread the bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons oil. Bake until they are golden brown at the edges, about 7 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Cut tomatoes into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Add onions, garlic, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, the mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and some black pepper to taste. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until the mixture is thickened. Stir in basil.
Add bread cubes to the tomatoes and toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss with a little more olive oil, vinegar and salt if needed just before serving.

Pissaladiere

Serves: 10

Preparation time:1 hour

Cooking time:1 hour

For the topping (makes 1 pissaladiere):
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus extra for brushing
2 pounds yellow onions, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 whole cloves garlic
For the dough (makes 2 pissaladieres)
1 1/4 cups warm (100 to 110 degrees F) water
2 envelopes dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons good olive oil
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
2 teaspoons kosher salt

To assemble each pissaladiere:
Cornmeal, for baking
12 to 18 anchovy fillets
12 French black olives, preferably oil-cured, pitted

preparation

For the topping, heat the olive oil in a very large saute pan and cook the onions, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic over low heat for 45 minutes, until the onions are sweet and cooked but not browned. Toss the onions from time to time. After 30 minutes, take out the garlic, chop it roughly, and add it back to the onions.
Meanwhile, for the dough, combine the water, yeast, honey, and olive oil in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. (If the bowl is cold, start with warmer water so it's at least 100 degrees F when you add the yeast.) Add 3 cups of the flour, then the salt, and mix on medium-low speed. While mixing, add 1 more cup of flour, or just enough to make a soft dough. Mix the dough on medium-low speed for about 10 minutes, until smooth, sprinkling it with flour to keep it from sticking to the bowl. When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured board and knead it by hand a dozen times. It should be smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and turn it to cover lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel. Allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Divide the dough into 2 equal parts, rolling each 1 into a smooth ball. If you're only making 1 pissaladiere, place 1 ball on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes. (If you're not using the other dough, wrap it well and refrigerate or freeze it for the next time.) Roll the dough lightly with a rolling pin, then stretch it to a 10 by 15-inch rectangle and place it on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
Spoon the onion topping onto the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch border all around. Artfully arrange the anchovies and olives on top, brush the edge of the dough with olive oil, and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is crisp. Serve hot on a cutting board.

Pistou soup

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion
3 cloves of garlic
3 medium leeks
1 small fennel bulb
3 carrots
1 stick of celery
3 courgettes
2 sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 fresh bay leaves
250 g baby green beans
1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes
1 x 400 g tin of cannellini beans
1 x 400 g tin of borlotti beans
70 g small macaroni

PISTOU SAUCE
5 cloves of garlic
6 sprigs of fresh basil
60 g Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

preparation

Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic, then trim and slice the leek. Chip and chop the fennel, carrots, celery and courgettes, then pick and roughly chop the parsley leaves.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic and leek for 5 minutes.
Add the other chopped ingredients, the bay, green beans and chopped tomatoes. Drain and add the beans. Cover with water, season and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add the pasta and simmer until cooked, adding water if the soup is too thick.
For the pistou sauce, peel and add the garlic to a pestle and mortar, pick in the basil leaves and add some sea salt. Pound until puréed, then finely grate in the Parmesan and muddle in the extra virgin olive oil to make a paste.
Serve the soup with a dollop of pistou.

The pistou sauce can also be made in a food processor or blender,

Polenta with roasted tomatoes and shallots

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

6 shallots , halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper , divided
3 cups cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic , thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped chives

Cheesy Polenta:
2/3 cups cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (approx)
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese

preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F.
On baking sheet, toss together shallots and half each of the oil, salt and pepper; roast for 8 minutes. Meanwhile, in bowl, toss together tomatoes, garlic and remaining oil, salt and pepper. Remove pan from oven; add tomato mixture. Return to oven; roast until vegetables are softened, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Cheesy Polenta: Meanwhile, in saucepan, bring 3 1/2 cups water to boil; whisk in cornmeal, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring frequently, until thick enough to mound on spoon, about 10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and goat cheese.
Spoon Cheesy Polenta into shallow bowls; top with tomato mixture. Top with more Parmesan, if desired, and chives.

Recipe adapted from Canadian Living Magazine section: ON THE TABLE IN 30 MINUTES

Potato pancakes with goat cheese on mixed greens

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Salad:
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
4 cups mixed baby greens

Pancakes:
2 russet potatoes, peeled, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces soft fresh goat cheese (Montrachet) crumbled
4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives

preparation

For salad:
whisk vinegar and mustard. Gradually whisk in oil. Mix in chives, shallot and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
For pancakes:
Place potatoes in dry kitchen towel and squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible. Transfer potatoes to large bowl. Add salt and pepper and toss to combine.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy skillet over medium heat. Mound 1/3 cup potatoes in skillet. Using spatula, flatten to 3-inch round. Repeat 3 times, forming 4 pancakes.
Top each cake with 1/4 of goat cheese. Sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon chives.
Cover each with another 1/3 cup potatoes; press to adhere, enclosing cheese completely and flattening slightly. Cook until bottoms are golden. Add 1/2 tablespoon oil to skillet. Turn pancakes over; cook until golden. Toss green with enough dressing to coat.
Divide salad among plates. Arrange 1 pancake atop each salad.

Provençal three-grain soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1/3 cup spelt
1/3 cup pearl barley
1/3 dark green lentils
3 leeks, white portion only
2 carrots, chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 t. of fresh or dry thyme
1 head of garlic, all the cloves peeled
1 28 oz. can of tomatoes/or your own canned tomatoes,chopped
Sea salt
Olive oil

preparation

Rinse your grains and lentils off in a fine colander, set aside.

Put about a tablespoon of olive oil, about 1 teaspoon of sea salt, the herbs, leeks or onions, and carrots in a heavy bottomed soup pot. Turn the heat on fairly low and cook them covered for about five minutes, so they soften but don’t brown. This is called sweating.

Add the whole can of tomatoes, juice and all, then add about 5 cups of water. Bring this to a simmer.

Add the grains, lentils and all those garlic cloves (The garlic cloves are the secret weapon! If you or your family is garlic shy, don’t worry, the soup doesn’t taste very garlicky when it’s done.)

Simmer covered until the grains are tender, about 45 minutes, depending on the grains. Add more water if necessary, to keep it at the thickness you prefer.

Test for seasoning. Add some fresh ground pepper, and serve in bowls drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Don’t skip the olive oil swirl. It really makes it, somehow.

It’s that easy, and that good. I usually double this recipe for leftovers.

Note re: leftovers: The grains soak up all the liquid when the soup is sitting in the fridge, leaving the soup a semi-solid mass–so you’ll have to add a good deal of water when you go to reheat. This doesn’t effect flavor at all. It’s an excellent leftover type soup.

Provençale fish soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 pound grouper, cod, or halibut fillet
2 teaspoons saffron
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Aromat seasoning
2 medium chopped shallots
1 small diced white leek
1 large minced garlic clove
1 14 ounce can tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 quarts fish stock
1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning
4 ounces roux
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
croutons

preparation

Cut the grouper or halibut fillet into small cubes. Season with1/2 of the saffron, 1/2 of the olive oil, and Aromat seasoning.
Pour the remaining olive oil in a heavy bottom soup pot. Add shallots, leek, and garlic and sauté over low heat. Stir in the remaining saffron and the chopped tomatoes. Add the wine, fish stock, and sea food seasoning.
Whisk in the roux to slightly thicken the soup. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce.
A few minutes before serving, add diced grouper. Simmer the soup for 5 minutes. Serve in soup plates or cups with croutons.

Quinoa green peas and feta salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

150g of feta
200g of peas
200g of flat green beans
120g of cooked quinoa
1 small red onion
1 handful of shoots or young herbs
A few mint leaves
A few sprigs of parsley or coriander
1 tbsp of seeds (sunflower, pumpkin or sesame)

For the lightened lime vinaigrette

The juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp of honey
1 tsp mild mustard
Salt
Pepper

preparation

Start by cooking the vegetables.
Plunge the chopped peas and flat beans into a saucepan of boiling salted water for 5 to 8 minutes. Then immediately cool them in cold water to preserve their bright green color.

