Taste of Home Mediterranean Made Easy: 325 light & lively dishes that bring color, flavor and flair to your table
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About this ebook
It’s never been so simple to set the table with light, refreshing foods as it is with the all-new cookbook Taste of Home Mediterranean Made Easy.
Discover how easy it is to eat well with fresh, vibrant meals loaded with flavor—all without taxing your time in the kitchen. Common ingredients, familiar cooking methods and step-by-step instructions add fast new flair to your weeknight menus. These 325 recipes are shared by today’s family cooks who have happily adopted this light and lively Mediterranean cuisine in their own homes.
CHAPTERS
Mezze, Tapas & Small Plates
Salads, Soups & Breads
Cheese & Eggs
Pasta, Rice & Grains
Vegetables & Legumes
Beef & Lamb
Poultry & Pork
Fish & Seafood
Sweets
Bonus: Yia Yia’s Favorites
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Taste of Home Mediterranean Made Easy - Editors at Taste of Home
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International Standard Book Number: 978-1-61765-891-4
International Standard Book Number: 978-1-61765-892-1 (ebook)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2019947876
Executive Editor: Mark Hagen
Senior Art Director: Raeann Thompson
Editors: Amy Glander, Christine Rukavena
Art Director: Maggie Conners
Designer: Jazmin Delgado
Copy Chief: Deb Warlaumont Mulvey
Editorial Intern: Daniella Peters
Cover
Photographer: Mark Derse
Food Stylist: Josh Rink
Set Stylist: Melissa Franco
Pictured on front cover:
Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad
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Bring Color, Flavor & Flair to the Table!
You might not be able to jet off to Greece or Italy tonight, but with Mediterranean Made Easy, you can savor the flavors of the renowned coast right at home.
It’s never been so simple to set the table with irresistibly light and refreshing food as it is when you have Taste of Home’s all-new cookbook, Mediterranean Made Easy, as your culinary tour guide.
In fact, this sensational collection of tried-and-true recipes makes it a snap. That’s right! You’ll find an array of favorites, from Spain’s Hearty Paella (p. 150) to refreshing Chopped Greek Salad (p. 159). Each of these 321 recipes comes from the treasured files of today’s family cooks who have happily adopted lively Mediterranean cuisine in their own homes and want to share all this delicious goodness with you.
The best part is that not only does Mediterranean food taste amazing, it’s good for you, too! It’s easy to eat well every day of the week with full-flavored dishes that make the most of fresh veggies, seafood, nuts, legumes, beans, olive oil, whole grains and other light, everyday ingredients.
In addition to these recipes, nutrition facts, gorgeous full-color photos, and prep and cook times make this one of the best cookbooks in your collection!
AT-A-GLANCE ICONS
Icons throughout the book indicate five-ingredient, slow-cooked, freezer-friendly and quick-to-fix fare.
WINE PAIRING
A Match Made in Heaven
Balancing the flavors of food with the perfect wine can be challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a sommelier or even a wine aficionado to find the right vino to enjoy with your meal. Just look to our wine pairing suggestions throughout the book.
GOOD MORNINGS
Start your mornings right with a colorful parfait, no-fuss oatmeal or an impressive omelet. These feel-good dishes get you ready to take on the day—every day!
DATE OATMEAL
You can prepare this hearty oatmeal in a flash, and if you don’t have dates available, try substituting raisins. Either way, everyone will love this filling breakfast.
—Patricia Kaliska, Phillips, WI
Takes: 10 min. • Makes: 2 servings
2 cups apple juice
1 cup quick-cooking oats
½ cups chopped dates
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
Dash ground nutmeg
Milk
Shredded coconut, optional
In a saucepan, bring apple juice to a boil. Stir in oats; cook 1 minute. Remove from the heat; stir in dates, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with milk and sprinkle with coconut if desired.
¾ cup: 395 cal., 3g fat (1g sat. fat), 0 chol., 10mg sod., 88g carb. (56g sugars, 8g fiber), 7g pro.
BLT GRAIN BOWLS
I absolutely adore a BLT with sliced avocado and an egg. Recently, I’ve been trying out grain bowls, and I thought the flavors of my favorite sandwich would work really well. My family agreed!
—Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, UT
Prep: 15 min. • Cook: 20 min. • Makes: 4 servings
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 Tbsp. minced fresh basil
2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar, divided
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
4 large eggs
8 oz. cherry tomatoes
3 cups fresh arugula
1 small ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1. Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Combine 3 Tbsp. olive oil, basil, 1 Tbsp. vinegar and lemon juice. Add to cooked quinoa; stir to combine.
