Gemista or yemista (which in Greek means ‘filled with’) is a traditional recipe for Greek stuffed vegetables that are baked until soft and nicely browned. The traditional Greek recipe for Gemista can be either vegetarian with a filling of rice and chopped vegetables, or may contain minced meat. Feel free to experiment […]
In Palermo, one of the undisputed specialties is panella, made of chickpea flour and cooked like polenta, chilled, and then cut into thick slices that are fried in olive oil. Fried panelle are eaten as is, or multiple slices are piled in a sesame bun and enjoyed as a big […]
I absolutely love this dish. My mother made this for us all the time. It’s a one dish meal because I eat so much of it I do not have room for anything else. Enjoy it! photos coco zordan Fresh peas are particularly delicious but hard to find. All year round you […]
The broccoli pesto is a tasty creamy sauce perfect for seasoning any type of pasta and easy to make. Low in cholesterol and high in vitamins, broccoli packs this pesto with extra nutritional value. Using walnuts or pecans instead of the traditional pine nuts is less expensive, rich in fiber, […]
The whole wheat bread that you usually get from a store or from a deli doesn’t taste good. Crumbly and tasteless, you think that’s the price of eating a bit more healthily. I think most people in America think under these assumptions: that you must either eat healthily, or eat food […]
The trick to making perfect guacamole is using good, ripe avocados. How do you pick the right avocado? The ready-to-eat avocado feels slightly soft under your fingers when you press on its skin. If it’s very firm allow a few more days before eating. photos coco zordan Once you have cut your […]
The region of Puglia has a very strong Arab influence and the name of this dish (Tria e Ciciari) certainly reflects that. Basically, the primary components of this dish are simply pasta and dried chickpeas. Reflecting how inventive cucina povera (cuisine of the poor) truly is, the Pugliese fry a […]
At the first sign of cold weather we all long for a nice vegetable soup. What’s the secret for a great “minestrone”? Here are some tips I learned from my Mom: NO bitter-tasting vegetables (dandelion,asparagus) or any fennel-like veggie (bok choy, fennel etc.) add at least one cup of sweet peas […]
Easy, refreshing and healthy. Make it from scratch or by using your fridge leftovers you can’t make it wrong. Use whatever vegetables you have available (raw or cooked) add some basil or pesto. This version is with peas, roasted peppers and tomatoes. Serve it warm or cold. Tip: when you […]
An easy and nutritious recipe that kids will find delicious and is ideal for their lunchbox. Thanks to the garbanzo beans these burgers are rich in vegetable proteins and fiber, both indispensable for a healthy intestinal microflora. photos by coco zordan