Prepare the vinaigrette. In a bowl, mix the lime juice, olive oil, honey, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a large bowl, combine the quinoa with the green vegetables, sliced red onion, fresh herbs, and sprouts. Crumble the feta generously over the top, then drizzle with the lime vinaigrette.
Serve chilled and add a few seeds!

Red pepper bisque

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1/2 cup instant rice
3 cups chicken stock
8 cups sweet red peppers
2 medium sliced white onions
6 cups chicken stock
3 cups milk
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
salt to taste

preparation

In a large saucepan, simmer plain rice in the 3 cups of chicken stock.
In another saucepan, simmer sliced red sweet peppers and sliced onion in remaining chicken stock. Simmer till tender.
Purée red pepper mixture with rice in a blender. Add milk and cream. Season with Tabasco, pepper, paprika and salt.

Roasted tomato soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

3 lbs ripe tomatoes, quartered
1 large yellow onion, quartered
8 garlic cloves, peeled and trimmed
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cups Chicken Stock, or vegetable stock
4 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar, plus more to taste

preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the tomatoes, onions, and garlic cloves in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, and then drizzle with the oil and season with ½ teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Roast for 45 to 50 minutes, until the edges of the tomatoes and onions begin to brown. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

In a blender or food processor, add half of the tomato mixture with 1 cup of the broth and 2 tablespoons of the basil. Blend until smooth, and then transfer the puree to a large soup pot or Dutch oven and set aside.

Add the remaining tomato mixture, plus any juices that have accumulated in the pan, to the blender, along with the remaining 1 cup of broth and 2 tablespoons of basil. Blend until smooth and transfer to the pot.

Over medium heat, bring the soup to a simmer. Stir in the cream, Parmesan, tomato paste, sugar, and remaining 1½ teaspoons of salt. Continue stirring so the cheese melts evenly into the soup. Taste and season as needed with more cream, sugar, salt, or pepper. Garnish with more basil and Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead:

To Refrigerate: Cool and pack leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Cool completely and then pack in an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving headroom for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Sardines on toast

Serves: 1

Preparation time:10 minutes

For the Toast
2 slices Thick-Cut Sourdough A sturdy base that holds up well under toppings.
1 tablespoon Butter Adds richness and keeps the toast moist.

For the Sardine Topping

1 can Olive Oil-Packed Sardines Choose high-quality brands for the best experience.
1 medium Fresh Tomatoes Opt for ripe varieties for maximum flavor.
1 small Thinly Sliced Onion Red onion works beautifully for a sweeter taste.
Flavor Enhancements
1 clove Fresh Garlic Rubbing a cut clove on warm toast infuses flavor.
1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens the dish and complements the flavors.
1 handful fresh greens to add aroma and color.
Salt and Pepper to taste.

preparation

Toast the bread until golden brown and crispy.

Rub a cut garlic clove across the warm surface of the toast.

Spread a layer of butter on the toasted bread.
Layer fresh tomato slices on top of the buttered toast.
Place olive oil-packed sardines over the tomato slices.
Top with thinly sliced onions.
Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Sardines with avocado and egg

Serves: 2

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

3.5 oz (4 sardines) canned sardines in olive oil
1 large hard-boiled egg
1 large ripe avocado
2 tablespoons olive oil mayonnaise

preparation

The Recipe ingredients content was submitted to Google AI Gemini as follows:

What is the nutritional value of a recipe containing 4 Portuguese sardines in olive oil, a whole large avocado and one hard-boiled egg with 2 tablespoons of olive oilmayonnaise.

The AI evaluation is below.

Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown for your specific meal:

Nutritional Summary:

The Verdict: This meal is incredibly nutrient-dense and highly satiating.

The high fat and protein content will keep your blood sugar perfectly stable and suppress hunger hormones for hours.

Micro-Nutrient Jackpot:

You are getting a rare trifecta of Vitamin D, Calcium, and Omega-3s all working together, which is incredible for bone density and reducing systemic inflammation.

4 Portuguese sardines in olive oil (drained), one whole large avocado, one large hard-boiled egg, and 2 tablespoons of regular mayonnaise. This combination is an absolute dream for a Keto or low-carb lifestyle, packing an incredible amount of high-quality fats, premium protein, and essential fat-soluble vitamins.

Estimated Macro Breakdown.

Because Portuguese sardines are traditionally caught wild and packed whole, they are slightly richer than standard grocery store sardines.

Here is how the macros shake out for this generous single-serving meal:

Calories: ~780 to 830 kcalProtein: ~36g to 40gTotal Fats: ~68g to 74g (High, but dominated by healthy fats)

Total Carbohydrates: ~13g to 15g

Dietary Fiber: ~10g to 12g (Sourced entirely from the whole avocado)

Net Carbohydrates: ~2g to 3g

Where the Nutrition Comes From:

4 Portuguese Sardines (in Olive Oil, drained)

The Punch: ~180-200 calories | 22g protein | 11g fat | 0g carbsThe

Benefits: This is where the bulk of your high-quality protein comes from. Portuguese sardines are famous for being rich in calcium and Vitamin D (thanks to the soft, edible bones) and are packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

1 Whole Large Avocado:

The Punch:

~320 calories | 4g protein | 29g fat | 13g carbs (10g fiber)The Benefits: Don't let the total carb count fool you; avocados are mostly fiber, resulting in almost zero impact on blood sugar. They provide a massive dose of monounsaturated fats (oleic acid), potassium, and Vitamin E.1 Large Hard-Boiled EggThe Punch: ~78 calories | 6g protein | 5g fat | 0.6g carbs.

The Benefits: The gold standard for bioavailable protein. The yolk delivers a major dose of choline (vital for brain health and liver function), lutein for eye health, and Vitamin B12.2 Tablespoons of Regular MayonnaiseThe Punch: ~190 calories | 0g protein | 20g fat | 0g carbs

The Benefits: This acts purely as your calorie and fat booster, tying the mash together texturally.

Seared tuna with tian of provencal vegetables

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:3 hours

Vegetable Tian:
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded, and sliced into 1-inch wide strips
12 ounces fresh plum tomatoes, cut into 1/8-inch thick rounds
8 ounces zucchini, cut into 1/8-inch thick rounds
8 ounces Japanese eggplant, cut into 1/8-inch thick rounds
Assembly:
6 (6-ounce) portions fresh tuna steaks, cut about 2 1/2-inches thick
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 by 13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the oil with the thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Arrange half of the vegetables in rows in the dish, interspersing the different types until the bottom of the dish is covered. Drizzle with half of the oil mixture.
Make a final layer of mixed vegetables, and drizzle with the remaining oil mixture. Cover the top of the vegetables with lightly oiled parchment paper. Bake until the vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes.
Remove the vegetable tian from the oven, keep warm in a warm place, and increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F.
Season the tuna with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the tuna and cook, turning once, until seared on both sides, about 2 minutes.
Uncover the tian and place the seared tuna fillets on top of the vegetables, spacing them evenly. Bake, uncovered, until the tuna is rare to medium-rare, about 5 minutes. Spoon equal amounts of the sauce in the centers of 6 warmed plates.
Using a wide spatula, lift portions of the tuna and vegetables and transfer to the plates.
Tomato Confit:
1 pound ripe plum tomatoes, peeled, halved, and squeezed to remove seeds 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 6 garlic cloves, peeled 2 (3-inch ) sprigs fresh rosemary 1 1/2 cups olive oil, or as needed
Garlic Confit:
1 cup whole, peeled garlic cloves 1 cup olive oil, plus more as needed Place the tomatoes in a colander and toss with the salt. Let drain at room temperature for 2 hours. Pat the tomatoes dry with paper towels. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
Place the tomatoes, garlic, and rosemary in a nonreactive 2-quart saucepan. Add enough oil to cover the tomatoes. Cover the saucepan and bake until the tomatoes are very tender, but not falling apart, about 3 hours. Drain, discard the garlic and rosemary, and set the tomato confit aside for the sauce. (The tomato confit can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, covered and refrigerated.)
Place the garlic cloves and 2 cups cold water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Drain. Repeat the procedure 2 more times. Return the drained garlic cloves to the saucepan and add the oil. Bring to a bare simmer over very low heat. Cook until the garlic is tender, about 40 minutes. Cool completely.
Transfer to a 1-pint canning jar, add enough oil to cover the garlic, and seal. (The garlic confit can be prepared up to 3 weeks in advance, covered and refrigerated.)
Sauce:
1/2 cup Tomato Confit (see above)
1/3 cup Garlic Confit (see above)
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Place the tomato confit, garlic confit, water, salt and pepper in a blender and process on high speed. With the machine running, drizzle in the oil and blend until the sauce is emulsified, about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the parsley and thyme. Set aside at room temperature.
Recipe courtesy Terrance Brennan

