Tag: mediterranean

  • Pumpkin Hummus

    Pumpkin Hummus

    How to Make Pumpkin Hummus

    Add some fall flair to traditional hummus! Pair this tasty hummus with fresh veggies or pita chips, or enjoy it on toast for a quick snack.

     


    10 min prep time


    7servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add all of the ingredients except the pumpkin seeds to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
    2. Garnish with a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds, if desired. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables, such as celery, sugar snap peas, or carrots.
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    Nutrition facts

    7 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      70mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      13g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      160mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    chickpeas (garbanzo beans) (drained and rinsed)
    1 (15-oz) can

    canned pumpkin
    1/2 cup

    tahini
    2 tbsp

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    lemon juice
    1 tbsp

    garlic
    2 clove

    smoked paprika
    1/4 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    to taste

    pumpkin seeds (optional)
    1 tsp

  • Penne with Eggplant-Tomato Sauce

    Penne with Eggplant-Tomato Sauce

    How to Make Penne with Eggplant-Tomato Sauce

    AKA Pasta Alla Norma, this is a traditional first course offered throughout Italy. Norma was the name of an opera by Bellini that was popular when poet, writer, and scholar Nino Martoglio was so impressed by the dish that he declared it a masterpiece, like the opera. This dish is so loved that other noteworthy acts are now referred to as “alla Norma,” meaning “successful” or “grandiose,” in some parts of Sicily. This is one of my family’s favorite dishes.


    5 min prep time


    40 min cook time


    8servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat broiler. Using a sharp knife, slice eggplant into 1/4-inch slices, and place on a baking sheet. Brush the eggplant with 2 Tbsp olive oil, then broil for 5–7 minutes per side until they are dark gold and cooked through. Set aside to cool. (This step can be done a day in advance.)

    2. Heat remaining olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until it begins to release its aroma, but do not allow garlic to turn color.

    3. Pour in tomatoes, and stir. Add crushed red pepper, basil, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.

    4. When eggplant is cool enough to handle, stack three slices together, and chop into dime-size pieces. Repeat until all eggplant is chopped.

    5. While sauce is still cooking, bring a gallon of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente.

    6. After sauce has cooked for 20 minutes, turn off heat, remove lid, and add eggplant pieces and cheese. Stir well. Cover, and simmer sauce over medium heat until pasta is done cooking (10–12 minutes).

    7. Drain pasta. Toss in sauce to coat. Serve hot garnished with chopped basil (if desired).

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      280

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.5g

        13%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      250mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      46g

      17%

      • Dietary Fiber
        8g

        29%
      • Total Sugars
        8g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      11g

    • Potassium
      760mg

      16%

    Ingredients

    large eggplants
    2 (about 2 lb total)

    olive oil (divided)
    1/4 cup

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    no-salt-added strained tomatoes or tomato puree
    1 (26-oz) box or can

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1 tsp

    fresh basil (roughly torn)
    6 sprig

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    to taste

    dried whole-wheat penne rigate, or gluten-free pasta
    3/4 lbs

    grated pecorino Romano cheese
    1/2 cup

  • Sicilian Olive Salad

    Sicilian Olive Salad

    How to Make Sicilian Olive Salad

    This cracked olive medley is a family favorite that is popular both in Calabria and Sicily. Sicilian Castelvetrano olives are becoming readily available in major supermarkets now, and if you have access to those, they are a great choice for this salad. Many Italian-American delis sell “Sicilian Colossal” olives, which also work well. You can toss a few tablespoons of this mixture into hot pasta in the winter, or chilled rice or quinoa in warner weather. It’s also a great way to dress up ordinary vegetables, seafood, and meat.
     

    This recipe comes from The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. 

