Have you heard about “spring garlic”? Also called garlic scapes or green garlic, these sprouts are actually immature garlic, which was early harvested (before the cloves form in the bulb). The flavor and aroma is very similar to that of already ripe garlic but much more delicate and a little sweeter. One of the most common ways to consume them is with eggs, either scrambled, in an omelette or as it’s called in Spain, “tortilla”.
Tag: mediterranean diet
Meat and artichokes stew
This dish with beef or lamb is a Turkish recipe, although there is also a similar Greek variant, usually accompanied by an avgolemono (literally “lemon and egg”) sauce. For many it can be an unexpected combination, but the pairing of meat and artichokes is a delight that is worth trying.
Bresaola carpaccio
“Bresaola della Valtellina” is a typical dried meat from north Italy. As it’s made from lean beef, its fat content is very low. This bresaola carpaccio, super simple and quick, is one of the most typical ways to enjoy this tasty ingredient of Italian cuisine.
Sautéed artichoke hearts, shrimps and Iberic ham
Artichokes with shrimps or prawns and Serrano or Iberian ham make always a delicious combination. This stir-fry is a quick recipe that serves both as a distinguished starter and as a tasty tapa, ideally accompanied by a glass of good white wine.
Radicchio and gorgonzola risotto
Radicchio and gorgonzola might sound strange for some people, but it’s a very popular combination in Italy. Purple chicory, better known under the name “radicchio”, is a rather bitter-tasting bud, much appreciated in Italian gastronomy. It is very common to find it combined with the strong flavor of gorgonzola cheese, sometimes also balanced with caramelized red onions.
Salmon with mango sauce
A recipe full of flavor, which for many may sound very sophisticated and therefore complicated. Its preparation is actually very simple and fast; and following the advice detailed here, this salmon with mango sauce will be a guaranteed success.
How to prepare sabich, the trendy Israeli fast-food
Sabich (sabij or sabih) is a meal popularized in Israel by Iraqi-Jewish immigrants, and consists of a pita bread stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, salad, tahini or hummus, and a mango sauce called “amba”. It is usually eaten for breakfast and it is precisely believed that its name derives from the Arabic “sabah” (morning).
My 25 favorite Greek mezedes
“Mezedes” is the Greek equivalent of mezze in Middle Eastern countries. These are small dishes served simultaneously, similar to Spanish tapas. They can be taken both as an appetizer and as a main course, and are usually accompanied with ouzo or raki. Hundreds of dishes can be counted in this category, but I have chosen here the 25 that I consider to be the most common and that are my favourites.
Turkish style artichoke hearts recipe
This Turkish dish is known as Zeytinyağlı Enginar, literally “artichokes with olive oil”. This is a very refreshing traditional starter that is usually served cold and can be found on a mezze table.
Chorizo in red wine recipe
Although I don’t have a special predilection for sausages, I have to admit that this recipe is exceptional in its simplicity. This chorizo in red wine is an absolute delightful Spanish “tapa” which is done in no more than half an hour, and very easy to prepare. Don’t forget to have some good bread on hand to enjoy!