Socca Farinata torta di ceci cecina

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
5 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
salt and black pepper
1 3/4 lbs (800g) white onions, cut into thin rings
2 tbsp thyme leaves
1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
1 3/4 cups (230g) chickpea flour
2 cups (450ml) water
2 egg whites
crème fraîche to serve

preparation

Toss the cherry tomatoes with some olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast them, cut side up, at 275°F for about 25 minutes. You don;t want them to dry out completely.
Chop the thyme leaves and toss with the thinly sliced white onions adding some olive oil, salt and pepper.
Put this in a large pan and cook on high for about a minute, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 25 minutes until the onion is light brown and sweet.
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of white wine vinegar.
When the tomatoes are cooked, set them aside. Increase the oven temperature to 325F.

Make the Socca batter with your chickpea flour.
Combine 1 3/4 cups chickpea flour, 2 cups water, 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and 3/4 teaspoon salt plus a grind of pepper in a bowl and whisk by hand until smooth and well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk two egg whites to soft peaks and then gently fold them into the batter. Now line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside to put your pancakes on as you make them.

Use a small 6″ pan to fry the pancakes or a regular non-stick frying pan, keeping the pancakes about 6 ” in diameter. Put a bit of olive oil in the pan, the pour the batter about 1/4 ” thick and then just wait for the bubble to start appearing on the top. Give it a flip and cook for about another minute and pop onto the parchment lined cookie sheet. Make the rest of the pancakes (4-6 total) and then put them all in the oven for 5 minutes.

Top the pancakes generously with the caramelized onion and then add the tomatoes. You can warm this in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
The crème fraîche can be served on the side.

Spaghetti with Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce and Basil

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
1/4 cup (60 mL) minced fresh basil, approx
1/4 cup (60 mL) crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup (60 mL) sliced pitted black olives

Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce:
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 lb/500 g)
4 cloves garlic, sliced
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp salt
1 pinch hot pepper flakes

preparation

Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce:
In 13- x 9-inch (3.5 L) metal cake pan, toss together tomatoes, garlic, oil, vinegar, rosemary, salt and hot pepper flakes. Roast in 400°F (200°C) oven until shriveled, about 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until tender but firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to large serving bowl.

Add tomato sauce and basil, tossing to combine. Sprinkle with goat cheese, olives, and more basil if desired.

Spicy edamame burgers

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 lb shelled edamame thawed or fresh
1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas or 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
4 ounces (110 g) sliced mushrooms, shiatake or crimini
1/3 cup water
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon low salt soy sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chickpea flour or cornstarch
Oil, for frying

preparation

Combine the edamame, chickpeas, mushrooms, water, garlic, cumin, soy sauce and salt and pepper in a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer into a large bowl.
Add the flour and mix well
Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to make it easier to handle when forming the patties.
Shape mixture into 10 patties.Dust both sides of the patties with chickpea flour or cornstarch.
Heat the oil in a sauté pan and fry the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each sides, or until golden brown on both sides.
Serve on top of a spinach sald, or on a toasted bun.

Spinach and ricotta naan pizzas

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 tsp (5 mL) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 onion, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
1 pkg (227 g) fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
2 tsp lemon juice
4 garlic naan or plain naan
2 plum tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup (125 mL) extra-smooth ricotta cheese or grated mozzarella

preparation

In skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook garlic, ginger and cumin seeds, stirring, for 1 minute. Add onion, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes.

Stir in spinach; cook, stirring often, until wilted and no liquid remains, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice; remove from heat.

Arrange naan on large rimless baking sheet; divide spinach mixture among naan. Top with tomatoes; dollop ricotta cheese over top. Bake in 425 F (220 C) oven until bottoms are golden, about 15 minutes.

Change it up: Grilled Spinach and Ricotta Naan Pizzas
Prepare pizzas as directed. Place on greased grill over medium heat; close lid and grill until bottoms are crisp and golden, 5 to 8 minutes.

Summer mediterranean quinoa salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

• 200g uncooked white quinoa
• 4g salt
• 126g sliced cucumber
• 100g cherry tomatoes
• 50g pitted black olives
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 100g crumbled feta cheese
• 1 chopped red onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar

preparation

1. Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package directions, adding the salt.

2. Meanwhile, combine the cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, olives, sliced yellow bell peppers, cheese, and onion in a large bowl. Set aside.

3. Place the cooked quinoa in a baking dish and chill slightly in the refrigerator for five minutes. Finally, add the quinoa to the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine.

4. Serve with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh cilantro!

Tomato phyllo tart

Serves: 10

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

12 14-by-18-inch or 24 9-by-14-inch sheets phyllo dough
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon plain dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons prepared pesto
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, (about 4 ounces)
1 large red tomato, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 large yellow tomato, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
10-12 small basil leaves

preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 17 1/2-by-12 1/2-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay one large sheet of phyllo on the prepared pan. (If using the smaller size, slightly overlap two sheets on the pan to form a rectangle.) Keep the remaining phyllo covered with plastic wrap or wax paper and a damp kitchen towel.
Lightly coat the phyllo surface with oil using a pastry brush. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon breadcrumbs. Repeat this step, layering the remaining phyllo on top. Brush the final sheet with oil. Carefully roll about 3/4 inch of each side toward the center to form the outer rim of the tart.
Using the same brush, paint pesto evenly on the surface of the tart. Sprinkle about half of the crumbled feta cheese over the pesto layer. Arrange tomato slices, alternating colors, over the pesto layer; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Bake the tart until the crust turns brown and crispy, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
To serve, lift the parchment paper and slide the tart onto a cutting board or large platter. Scatter basil leaves on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tomato stuffed with creamy cheese with gazpacho

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

4 pear tomatoes or tomatoes from the Canary’s
300 g of creamy goats cheese
200 ml of tomato juice
extra virgin olive oil
apple vinegar
50 g toasted almonds
50 g toasted hazelnuts
25 g pine nuts
salt, pepper and basil
parsley or chives for decoration

preparation

Clean the tomatoes and cut the top off. Empty the inside with the help of a spoon, keeping the pulp and top. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

Blend the pulp with a hand blender, adding oil, basil, the tomato juice, a bit of sugar, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of apple vinegar and dried fruits. When it’s mixed, add a little more salt and store the gazpacho in the refrigerator. Stuff the creamy cheese inside the tomatoes, cover it with the lid chopped off earlier and add some pepper and oil. It will be inserted in the oven for 10 minutes at 180 degrees for it to scald and the cheese to melt.
Presentation
Pour the gazpacho into soup bowls and place the tomatoes on top, sprinkle a bit of parsley or chives over, and decorate it with a basil leaf. Serve immediately when cold.

Tomato tart tatin

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

3 lbs of ripe tomatoes
puff pastry (ready to use)
1 organic lemon
4 tablespoons of black olive tapenade
2 garlic cloves
20 pitted black olives
2 shallots
fresh thyme, fresh oregano, rosemary
1 teaspoons of coriander seeds
1 tablespoon sugar
olive oil
salt and pepper

preparation

Toast the coriander seeds, crush them and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Brown the chopped shallots for 5 minutes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Plunge the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute in order to remove the skin easily. Once cooled, cut tomatoes in haves and squeeze out the seeds and juice. Chop coarsely and cook uncovered in a frying pan with olive oil, chopped garlic, sugar, fresh herbs, salt and the pepper. Stir until it becomes a thick purée.

Wash the lemon, remove 2 strips of peel and boil for 3 minutes. Keep one of the lemon peels for decoration and chop the other one.
Place parchment paper on the bottom of a pie dish and oil it with olive oil.

