These 17 Mediterranean recipes are proof that following a heart-healthy diet is anything but a chore.
Vegetable Antipasti Plate
A centuries-old trick for preserving (and, we dare say, vastly improving) a glut of fresh ingredients that would otherwise go to waste.
Whole Grain Sourdough Pita
The familiar pita bread but made with whole grain flour and sourdough starter. Still puffs. Still amazes. In looks as well as taste.
Minestrone Soup
An updated Italian classic made with all the usual suspects along with an unexpected drizzle of pesto that turns a frugal veggie-bin catch-all into something truly astounding.
Horta ~ Boiled Greens with Garlic
A classic and nutritious way to get your daily mix of greens—kale, anyone?—that's based on Greek tradition...complete with a little added oomph.
Za’atar Cacio e Pepe
It's Ottolenghi. Enough said. (Well, okay, we have to say more. Like how everyone who’s tried this swears it’ll forevermore be their simple supper standby.)
Roasted Potatoes with Dill
A handful of cheap ingredients. The exact perfect temperature and timing. And a little patience, please, while spuds are elevated from simple to stellar.
Whole Roasted Branzino with Lemon and Shaved Fennel Salad
Simple works. That's the lesson behind this subtle, delicate classic encountered on menus throughout Manhattan. And so easy to make at home.
Sautéed Spinach with Bread Crumbs
That frugal Italian trick of adding buttery bread crumbs to just about anything to make it more enticing works its considerable charms here. Swoon.
Couscous Salad with Fennel and Almonds
You could, of course, serve couscous plain. But why?! Makes little sense when you can quickly and easily toss in almonds and lemon and tuna and shaved fennel and literally be astounded.
Roast Chicken Thighs with Lemon
Shatteringly crisp skin. Tender, juicy meat. And pan juices you're gonna wanna sop up or soak up rather than let a drop go to waste.
Giardiniera ~ Italian Pickled Vegetables
The finest Italian picked vegetables are whatever veggies you love left to soak in vinegar, spices, and herbs. So easy. So addictive.
Eggplant Shakshuka
The sultry, smoky flavor of ras el hanout permeates this simple supper of eggs in tomato sauce, which takes on more sustenance than usual thanks to late-summer eggplant.
Italian Frittata
Eggs, potatoes, and not much else. That's our weeknight salvation come suppertime on a super crazy day.
Lentil and Escarole Soup
Truly the epitome of classic rustic Italian cooking. Here's to the simple things in life that taste anything but simple.
Spaghetti with Olives, Broccoli, and Feta
Eating healthy never tasted so satisfying as this jumble of salty, savory, and spicy that's done in just 30 minutes. Rumor has it cold leftovers are just as magnificent as dinner the night before.
Greek-Style Sheet Pan Chicken
An entire meal on a sheet pan. That pretty sums up this weeknight meal that's short on fuss and long on Greek-inspired flavor and is actually healthy yet doesn't taste like it.
Muhammara ~ Red Pepper-Walnut Spread
Though not as well known stateside as hummus or baba ghanoush, this Mediterranean classic is equally enticing. Let us introduce you to its subtly smoky and sweetly tangy awesomeness.
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