     


    5 min prep time


    16servings


    2 tbsp

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place olives on a cutting board. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and smash them lightly with a meat hammer or the back of a skillet. (The objective is to slightly crush the olives.)
    2. Place olives in a bowl and stir together with remaining ingredients.
    3. Marinate salad for an hour at room temperature, or cover and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 day and up to 3 days. Bring salad to room temperature before serving.
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    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 tbsp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      0g

    • Potassium
      90mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    large green olives (rinsed well, drained, and rubbed dry)
    1/2 lbs

    celery (diced)
    5 stalks

    carrots (peeled and diced)
    2

    small red onion (diced)
    1

    garlic
    3 clove

    dried oregano
    2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/8 tsp

    extra-virgin olive oil
    1/4 cup

  • Swordfish Alla Ghiotta

    Swordfish Alla Ghiotta

    How to Make Swordfish Alla Ghiotta

    Since swordfish is not always stocked in American supermarkets, it’s a good idea to call ahead to find out when a shipment will be arriving and place an order. Pumpkin swordfish, tuna, haddock, and cod can all be substituted for swordfish when making this recipe. The swordfish also tastes great grilled with the sauce spooned over the top.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    5 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    4servings


    1 fillet

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery and sauté until tender, approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook until it releases its aroma, but do not let garlic turn brown.
    2. Stir in chopped tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, capers, and olives. Mix well to combine, and cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
    3. Carefully remove lid from tomato sauce and add swordfish fillets into simmering sauce. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
    4. Transfer fish to a serving platter, top with sauce, and serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 fillet


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      210

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.9g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      45mg

      15%

    • Sodium
      450mg

      20%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      8g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      24g

    • Potassium
      890mg

      19%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    celery (diced)
    2 stalks

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    boxed no-salt-added chopped tomatoes, or canned petite diced tomatoes
    2 cup

    freshly chopped basil
    3 tbsp

    salt
    1/8 tsp

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1 pinch

    capers (rinsed and well drained)
    2 tbsp

    green olives (rinsed, drained, pitted, and roughly chopped)
    1/4 cup

    boneless swordfish
    4 (4 oz) fillets

  • Apple, Beet, and Carrot Slaw with blood Orange Vinaigrette

    Apple, Beet, and Carrot Slaw with blood Orange Vinaigrette

    How to Make Apple, Beet, and Carrot Slaw with blood Orange Vinaigrette

     

    I “discovered” this delicious slaw while volunteering at a Washington, D.C., elementary school where the children stated that their favorite food was the “ABC salad,” which they made from ingredients in the school garden! It was so inspiring to see the children devour the vegetables with such pleasure that I became a fan, too! I even began including it in my “Culinary Medicine Made Easy” cooking classes and on as many menus as possible.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    20 min prep time


    4servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place shredded beets, carrots, and apple in mixing bowl and mix to combine. Add walnuts and green herb(s) on top of mixture and set bowl aside.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together blood orange juice and salt until salt is dissolved. Add 3–4 grinds of pepper, then whisk in oil. Pour dressing over salad and mix until well combined and evenly dressed. Serve salad within 1 hour of combining with herbs and dressing.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      170

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      12g

      15%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.4g

        7%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      170mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      15g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        11g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      300mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    medium fresh beet (peeled and shredded)
    1

    medium carrots (peeled and shredded)
    2

    large Granny Smith apple (peeled and shredded)
    1

    chopped walnuts
    1/4 cup

    chopped fresh parsley, dill, of combination
    3 tbsp

    Juice of 1 blood orange
    1

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    to taste

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

  • Mixed Pepper Medley

    Mixed Pepper Medley

    How to Make Mixed Pepper Medley

    This mixture is know as peperonata in Italy and is a typical garnish for roasted and grilled meats, but you could also pair it with a plant-based protein such as Moroccan Lentils with Stewed Tomatoes for a satisfying vegan meal. 

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    5 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    8servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium heat. Add peppers, and cook until browned.
    2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add green olives, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
    3. Stir in balsamic vinegar. Taste, and add salt if necessary.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      140mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      200mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    mixed red, yellow, and green bell peppers (cut into thin strips)
    2 lbs

    garlic (minced)
    6 clove

    pitted, diced green olives
    1/4 cup

    balsamic vinegar
    2 tbsp

    salt
    1/4 tsp, or to taste

  • Moroccan Lentils with Stewed Tomatoes

    Moroccan Lentils with Stewed Tomatoes

    How to Make Moroccan Lentils with Stewed Tomatoes

    You can prepare the lentils ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal that will be ready in minutes. Pair this with a Mixed Pepper Medley for a satisfying vegan dish, full of plant-based proteins and non-starchy vegetables.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    5 min prep time


    40 min cook time


    8servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place lentils in a medium saucepan, and add water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to low, and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside. (This step may be done a day ahead of time.)
    2. Combine lentils, tomatoes, onion, coriander, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan. Add 1 cup water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
    3. Add cilantro, and stir. Serve hot.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      90