Mix the tomatoes and chopped lemon zests.
Pour the tomato preparation onto the parchment paper and leave a space on the circumference.
Place the pitted black olives on top.
Then coat with olive tapenade.

Slowly place the puff pastry on the filling, slide the edge of the dough to the bottom of the mold. Prick the dough with a fork. Cook 30 minutes in the oven at 425 F.

Let rest outside of the oven for 20 minutes and then turn the pie over on a flat dish.

Sprinkle a little bit of coriander-perfumed olive oil. Decorate with some lemon peel and serve immediately.

Tomato zucchini pie

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 egg, beaten
1/4 teaspoon each, salt and pepper
3 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons small fresh basil leaves

ROASTED GARLIC PASTRY:
1 whole head garlic
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt pinch pepper
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon white vinegar
ice water

preparation

Roasted Garlic Pastry:
Separate garlic cloves; leaving skin on; place in small saucepan and toss with oil. Cover and cook over low heat, tossing occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until softened. Let cool; peel and set aside.
Stir together flour, salt and pepper. Cut in shortening until crumbly; set aside. Mash garlic; whisk in egg yolk, vinegar and enough ice water to make 2/3 cup. Sprinkle over flour mixture, tossing with fork until dough holds together.
Press into disc; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. On floured surface, roll out pastry into 14-inch circle and place on 12-inch round pizza pan, leaving overhang.
In large bowl, stir together ricotta and Romano cheeses, bread crumbs, chopped basil, egg, salt and pepper; spread evenly over pastry, leaving 2-inch border.
Top with alternating circles of tomato and zucchini, overlapping slices. Brush with oil. Fold pastry border over filling.
Bake at 450 degree oven until crust is golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with basil leaves.

Trout grenobloise with tian of zucchini

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices good quality white bread, with no crust, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
salt and freshly ground pepper
4 whole brook trouts
1/2 cup all-purpose
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
2 lemons, segmented and finely diced
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers
1/3 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

Zucchini Tian:
3 small zucchini, thinly sliced
3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped chervil
salt and freshly ground pepper

preparation

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a small saute pan over medium high heat, saute the cubes of bread until golden brown on all sides, remove to a plate.
Season each trout on both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Season the flour with salt and pepper to taste. Dredge each trout lightly on the skin side.
Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium high heat until just smoking. Place each trout in the oil and cook until golden brown. Turn the fish over and reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until cooked. Remove trouts to a plate.
Add butter to pan and cook until browned. Add lemon segments and juice. Remove pan from heat and stir in capers and parsley. Plate fish and top with sauce and reserved croutons.

Tian:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Brush an 8-inch baking dish with olive oil and arrange the vegetables in the dish, alternating rows of zucchini and tomatoes.
Drizzle each row with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the sliced garlic.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chervil and salt and pepper.
Serve hot or at room temperature.

Tuna and white bean salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

1 can (15 to 15 ½ ounces) white cannellini beans,
rinsed, drained
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, halved
1 can (6 ounces) tuna in olive oil (drain; reserve oil)
1 cup diced plum tomatoes
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
¼ teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups torn arugula leaves
4 thick flatbreads

preparation

1. In a bowl, combine cannellini beans, red onion, tuna, tomatoes, olives, chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of the reserved olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, tossing gently to combine. Stir in arugula.
2. Preheat grill or heat grill pan. Brush flatbreads lightly with the remaining reserved olive oil. Grill until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Cut flatbreads in halves or quarters. Serve with salad.
Each serving contains about 480 calories, 31 grams of protein, 51 grams of carbohydrate, 16 grams of total fat (3 grams saturated), 7 grams of fiber, 27 milligrams of cholesterol, and 1,273 milligrams of sodium.

Tuna flans

Serves: 6

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

8-oz canned tuna in water, well drained
3 eggs
2 oz grated cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp mustard
Salt, pepper
Parsley or chives

preparation

In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the heavy cream. Add the flour and mustard, then season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Flake the tuna and stir it into the mixture. Add the grated cheese and finely chopped herbs, then gently mix.
Pour the mixture into lightly greased muffin tins.

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the flans are well risen and lightly golden.

Serving suggestion: These flans are delicious both hot and cold. Perfect for a light meal, a casual dinner party, or to take anywhere.

Small variations:
• Add diced bell pepper or zucchini
• Replace the cream with fromage blanc (a type of fresh cheese) for a lighter version
• Also perfect with lemon tuna

Tuna salad sandwich

Serves: 6

Preparation time:15 minutes

2 6-ounce packages albacore tuna packed in water, drained
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup diced seeded English hothouse cucumber
1/4 cup minced fresh dill
1/4 cup drained capers
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon

preparation

Mix tuna, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and next 6 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper.

Tuscan soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3/4 cup spelt or semipearled farro *
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling, if desired
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 medium-size carrot, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
5 cups vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups or one 15-ounce can cannellini or other white beans, drained and rinsed

preparation

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, salt and pepper. Sautee over medium heat until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaf and oregano. Add the stock and bring to a boil.
Add the spelt or farro and bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the soup for 20 to 30 minutes or until the farro is almost tender (you don't want the grains completely cooked since the soup will cook for additional time and the vegetables are cooked). Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
Add the beans and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve hot, drizzled with a little olive oil, if desired.

Vegan salmon

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

16 oz Super Firm Tofu *

Marinade

1 tsp veggie bouillon concentrate
1/4 cup vegan mayo
1 Tbsp miso Paste
1 Tbsp nutritional Yeast
1 tsp dill, dried
1 tsp capers
1 tsp caper brine
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup beet Juice, from a cook beet)
2 nori sheets
1 tsp MSG or salt to taste

preparation

Cut your block of tofu in half. You can do so at a diagonal, or straight, up to you! Then cut each half into half so you'll have 4 filets.
Next, lightly score each filet on the top and bottom, to create a fishy texture and so they marinate better.
For the marinade, add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend up as fine as possible. Crush up the nori sheets a bit with your hands to make it easier for the blender.
Place the filets in a dish or marinade in a plastic bag and pour over the marinade. You can gently open up the filets to expose the scored sections to the marinade but do so carefully so you don't split them. Let the filets marinade at least 4 hours but overnight is best.
To prepare, heat up a little oil in a pan (preferably non-stick) over medium heat and grill your tofu salmon for 3 - 4 minutes per side. You can either grill all four sides, or just two.
Feel free to season it with some blackening seasoning, or a Tartar Sauce.
source of recipe: https://theeburgerdude.com/wprm_print/vegan-salmon

Vegetable-chickpea chili with almonds

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium cloves garlic, minced
1 large red onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
1 to 2 Tbs. hot paprika
1 Tbs. chili powder
1 Tbs. ground cumin
1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes
2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh (or frozen) corn kernels (from about 4 medium ears)
1 medium red bell pepper, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced crosswise
1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced crosswise into rounds
1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds
1/4 cup small basil leaves
6 scallions (white and light-green parts only), thinly sliced; more for garnish
Sour cream, for serving (optional)

preparation

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy-duty pot over medium-high heat until shimmering hot, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and onion, season with 1 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the paprika, chili powder, and cumin, cook for 1 minute, and then add the tomatoes and their juice. Stir, smashing the tomatoes against the side of the pot to break them up slightly. Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Stir in the chickpeas, corn, bell pepper, jalapeño, and 1 Tbs. salt and cook until the peppers have lost their raw crunch, 8 to 12 minutes (at this point, if the chili looks too thick, add an additional 1 cup of water).

While the vegetables cook, heat the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil in an 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the almonds and cook, stirring constantly, until goldenbrown, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels and immediately season them with 1/2 tsp. salt.

Stir the basil and scallions into the chili. Serve the chili with a dollop of sour cream (if using), more scallions, and the almonds.