2. Place 2-3 in. of water in a large skillet with high sides; add remaining vinegar. Bring to a boil; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Break 1 cold egg at a time into a small cup; holding cup close to surface of water, slip egg into water. Cook, uncovered, until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard, 3-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, lift eggs out of water. Keep warm.
3. In a large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Cook tomatoes until they begin to release their juices, 8-10 minutes. Add arugula; cook and stir just until arugula is wilted, 1-2 minutes.
4. To serve, divide quinoa evenly among 4 bowls. Add cherry tomatoes, arugula, avocado slices and crumbled bacon. Top each with a poached egg.
Note: Look for quinoa in the cereal, rice or organic food aisle.
1 serving: 446 cal., 28g fat (5g sat. fat), 194mg chol., 228mg sod., 33g carb. (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g pro.
TEST KITCHEN TIP
Switch It Up
Use any grain you like in these hearty bowls. Many now come precooked in pouches, so it’s an easy way to try one you have not prepared before.
FRENCH OMELET
This cheesy, full-of-flavor omelet is modeled after one I tasted and loved in a local restaurant. Mine is so hearty and rich-tasting that no one will guess it’s lower in fat.
—Bernice Morris, Marshfield, MO
Takes: 20 min. • Makes: 2 servings
2 large eggs
4 large egg whites
¼ cup fat-free milk
⅛ tsp. salt
⅛ tsp. pepper
¼ cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 Tbsp. chopped onion
1 Tbsp. chopped green pepper
¼ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1. Whisk together first 5 ingredients.
2. Place a 10-in. skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture. Mixture should set immediately at edges. As the eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath. When eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains, top 1 half with remaining ingredients. Fold omelet in half. Cut in half to serve.
½ omelet: 186 cal., 9g fat (4g sat. fat), 207mg chol., 648mg sod., 4g carb. (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
HERB BREAKFAST FRITTATA
I came up with this recipe on a snowy day by using what I had in the fridge. Yukon Gold potatoes give this frittata a comforting bottom crust.
—Katherine Hansen, Brunswick, ME
Takes: 30 min. • Makes: 4 servings
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large Yukon Gold potato, peeled and thinly sliced
6 large eggs
1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
or ¼ tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
1 tsp. minced fresh thyme or ¼ tsp. dried thyme
¼ tsp. salt
⅛ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
⅛ tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. shredded cheddar cheese
1. In an 8-in. ovenproof skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Using a slotted spoon, remove onion and keep warm. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer over bottom of pan. Preheat broiler.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, seasonings and onion; pour over potatoes. Cover and cook until nearly set, 4-6 minutes.
3. Uncover skillet. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat until eggs are completely set, 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges.
1 wedge: 204 cal., 12g fat (4g sat. fat), 321mg chol., 277mg sod., 13g carb. (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
LEMON CHIA SEED PARFAITS
These bright and tangy parfaits start the day on a healthy note, but they’re also sweet enough to double as dessert.
—Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, MN
Takes: 15 min. • Makes: 4 servings
2 cups reduced-fat plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup agave nectar or honey
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
2 Tbsp. chia seeds or ground flaxseed
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
Combine the first 6 ingredients. Layer half of the yogurt mixture into 4 small parfait glasses or custard cups. Top with half of the berries. Repeat layers.
1 serving: 214 cal., 4g fat (2g sat. fat), 7mg chol., 48mg sod., 33g carb. (26g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 1½ starch, ½ fruit, ½ reduced-fat milk.
SLOW-COOKER HONEY NUT GRANOLA
I lightened up a friend’s recipe and changed the add-ins to our tastes. It’s now a family favorite! You can vary this recipe with different nuts, seeds or dried fruits.
—Tari Ambler, Shorewood, IL
Prep: 20 min. • Cook: 1½ hours • Makes: 8 cups
4½ cups old-fashioned oats
½ cup sunflower kernels
⅓ cup toasted wheat germ
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
¼ cup sliced almonds
¼ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup ground flaxseed
½ cup honey
⅓ cup water
3 Tbsp. canola oil
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
Dash salt
¾ cup dried cranberries
¾ cup raisins
Yogurt, optional
1. In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 8 ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk honey, water, oil, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and salt until blended; stir into oat mixture. Cook, covered, on high until crisp, 1½-2 hours, stirring well every 20 minutes.
2. Stir in cranberries and raisins. Spread evenly onto waxed paper or baking sheets; cool completely. Store in airtight containers. If desired, serve with yogurt.
Note: Look for unsweetened coconut in the baking or natural foods section.