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0g

      0%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      125mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      16g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      330mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    uncooked brown lentils (sorted and rinsed)
    1 cup

    no-salt-added canned chopped tomatoes
    1 cup

    medium yellow onion (chopped)
    1

    ground coriander
    1 tsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    chopped fresh cilantro
    1/4 cup

  • Orange, Asparagus, and Avocado Salad

    Orange, Asparagus, and Avocado Salad

    How to Make Orange, Asparagus, and Avocado Salad

     


    This Spanish salad is bright and beautiful. The combination of oranges and tomatoes offers a nice, tangy complement to the rich avocado and asparagus flavors.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    5 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    6servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place asparagus in a pot of boiling water over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until asparagus is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain asparagus and submerge immediately in a bowl of ice water.
    2. Divide lettuce evenly among six salad bowls or plates.
    3. Combine orange, tomato, and avocado in a medium bowl.
    4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper until combined.
    5. Drain asparagus and add to orange mixture. Pour dressing over orange mixture and stir gently to combine. Spoon mixture on top of romaine lettuce on plates and serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.2g

        6%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      60mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      370mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    fresh asparagus (trimmed)
    1 bunch

    romaine lettuce (cut into bite-size pieces)
    4 oz

    large orange (peeled and cut into segments)
    1

    large tomato (cut into 12 equal pieces)
    1

    avocado (pitted, peeled, and diced)
    1

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    red wine vinegar
    1 tbsp

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

  • Orzo with Lemon, Artichokes, and Asparagus

    Orzo with Lemon, Artichokes, and Asparagus

    How to Make Orzo with Lemon, Artichokes, and Asparagus

     

    Artichokes and asparagus are a match made in culinary heaven and are often paired together in typical Italian dishes. Among their many similarities, both crops are native to the Mediterranean and grow best in a warm to slightly cool climate. In the kitchen, they can be incorporated into healthful soup, pasta, rice, omelet, and salad recipes.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    5 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    8servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/4 tsp salt and reduce heat to medium.
    2. Add orzo and stir. Cook orzo until tender, but still al dente. Drain orzo when done and return to pot.
    3. Meanwhile, bring a medium-size pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add asparagus and cook until tender (about 5 minutes), then drain.
    4. Add asparagus, artichoke hearts, lemon juice, lemon zest, additional 1/4 tsp salt (if desired), freshly ground pepper, and olive oil into the pot with the orzo and stir.
    5. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Garnish with cheese and serve hot.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      170

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.2g

        6%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      140mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      26g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      260mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    dry orzo pasta or small gluten-free pasta
    1/2 lbs

    fresh or frozen asparagus (trimmed into 1-inch peices)
    1 lbs

    frozen artichoke hearts (thawed)
    1 (14-oz) package

    lemon juice
    1/4 cup

    zest of 1 lemon
    1

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    Pecorino Romano cheese (grated)
    1/4 cup

  • Broccoli and Spinach Salad with Blueberries and Buttermilk Dressing

    Broccoli and Spinach Salad with Blueberries and Buttermilk Dressing

    How to Make Broccoli and Spinach Salad with Blueberries and Buttermilk Dressing

     


    I decided to offer this an antioxidant-infused snack prior to class and wanted you all to have it in hand for quick meals. Try adding leftover chicken, fish, or quinoa to make a complete meal.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    15 min prep time


    6servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the spinach, broccoli, avocado, blueberries, feta cheese, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl or in a large platter.
    2. Place yogurt, buttermilk, garlic, lemon juice and zest, poppy seeds, herbs, and pepper in a blender and blend to combine. (If not using a blender, ingredients can also be whisked in a bowl until combined.)
    3. Pour dressing over salad and serve immediately.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.2g

        6%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      105mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      8g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      430mg

      9%

    Ingredients

    baby spinach
    1/2 lbs

    chopped broccoli
    1 cup

    avocado
    1/2

    blueberries
    1/4 cup

    crumbled feta cheese
    1/4 cup

    roasted sunflower seeds
    1/4 cup

    Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt
    1/2 cup

    low-fat buttermilk
    1/4 cup

    juice and zest of 1 lemon
    1

    Poppy Seeds
    1 tsp

    fresh dill and/or other herbs
    a few sprigs

    freshly ground black pepper
    to taste