Watercress endive salad with roasted pears and roquefort

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

For dressing:
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
For salad:

4 large bartlett pears
1/4 cup Port wine
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2 bunches watercress
6 Belgian endives
8 ounces Roquefort cheese

preparation

Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar and mustard in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. (200 degrees C).
Peel pears, cut into quarters and core.
Cut into 10 to 12 thick slices each.
Place in a bowl and toss with the Port and olive oil. Arrange on a heavy baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes or until slices are tender. Let cool. (Pears can be roasted up to a day ahead. Cover and Refrigerate).
Place walnuts on baking sheet. Toast in oven for 5 minutes. Remove stems from watercress. Wash and spin. Remove core from endives and cut into thick slices.
To serve, arrange watercress around edge of a large serving platter with endives in center.
Drizzle with dressing. Top with pear slices and sprinkle with Roquefort and walnuts. Serve immediately.

Winter three-grain soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

3 medium leeks, white parts only, halved lengthwise and chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon thyme
Fine sea salt
One 14-ounce can peeled whole tomatoes, crushed, juices reserved
6 cups cold water
1 head of garlic, separated into peeled cloves
1/3 cup spelt
1/3 cup dark green lentils
1/3 cup barley
Freshly ground pepper

preparation

In a 4-quart enameled cast-iron casserole, combine the leeks, carrots, olive oil, bay leaves, thyme and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring a few times. Add the tomatoes with their juices, the water and garlic and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Add the rice, lentils and wheat berries, cover and simmer over low heat until the grains are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Thin with water if needed. Discard the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Zucchini lasagna

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound ground turkey
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 medium zucchini
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)

preparation

Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick). Make sure you salt the zucchini slices generously and then let them “sweat” for about 30 minutes. Zucchinis are made up of a lot of water! You can then run two fingers on either side of the slices, squeezing all the way down over a bowl or the sink, releasing even more water. Pat the slices dry using a clean towel to do this. Make sure the zucchini slices are dry.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.

In a large straight-sided skillet set over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the onion and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, about 8 minutes. Add the turkey and cook, breaking up any large pieces with the back of a spoon, until brown throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until it thickens, about 20 minutes. Stir in the oregano and salt. Let cool.

Put 5 or 6 prepared zucchini slices, overlapping slightly, in the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup of the sauce. Dot with 1/4 cup of the ricotta. Repeat the layers twice, alternating the direction of the zucchini. Top with the remaining zucchini and brush the top with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon oil. Dot with the remaining 1/4 cup ricotta and season with the black pepper. Top with the Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 50 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbling and the top is brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Zucchini roulades

Serves: 6

Preparation time:25 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 tablespoon chopped Greek olives
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 medium zucchini

preparation

In a small bowl, mix the first 9 ingredients except the zucchini.

Slice zucchini lengthwise into twenty-four 1/8-in.-thick slices.

On a greased grill rack, cook zucchini in batches, covered, over medium heat. Grill until tender, 2-3 minutes on each side.

Place 1 tablespoon ricotta mixture on the end of each zucchini slice. Roll up and secure each with a toothpick.

Asparagus and spinach salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1/2 pound fresh asparagus
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 garlic clove, halved
8 slices baguette

For dressing:
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chicken stock
2 tablespoons canola oil
salt and pepper to taste

preparation

Clean and cut the tender part of asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
Boil for 5 minutes. Refresh under cold water.
Clean and spin dry spinach. Cut into bite size pieces.
Rub both sides of bread with garlic. Toast bread until golden. Cut into small squares.
Dressing:
In a medium bowl whisk the dressing ingredients together. Combine spinach and asparagus.
Toss with dressing. Sprinkle toasted bread over salad.

Chickpea salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

For the Chickpea Salad:
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

preparation

Rinse and thoroughly drain the chickpeas. Add to a large skillet or cast iron pan along with the tablespoon of olive oil. Saute on medium high heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the chickpeas are slightly crisped.
Make the dressing by whisking together the minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a serving bowl.
Add the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, diced orange and yellow bell peppers and parsley to the bowl and toss. Top with the crumbled feta cheese and serve at room temperature.

Gratin of swiss chard

Serves: 5

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

5 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
450g/1lb ruby or Swiss chard, stems and broad ribs cut into 1cm/½in pieces, leaves finely sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
60g/2oz black olives, stones removed
2 canned anchovy fillets, chopped
2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
60g/2oz gruyère cheese, grated
30g/1oz parmesan, freshly grated

preparation

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.
Heat two tablespoons of the olive oil in a wide, lidded pan and add the chopped chard ribs. Stir, then cover and cook over a low heat for four minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the leaves, stir, then cover again and cook for a further five minutes, or until just tender. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and set aside.
Place the olives, anchovies, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, parsley and two tablespoons of olive oil into a food processor and blend to make a smooth paste.
Lightly oil a 30cm/12in ovenproof dish. Place a layer of the chard, along with any cooking juices. Spread a little of the olive paste over the chard and season with freshly ground black pepper. Continue to layer up the chard, spreading more of the olive paste between each layer and finishing with a layer of chard.
Mix the gruyère and parmesan in a bowl and sprinkle over the top of the gratin. Drizzle over the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Transfer to the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is browned and bubbling. Serve hot or warm.

Italian Celery hearts

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes

4 celery hearts
1 small onion
2 cloves of garlic
a few sprigs of fresh thyme
3 slices smoked pancetta or bacon
extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
1 x 400 g can of chopped tomatoes
75 g Parmesan cheese

preparation

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4.
Trim the bases of the celery hearts and peel the outer stalks, keeping each heart in 1 piece. Trim the ends so the hearts are 12 to 15cm long. Cut the celery lengthways into quarters, then across in half.
Peel and slice the onion lengthways, and peel and finely chop the garlic. Pick and finely chop the thyme leaves, then chop the pancetta or bacon
Place a saucepan over a medium heat and add a splash of oil. Add the onion and pancetta or bacon, and cook for a few minutes until the onion is soft. Add the celery and cook with the lid on until the celery is soft.
Heat another pan and add a splash of oil. Add the garlic and fennel seeds, then, when the garlic’s golden brown, tip in the tomatoes. Fill the tomato tin with water and add that, along with a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Cook the sauce over a medium heat for half an hour or so, until reduced and thick.
When the celery’s soft, remove the lid and let the ingredients brown slightly on the bottom of the pan.
Lightly oil a shallow 20cm x 20cm baking dish and spoon a little tomato sauce in the bottom. Spread it out and top with about a third of the celery pieces. Cover with more tomato sauce, some thyme leaves and a good grating of Parmesan. Keep layering, then finish with the last of the tomato sauce, lots of cheese and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and crisp on top.

Oven dried tomato and black olive tians

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

12 ripe Italian tomatoes
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces Kalamata olives, pitted
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 tablespoon wine vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper

preparation

Blanch the tomatoes in salted boiling water, remove, and shock in ice water. Peel the tomatoes and reserve the peel for the fried garnish.
Cut each tomato into four pieces and remove the inner seed core. Season the tomatoes with salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
Place the tomato slices on a rack, and bake for 1 hour in a 250 degree F oven.
Remove the tomatoes from the oven and cool. When the tomatoes are cool, finely dice them and place on paper towels to dry.
When drained, season the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh thyme and wine vinegar.
In a food processor, add the Kalamata olives and puree to a paste. Remove and set aside.
Place a layer of the tomato mixture into a 1-inch round ring mold and pack down. Place a very thin layer of black olive paste into the mold and pack down. Repeat 10 times.
Finish with 1 more layer of tomato and pack down. Just before you are ready to serve, heat the tians through in a 300 degree F. oven.

Preheat a fryer to 300 degrees F. Blot the reserved tomato skins with paper towels to dry them of any moisture.
Place the skins in the oil and fry just until the water comes out and the skins are crisp and golden. Do not brown skins.
Remove from the molds onto plates and top with fried tomato skins.

Potato eggplant tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

2 1/4 cups finely diced, peeled eggplant
1 tablespoon coarse salt plus more to taste
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons minced shallots
4 large Idaho potatoes
to taste pepper
1/4 cup butter

preparation

Place eggplant in non-reactive bowl. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and set aside for 20 minutes. Remove to a clean kitchen towel and tightly twist to squeeze out all moisture. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in sauté pan. Add eggplant and shallots and sauté until very tender. Remove from heat.
Peel potatoes. Using a mandoline, shred potatoes into a clean kitchen towel. Tightly squeeze out moisture.
Heat vegetables in 1/4 cup of oil in a 9-inch ovenproof, nonstick saute pan over medium heat. Using a spatula, evenly press half of the potatoes into the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the reserved eggplant over the top. Pat remaining potatoes evenly over the eggplant. Again season to taste. Cook, until bottom is golden.
Carefully turn and dab the crust with bits of butter. Cook until bottom begins to crisp. Place in oven and bake until potatoes are cooked and tart is golden and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to rest 5 minutes. Using sharp serrated knife, cut into 6 wedges.