½ cup: 267 cal., 12g fat (2g sat. fat), 0 chol., 43mg sod., 39g carb. (19g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g pro.
ITALIAN SAUSAGE BREAKFAST WRAPS
My husband leaves for work at 4 a.m., and I want him to have a healthy breakfast to start the day. I usually make half a dozen of these on Sunday and keep them in the fridge so he can grab one and go!
—Dauna Harwood, Elkhart, IN
Takes: 30 min. • Makes: 6 servings
¾ lb. Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
4 large eggs
6 large egg whites
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
6 whole wheat tortillas (8 in.)
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1. In a large skillet, cook sausage, pepper, onion and tomato over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender, breaking up sausage into crumbles; drain and return to pan.
2. In a small bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites until blended. Add egg mixture to sausage. Cook and stir until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains. Add spinach; cook and stir just until wilted.
3. Spoon ¾ cup egg mixture across center of each tortilla; top with about 2 Tbsp. cheese. Fold bottom and sides of tortilla over filling and roll up.
1 wrap: 327 cal., 14g fat (5g sat. fat), 175mg chol., 632mg sod., 26g carb. (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1½ starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
SPINACH POTATO PIE
When we have brunch with relatives, I like to make this crustless quiche with hash browns and spinach. We think it makes a fantastic midmorning meal with a side of fruit.
—Deanna Phillips, Ferndale, WA
Prep: 25 min. • Bake: 55 min. • Makes: 6 servings
5 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
¾ cup chopped red onion
½ cup 2% cottage cheese
7 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
3 green onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
⅛ tsp. hot pepper sauce
3 plum tomatoes, sliced
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Pour into a greased 9-in. pie plate.
2. Bake 40 minutes. Arrange tomatoes over top; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.
1 piece: 204 cal., 10g fat (4g sat. fat), 192mg chol., 624mg sod., 15g carb. (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, ½ fat.
POWER BERRY SMOOTHIES
While you can’t taste the spinach in these smoothies, you get all its nutrients with big berry flavor.
—Christine Hair, Odessa, FL
Takes: 10 min. • Makes: 3 servings
½ cup orange juice
½ cup pomegranate juice
1 container (6 oz.) mixed berry yogurt
1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
1 cup fresh baby spinach
½ medium ripe frozen banana, sliced
½ cup frozen unsweetened blueberries
2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
Sliced fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, flax seeds and granola, optional
In a blender, combine first 8 ingredients; cover and process for 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into chilled bowls; top as desired. Serve immediately.
1 cup: 172 cal., 3g fat (0 sat. fat), 3mg chol., 47mg sod., 35g carb. (28g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g pro.
HAM & EGG PITA POCKETS
I made these one day when the kids were running late for school and I needed a quick and healthy portable breakfast. The eggs cook quickly in the microwave, and the sandwiches are ready to eat in a snap.
—Sue Olsen, Fremont, CA
Takes: 10 min. • Makes: 1 serving
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
⅛ tsp. smoked or other paprika
⅛ tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 slice deli ham, chopped
1 green onion, sliced
2 Tbsp. shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2 whole wheat pita pocket halves
In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk egg whites, egg, paprika and pepper until blended; stir in ham, green onion and cheese. Microwave, covered, on high for 1 minute. Stir; cook on high 30-60 seconds longer or until almost set. Serve in pitas.
2 filled pita halves: 323 cal., 10g fat (4g sat. fat), 231mg chol., 769mg sod., 34g carb. (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
SAUSAGE-SWEET POTATO HASH & EGGS
When I first began making this dish for breakfast, I served it with fried eggs on top. Now I sometimes make it for supper and serve it without eggs. It’s great when I want a dish I can make quickly, with minimal cleanup.
—Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, FL
Takes: 25 min. • Makes: 4 servings
½ lb. Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-in. cubes
2 medium Granny Smith apples, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped pecans
¼ tsp. salt
4 green onions, sliced
4 large eggs
1. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook sausage and sweet potatoes over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking up sausage into crumbles.
2. Add apples, cranberries, pecans and salt; cook and stir 4-6 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender. Remove from pan; sprinkle with green onions. Keep warm.
3. Wipe skillet clean and coat with cooking spray; place skillet over medium-high heat. Break 1 egg at a time into pan. Reduce heat to low. Cook eggs to desired doneness, turning after whites are set, if desired. Serve with hash.
1 serving: 338 cal., 14g fat (3g sat. fat), 207mg chol., 465mg sod., 42g carb. (23g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, ½ fruit.
