Tag Archives: Mediterranean

Recipe: Tomatillo Rice

Tomatillo Rice was a happy accident. We had tomatillos left over from shish kabab and decided to toss them into a pilaf. The effect is transformative. It’s slightly tart with a very full and well-balanced taste that will complement any … Continue reading

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Shish Kabob hacks

Shish kabob by definition is sort of a hack, yes? You take random pieces of meat and veggies, marinate them in some way, then arrange on a stick and grill so the flavors meld. Our prep is pretty traditional with … Continue reading

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Recipe: Jacques Pepin Tapenade

Here is the tapenade Jacques Pepin makes on the “Jacques Pepin’s Easy Coq Au Vin Will Impress Your Friends” episode of Today’s Gourmet. He serves it as the underlayment of a mild flavored fish, either cod or halibut, meaning the … Continue reading

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Recipe: Spicy Caponata

Ordered some caponata at a venue the other night and it was pleasant but bland. Our Spicy Caponata is anything but. It’s borrowed from an Ottolenghi recipe which is online but has never been published in any of his books. … Continue reading

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Recipe: Mediterranean Okra Stew

My friend Suzanne has been supplying delicious okra in late summer, creating the good problem of finding new ways to cook it. This Mediterranean okra stew recipe is from the New York Times and makes a bonus amount of gravy … Continue reading

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The Mediterranean Diet… bogus, or lifesaving?

Internet trolls say the Mediterranean diet research is bogus, based on false information. But proponents insist the science is real, with profound health benefits to those who follow its dietary precepts. Who’s right? To dig a little deeper, we spent … Continue reading

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Recipe: Octopus Lentil Pesto Salad

Octopus Lentil Pesto Salad seems sophisticated and complicated, thanks to the dramatic combination of tastes and textures. But it comes together in just a few minutes when you have the core ingredients on hand. Serves 2 as an entree or … Continue reading

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Recipe: Broiled Baby Octopus

Broiled baby octopus is easy to make and a versatile addition to mezze, antipasto or appetizer combos (terminology defined by the cultural palette you’re using) as well as a distinctive and flavorful addition to a hearty salad. Rest assured that … Continue reading

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Recipe: Pickled Turnips Mediterranean-style

The pickled turnips at Falafel’s Drive-In in Cupertino, CA were so good I’d order extras on the side. Here’s my re-creation, with help from the Jerusalem cookbook. (I’ve tweaked Ottolenghi’s recipe which I feel is not sour enough.) A good … Continue reading

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Recipe: Middle Eastern Lentil Salad with Cilantro

Christopher Kimball of Cook’s Illustrated came up with a novel cooking technique for this Middle Eastern Lentil Salad. The lentils are soaked, then cooked in the oven so they maintain their individual identity. This goes well on a mezze platter … Continue reading

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