Ratatouille

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 mnutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

2 lbs. tomatoes, preferably fleshy plum tomatoes (rather than a juicy heritage breed)
A good olive oil
A pinch of sugar
A pinch of saffron (optional)
4 medium-sized red bell peppers
3 large onions, peeled and roughly diced
3 medium-sized eggplants, peeled and roughly diced
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
Sprigs of rosemary and thyme, tied together into a bouquet garni, plus 1 tsp. of thyme leaves
A handful of basil leaves (optional)
3 medium-sized zucchini
1-3 Tbsp. red-wine vinegar, according to taste
A dozen pitted black Kalamata olives (optional)
Salt and pepper
Basil leaves

preparation

1. Prepare tomatoes. Heat oven to 225 degrees. Drop the tomatoes into a pot of boiling water, and, if necessary, weigh them down with a heavy slotted spoon, to keep them from floating. After 2–3 minutes, test by pulling off a bit of skin with a paring knife. If it comes off easily, pull tomatoes out, one by one, and drop them into the ice bath. After a minute or two, retrieve them and peel off the skin.

2. Place a sieve over an empty bowl. Cut the peeled tomatoes into quarters, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon and place them into the sieve. Set aside.
3. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Brush the paper with olive oil and season it lightly with salt and sugar. Place tomatoes on the paper cut-side down and brush them, too, with the oil. Cook for about 40 minutes, until they are cooked but still firm. Cool and set aside.
4. While tomatoes roast, stir the tomato pulp and seeds in the sieve vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon, to extract the maximum possible liquid. You should have between ½ cup and 1 cup. Pour the liquid into a saucepan, place over low heat, and simmer, gently, until the volume is reduced by half. Set aside.
5. If you are using saffron, hydrate in water and set aside.
6. Prepare peppers. Raise the oven temperature to 425 and insert a medium-sized tray. When hot, remove the tray and splash with olive oil, then add peppers and, with a pair of tongs, roll them in the oil to cover. Return the tray to the oven. Check after ten minutes. If the peppers have begun to brown, flip them with the tongs. Check after another 10 minutes and repeat, until peppers are nearly black on all sides. Remove the tray from the oven and, if needed, wrap peppers in a piece of aluminum foil (the trapped steam helps loosen the skin). When peppers are cool enough to touch, peel off the skin with a paring knife. Remove the stems and seeds and cut peppers into quarters.
7. Prepare onion. Heat a sauté pan over a low flame. Season onion with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil to the pan. Add onion and cook, tossing occasionally until soft but not browned. Drain in a colander to remove excess oil and set onion aside.
8. Prepare eggplant. Wipe out the sauté pan and place over a low flame. Season eggplant with salt and pepper. Increase the heat and add a little less than 1 Tbsp. of olive oil to the pan. Add eggplant—don’t move or shake until it begins to color slightly. Flip eggplant with a spatula and cook until tender. Drain in a colander and set aside.
9. Begin assembly. Place a medium pot on a low burner. Chop tomatoes into bite-size pieces and add to the pot, then add 2 Tbsp. of tomato water. Chop peppers into bite-size pieces, then add to pot and stir. Add onion, then eggplant. If the mixture seems dry, add more tomato water. Add garlic and bouquet garni. Add saffron, if using. Cover. Check after 5 minutes to insure that the mixture is not boiling. Stir gently. After another 5 minutes, remove lid, stir, and simmer.
10. Prepare zucchini. Cut zucchini into bite-size pieces and toss in a bowl with 1 Tbsp. olive oil, a few twists of black pepper, and reserved thyme leaves. (Do not salt: salt will liquify zucchini and prevent them from crisping up.) Heat a sauté pan over a high flame and add zucchini. Toss occasionally, until zucchini show color but are still crisp: that is, bright green with bite. Remove from the pan and drain in a colander, then salt to taste.
11. Finish assembly. Taste for seasoning and for moisture, and add more salt and pepper and tomato water as needed. Add vinegar, then mix in zucchini and let cook until heated through. Add olives if you’re using them . Remove bouquet garni and garlic. Dress with torn basil leaves. Serve with roasted chicken, French fries, toast, nothing at all, or just about anything.

Roasted asparagus

Serves: 8

Preparation time:

Cooking time:15 minutes

3 pounds fresh asparagus
extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash asparagus and trim. Cut to even lengths, about 7 inches. Brush asparagus with olive oil and arrange in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan.
Roast until tender, about 15 minutes. Serve very hot, sprinkled with more Parmesan.

Roasted sweet potato stew with kale and freekeh

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1 8-ounce package cracked freekeh (approx 1 cup)
3 sweet potatoes, scrubbed, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1 bunch of fresh Lacinato kale, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small onion, diced
1 12-ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 12-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
2-3 garlic cloves, diced

preparation

This is a real hit with the Freekeh Foods team!
Try using roasted pumpkin or butternut squash instead of sweet potato for a delicious twist.
Scrub the sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle a little olive oil on them. Bake in 375° oven for about 25 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and set aside. While the potatoes are cooking, pour all ingredients into a large pot on top of the stove over high heat. Stir with a spoon and heat for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add roasted sweet potatoes. Cover partially and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Check occasionally and give a stir.
Continue to cook longer for richer flavor, adding water or more broth if desired.

options: Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Shaved asparagus salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

1 bunch large asparagus, (not the small pencil thick)
1⁄4 cup toasted nuts of your choice (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
lemon juice to taste
zest of one lemon
a splash of olive oil
a handful salad mix or arugula
Parmesan or crumbled feta
Sea salt and pepper

preparation

Shave the asparagus into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler or a slicer starting at the root end, shaving downwards towards the tip.
Mix the shaved asparagus together with the salad mix or arugula and toss with the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt and pepper. Top with the toasted nuts and cheese.
Serve immediately.

Tomato tart tatin

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

3 lbs of ripe tomatoes
puff pastry (ready to use)
1 organic lemon
4 tablespoons of black olive tapenade
2 garlic cloves
20 pitted black olives
2 shallots
fresh thyme, fresh oregano, rosemary
1 teaspoons of coriander seeds
1 tablespoon sugar
olive oil
salt and pepper

preparation

Toast the coriander seeds, crush them and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Brown the chopped shallots for 5 minutes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Plunge the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute in order to remove the skin easily. Once cooled, cut tomatoes in haves and squeeze out the seeds and juice. Chop coarsely and cook uncovered in a frying pan with olive oil, chopped garlic, sugar, fresh herbs, salt and the pepper. Stir until it becomes a thick purée.

Wash the lemon, remove 2 strips of peel and boil for 3 minutes. Keep one of the lemon peels for decoration and chop the other one.
Place parchment paper on the bottom of a pie dish and oil it with olive oil.

Mix the tomatoes and chopped lemon zests.
Pour the tomato preparation onto the parchment paper and leave a space on the circumference.
Place the pitted black olives on top.
Then coat with olive tapenade.

Slowly place the puff pastry on the filling, slide the edge of the dough to the bottom of the mold. Prick the dough with a fork. Cook 30 minutes in the oven at 425 F.

Let rest outside of the oven for 20 minutes and then turn the pie over on a flat dish.

Sprinkle a little bit of coriander-perfumed olive oil. Decorate with some lemon peel and serve immediately.

Tomatoes with peppers and stewed eggplants

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 medium eggplants
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 white onions, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
a pinch cayenne pepper
1 red pepper
1 yellow pepper
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
3 large vine ripe tomatoes
sea salt and ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped basil

preparation

Prepare the eggplant stew a day ahead. Wash and cube with the eggplants with the skin.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add eggplants and sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat, until lightly brown. Add chopped onions and coriander seeds; continue cooking for 5 minutes, adding more oil if necessary. Season with cinnamon and cumin ; add cilantro, lemon juice, salt and pepper, cayenne and chicken broth.
Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, or until eggplants are soft and almost all liquid has evaporated. Cool and refrigerate.