OVERNIGHT FLAX OATMEAL
Fans of the healthy benefits of flaxseed will enjoy this hearty oatmeal. It’s full of yummy raisins and dried cranberries, too, but any combination of dried fruit will work. Feel free to get creative!
—Susan Smith, Ocean View, NJ
Prep: 10 min. • Cook: 7 hours • Makes: 4 servings
3 cups water
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup raisins
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup ground flaxseed
½ cup 2% milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. molasses
In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine all of the ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until liquid is absorbed and oatmeal is tender.
1 cup: 322 cal., 9g fat (1g sat. fat), 2mg chol., 28mg sod., 63g carb. (34g sugars, 8g fiber), 9g pro.
LEAN GREEN SMOOTHIE
Kids love the unusual color of this frosty and flavorful smoothie. It’s fine-tuned to their liking with bananas, creamy yogurt and (shh) a bit of spinach.
—Madison Mayberry, Ames, IA
Takes: 10 min. • Makes: 4 servings
¾ cup fat-free milk
1½ cups fat-free vanilla yogurt
1 cup ice cubes
1 cup fresh spinach
1 ripe medium banana
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
In a blender, combine all ingredients; cover and process for 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses; serve immediately.
1 cup: 99 cal., 0 fat (0 sat. fat), 4mg chol., 24mg sod., 19g carb. (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fat-free milk, ½ fruit.
LOADED QUINOA BREAKFAST BOWL
After I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001, I embarked on a journey to improve my diet and live a healthier lifestyle. I began developing recipes that were not only deliciously satisfying, but also anti-inflammatory and highly nutritious.
—Chantale Michaud, Guelph, ON
Prep: 15 min. + soaking • Cook: 15 min. • Makes: 1 serving
¾ cup water, divided
¼ cup tri-colored quinoa, rinsed
2 Tbsp. dried goji berries or dried cranberries
1 small banana
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp. vanilla extract
¼ cup fresh or frozen unsweetened blueberries
1 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
1 Tbsp. slivered almonds
1 Tbsp. fresh pumpkin seeds
Additional unsweetened almond milk and maple syrup, optional
1. In a small saucepan, bring ½ cup water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed, 12-15 minutes. Meanwhile, soak the berries in remaining water for 10 minutes; drain. Halve banana crosswise. Slice 1 banana half; mash the other.
2. Remove quinoa from heat; fluff with a fork. Mix in mashed banana, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla. Transfer to an individual bowl; add blueberries, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, banana slices and goji berries. If desired, serve with additional almond milk.
1 serving: 475 cal., 13g fat (1g sat. fat), 0 chol., 85mg sod., 83g carb. (35g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g pro.
SAVORY APPLE-CHICKEN SAUSAGE
These easy, healthy sausages taste incredible, and they are an excellent addition to any breakfast or brunch. The recipe is also very versatile—it can be doubled or tripled for a crowd, and the sausage freezes well whether cooked or raw.
—Angela Buchanan, Longmont, CO
Takes: 25 min. • Makes: 8 patties
1 large tart apple, peeled and diced
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 lb. ground chicken
1. In a large bowl, combine the apple, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Crumble chicken over mixture and mix well. Shape into eight 3-in. patties.
2. In a large, greased cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook patties over medium heat until no longer pink, 5-6 minutes on each side. Drain if necessary.
1 sausage patty: 92 cal., 5g fat (1g sat. fat), 38mg chol., 328mg sod., 4g carb. (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
FIESTA TIME OMELET
I created this dish when I needed to use up some black olives and jalapenos. With the abundant filling, two of these large omelets can feed four people if served with sides.
—Jennine Victory, Bee Branch, AR
Takes: 15 min. • Makes: 2 servings
4 large eggs
¼ cup fat-free milk
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup queso fresco
¼ cup canned diced jalapeno peppers or chopped green chiles
2 Tbsp. finely chopped sweet red pepper
2 Tbsp. sliced ripe olives
2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
¼ medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
1. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt until blended.
2. Place a lightly oiled 10-in. nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in egg mixture. Mixture should set immediately at edges. As the eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath. When the eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains, spoon cheese, peppers, olives and cilantro on one side. Fold omelet in half. Cut in half; slide onto 2 plates. Top with avocado.
½ omelet: 242 cal., 16g fat (5g sat. fat), 383mg chol., 601mg sod., 7g carb. (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g pro. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 fat, ½ starch.
CINNAMON BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST
I like to prep this breakfast in the afternoon, let it chill, then put it into the slow cooker before I go to bed. When we wake up in the morning, it’s done just right.
—Angela Lively, Conroe, TX
Prep: 15 min. + chilling • Cook: 3 hours • Makes: 6