Prepare the peppers a day ahead. Wash and dry peppers. Grill under a broiler until the whole surface of the peppers is dark brown to black. Remove skin. Cut in halves and remove seeds and white pith. Cut into strips.
Peel and slice garlic. In a glass bowl, combine pepper strips with garlic and oil. Allow to marinate for a day or two.
To assemble:
Slice tomatoes. Arrange on plates or platter. Sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, oil and vinegar, cilantro and basil. Spoon peppers and eggplant compote around tomatoes. Serve cold.

Zucchini florentine

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

6 medium zucchini
1 cup cooked spinach, chopped coarsely
3 ounces butter
1 medium chopped onions
1 clove minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

preparation

Split zucchini lengthwise. Cut into 2 inch pieces. Scoop out center. Blanch 5 minutes in salted boiling water. Drain and cool in cold water.
Saute onion in butter; do not brown. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
Fill zucchini with spinach mixture. Arrange in baking dish. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes
Note: You can coat zucchini with a Mornay sauce and baked.

Almond fig cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

For the Cake

1 cup (100g) almond flour
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (standard or gluten free)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup Greek yogurt, plus more for serving
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup honey, plus more for serving
2 large eggs

For the Topping

8 fresh figs, quartered, plus more for serving
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)

preparation

Preheat to 350°F. Lightly oil a 9-inch fluted tart pan (or a 9-inch round cake pan) and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.

Combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Use the whisk to break up any clumps in the almond flour.

Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, and eggs until fully combined.

Make the batter. Add the flour mixture to the yogurt mixture and fold with a silicone spatula until combined and smooth.
Add the toppings. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Scatter the figs over the top of the cake, lightly pressing them into the batter. Sprinkle the top with the sliced almonds and granulated sugar (if using).

Bake. Set the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top of the cake will be golden brown and the sides should pull away from the edge of the pan slightly.

Cool. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. If your tart pan has a false bottom, push the bottom of the pan to separate the cake from the edge of the pan, then carefully slide the cake onto a plate. If you used a cake pan, run a butter knife along the side of the cake, and carefully transfer the cake onto a plate.
Serve. When the cake has cooled completely, slice and serve at room temperature with extra figs, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of honey.

Banana nut cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup buttermilk
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups banana, mashed
2/3 cup walnuts, chopped

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour baking pans, one (13-inch by 9-inch by 2-inch) or two 9-inch, or 3 8-inch round layer pans.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat 3 minutes scraping bowl occasionally.
Pour into pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes.
If desired, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Creamy lemon custards

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup heavy cream or light cream
raspberries (optional)

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Select a roasting pan to fit six 1/2-cup ramekin or custard cups.
In medium bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until a creamy texture appears.
Mix in lemon juice, lemon rind and cream . Set aside.
Divide lemon custard evenly among the five ramekins or custard cups. Pour hot water into roasting pan to come half way up sides of custards.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until set.
Remove custards from pan. Allow to cool slightly. Cover each custard with plastic wrap. Chill until ready to serve.
As an option, garnish with raspberries before serving.

Figs tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1 pound puff pastry dough
2 pounds fresh figs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
8 4-inch round tart molds
Garnish with whipped cream

preparation

Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut 8 5-inch pastry circles, and line molds with the circles. Prick dough with a fork and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Cut the figs in 3/8 inch slices. Arrange the slices slightly overlapping on the pastry rounds so that they just reach the edge of the pastry.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar evenly over each tart and dot the top with butter.
Bake until the pastry is thoroughly browned and the surface of the figs is lightly caramelized, 20 25 minutes.
Serve warm with whipped cream.

Frozen orange soufflés

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

3 medium oranges (tangelos or navels)
1 1/2 pints vanilla ice cream
6 ounces frozen concentrated orange juice
1/2 cup orange marmalade

preparation

Prepare the orange shells: Cut the oranges across in halves. Remove some of the pulp from the orange halves and cut a thin slice off the bottom to level shells. Fit the orange shells with a band of foil, doubled, to form a standing collar extending 1 1/2-inch above orange shells.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ice cream and orange juice concentrate. Soften and mix well to combine. Fill the prepared orange shells, level with the foil.

Freeze for 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving coat the top of each soufflé with orange marmalade. Remove the foil surrounding shells and serve.

Honey lavender ice cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:6 minutes

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon dried lavender leaves (pesticide-free)
5 large egg yolks
5 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Benedictine liqueur

preparation

Make ice cream:
Bring cream, half-and-half and lavender just to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Pour through a fine sieve into a measuring cup.
Whisk together yolks, honey, and Benedictine in a bowl, then add hot cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking.
Pour custard into pan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and a thermometer registers 175 degrees F. (do not let boil). Pour custard through a fine sieve into a clean bowl and cool. Chill, covered, until cold, at least 2 hours.
Freeze in an ice-cream maker to manufacturer's instructions.

Lemon yummy dessert

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

FOR THE MERINGUE:

4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until they are frothy and form soft peaks. Whip until stiff. Slowly add sugar and continue whipping until they are glossy and form stiff peaks.
Place in a 9-inch by 13-inch greased and floured pan. Bake 45 min. at 245 degrees. When lightly browned, turn off oven and leave the meringue to dry in oven for about one half hour.

FOR THE LEMON FILLING

1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons milk

FOR THE TOPPING
1 pint heavy cream
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

FOR THE MERINGUE:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until they are frothy and form soft peaks. Whip until stiff. Slowly add sugar and continue whipping until they are glossy and form stiff peaks.
Place in a 9-inch by 13-inch greased and floured pan. Bake 45 min. at 245 degrees. When lightly browned, turn off oven and leave the meringue to dry in oven for about one half hour.

FOR THE LEMON FILLING

Combine sugar, water and butter. Heat until sugar dissolves. Add cornstarch blended with cold water. Cook until clear. Add lemon juice and peel. Add egg yolks which have been beaten with milk. Stir constantly till mixture bubbles.
Remove from heat and cool. Cover while cooling to prevent too much thickening on surface.

FOR THE TOPPING

Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff. Spread about a 1/3 of whipped cream on meringue layer. Spread lemon filling on whipped cream, then place remaining whipped cream on lemon filling. Refrigerate overnight.
* Cool whip can be used

Millefeuille Prince Albert

Serves: 5

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Caramelized puff pastry

1 pound puff pastry
2 tbsp powdered sugar

Diplomat Pastry Cream
2 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
pinch of salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon instant vanilla pudding

1-1/2 lbs fresh strawberries, sliced
Powdered sugar, for dusting the top
Icing
65 g (1/2 cup) icing sugar
2 teaspoons of water
1 oz (30 g) dark chocolate

preparation

1. Prepare the Diplomat cream.
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until slightly pale. Incorporate the cornstarch and salt.
2. Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Pour about a third of the hot milk over the egg yolks mixture. Pour the whole mixture into the saucepan over the milk. Bring to a boil while stirring. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
Pour the cream into a clean bowl and allow to cool for 10 minutes then incorporate the butter while stirring. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pastry cream to prevent forming a skin on the surface. Refrigerate until chilled. Whip the cold heavy cream with vanilla pudding to medium peaks.Fold a few spoonfuls of the custard into the cream. Gradually add the rest of the custard.
3.
4. Preheat the oven to 330F (165C). Butter a baking sheet and line with parchment paper.
5. On a floured surface roll out the puff pastry dough to a rectangle of 1/10 inch (2mm) thickness.
6. Using the rolling pin transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Prick the dough with the fork and cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Place another baking sheet on top to prevent the dough from puffing too much.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
8. Preheat the oven to 465F 240C .
9. To caramelize the pastry, sprinkle about 1 tbsp of powdered sugar, in a thin layer over the baked pastry. Bake for few minutes using the broil function until the sugar is melted.
10. Caramelize the other side of the puff pastry too.
11. When chilled trim the edged and cut the puff pastry in 3 rectangles.
12. Assemble the millefeuille. Place one layer of caramelized puff pastry on the serving plate. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip with pastry cream. Spread pastry cream over the top and add strawberries. Place another layer of puff pastry on top of the filling. Add pastry cream, raspberries and the last layer of pastry.

Icing
9. In a bowl, combine the sugar and water. Reserve.
Glaze the top of the millefeuille.
Place the chocolate in a bowl. Melt in the microwave. Shape a small cone out of parchment paper and place the melted chocolate in it. Cut off the tip of the cone.
9. Draw straight lines on the frosting, then slide a knife in opposite directions to form marbled patterns.

13.Allow to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight before cutting it for serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
The original Diplomat cream calls for gelatin. Adding a teaspoon of instant vanilla to the cream before whipping helps to stabilize the cream and adds a vanilla flavor.

Orange raisin cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

1 large orange, unpeeled
3/4 cup boiling water
1 large egg
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts or pecans)

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut orange into pieces. Remove seeds.
Put in blender with boiling water. Blend until smooth. Add egg and oil. Blend a few minutes more.
Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
Add liquid from blender to the dry ingredients. Stir until just blended.
Pour into greased 9-inch by 5-inch by 3-inch loaf pan or into 3 mini loaf pans. Bake about 50 minutes. Unmold on cake rack.

Orange sherbet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/4 tablespoons grated orange zest
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 egg yolk, beaten
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch salt
1 egg white

preparation

Place cold water in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the surface. Allow to stand 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together boiling water, 3/4 cup sugar and soaked gelatin. Stir until gelatin and sugar are dissolved.
Stir in orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice and egg yolk. Set aside. In a large bowl, whip cream with 3 tablespoons sugar and salt until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, whip egg white until stiff. Fold into whipped cream. Stir in juice mixture a little at a time.
Pour in an ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions.

Poached pears with spiced caramel sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

For poached pears:
4 juice oranges
1 lemon, halved
8 cups water
2 cups sugar
6 firm-ripe Anjou pears

For caramel:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 whole clove
5 cardamon pods
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
3 tablespoons chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts

preparation

Poach pears:
Remove zest of orange in strips with a vegetable peeler and cut away any white pith from strips. Squeeze juice from oranges and lemon into a 6-quart pot and add lemon halves, water, sugar, and zest.
Peel pears, leaving stems attached, and add to pot. Simmer pears until just tender, and cool in liquid. (Poached pears will continue to cook a bit as they cool).
Make caramel:
Put sugar in a 2-quart heavy saucepan and crumble brown sugar over. Melt sugars, undisturbed, over moderate heat until granulated sugar is mostly melted. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally with a fork until a deep golden caramel.
Carefully pour in cream (mixture will bubble up and caramel will harden slightly) and stir in clove, cardamon pods, fennel, peppercorns, and cinnamon sticks. Simmer, stirring until caramel is dissolved and sauce is reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, about 10 minutes.
Pour sauce through a sieve and cool to just warm. Assemble dessert: Drain pears and pat dry, then transfer to plates. Serve drizzled with sauce and sprinkled with chopped nuts.

Rhubarb and berry coffee cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1/2 cup each chopped rhubarb and chopped apples
1/2 cup each raspberries and blueberries
3/4 cup white sugar
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon each salt and nutmeg
1/4 cup each butter and shortening, cubed
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 eggs
1 cup plain Balkan style yogurt
2 tablespoons butter, melted

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly grease 9-inch springform pan; line bottom with parchment or waxed paper.
Mix together rhubarb, apples, raspberries, blueberries and 2 tablespoons of the sugar.
Stir together flour, 1/2 cup of the remaining sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.
Cut in butter and shortening until fine crumbs form. Stir in lemon rind. Make well in center.
Beat eggs with yogurt; pour into well and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon half of the batter into prepared pan.
Arrange fruit over top, leaving 1-inch border uncovered. Spoon remaining batter evenly over top, spread to cover fruit.
Brush with butter; sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake on baking sheet in center of oven for about 1 hour or until golden brown. Let cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove side of pan and cool completely.

Strawberry parfait

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
6 ounces semi sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/2 pints strawberries, cleaned

preparation

Whip the cream until firm. Fold in the melted chocolate.
Reserve 6 strawberries for garnish.
Puree remaining and strain.
Alternate strawberry puree and chocolate cream in parfait glasses. Top with whole strawberries. Serve cold.

Upside-down peach cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

8 ripe peaches (fresh, canned or frozen)
3 teaspoons soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
pinch salt
melted apricot glaze or strawberry jam

preparation

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Blanch and peel 8 ripe peaches. Cut in halves. Or use canned or frozen peaches. Slice 1 inch thick.
Butter a 9-by 1 1/2-inch round cake pan with 3 tablespoons soft butter, and sprinkle with 1/2 c. sugar over butter. Arrange peaches close together in a circle in the pan.
In an electric mixer, cream 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) soft butter with 1/2 cup sugar. Beat in 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Sift together 1 1/4 cup cake flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch salt and combine into butter sugar mixture.
Gradually stir in flour batter over peaches, smoothing top.
Bake cake 55 minutes to 1 hour, or till brown.
Cool on rack for 10 min.
Invert on a platter. Brush peaches with melted apricot glaze or strained strawberry jam. Serve with whipped cream.

Liters - l
Déciliters - dl
Centiliters - cl
Milliliters - ml
	*USA*	*UK, Canada*
Gallons - gal
Pints - pt
Cups - c
Ounces liquids - fl oz
Tablespoons - tbsp
Teaspoons - tsp

Kilogramms :	kg
Gramms :	g
Pounds :	lb
Ounces :	oz

Non-liquid ingredients in volume converted into weight using the table below. For products not included, use a metric scale Weight of specific 'ingredients in grams
Ingredient	1 cup	3/4 cup	2/3 cup	1/2 cup	1/3 cup	1/4 cup	2 tablespoons
All-purpose wheat flour	120 g	90 g	80 g	60 g	40 g	30 g	15 g
All-purpose sifted wheat flour	110 g	80 g	70 g	55 g	35 g	27 g	13 g
White sugar	200 g	150 g	130 g	100 g	65 g	50 g	25 g
Powdered sugar/Icing sugar	100 g	75 g	70 g	50 g	35 g	25 g	13 g
Brown sugar normally packed	180 g	135 g	120 g	90 g	60 g	45 g	23 g
Corn flour	160 g	120 g	100 g	80 g	50 g	40 g	20 g
Cornstarch	120 g	90 g	80 g	60 g	40 g	30 g	15 g
Rice (not-cooked)	190 g	140 g	125 g	95 g	65 g	48 g	24 g
Macaroni (uncooked)	140 g	100 g	90 g	70 g	45 g	35 g	17 g
Couscous (uncooked)	180 g	135 g	120 g	90 g	60 g	45 g	22 g
Quick oatmeal (uncooked)	90 g	65 g	60 g	45 g	30 g	22 g	11 g
Table salt	300 g	230 g	200 g	150 g	100 g	75 g	40 g
Butter / Margarine	240 g	180 g	160 g	120 g	80 g	60 g	30 g
Shortening	190 g	140 g	125 g	95 g	65 g	48 g	24 g
Fruits and légumes chopped	150 g	110 g	100 g	75 g	50 g	40 g	20 g
chopped walnuts	150 g	110 g	100 g	75 g	50 g	40 g	20 g
Nuts /ground almonds	120 g	90 g	80 g	60 g	40 g	30 g	15 g
Fresh bread crumbs (not packed)	60 g	45 g	40 g	30 g	20 g	15 g	8 g
Dry bread crumbs	150 g	110 g	100 g	75 g	50 g	40 g	20 g
Parmesan grated	90 g	65 g	60 g	45 g	30 g	22 g	11 g
Chocolate chips	150 g	110 g	100 g	75 g	50 g	38 g	19 g

Degrees Celsius :	°C
degrees Fahrenheit :	°F

If you love all things MEDITERRANEAN this Pageturner is for you

Cookbooks from Apple to zucchini

The Cookbooks

When you care enough to cook the best

The Pageturner ecookbook

The {Page-Turner} E-cookbook