10 Quick and Easy Mediterranean Recipes
The Mediterranean diet is known to be based on fresh ingredients with very little processed foods involved. This gives the mistaken impression that it involves a lot of cooking and preparation as many so called experts erroneously tell us.
The truth is Mediterranean and Greek food is a fairly simple and straightforward affair. While there are a few recipes that require more time or expertise, typical recipes are quite simple and easy to make. With the start of the school year convenient recipes are even more important.
After summer vacation whether you have kids or not, it can be hard to get back into a routine of meal preparation and not end up ordering takeout
Here is a roundup of my easiest, no fuss, healthy Mediterranean recipes that you can prepare in no time and get you through the week feeling content and healthy.
1. Greek Style Baked Macaroni and (Feta) Cheese
This is a Mediterranean take on a classic American dish but healthier. Make sure you accompany it with a big salad.
2. Quick and Easy Greek Cheese and Herb Pie – Patsavouropita
This actually has phyllo as a crust, but it is super easy to assemble as you just scrunch the phyllo at the base of your pan (no need to be careful at all) and add your toppings.
3. Greek Spinach and Rice – Spanakorizo
A classic and very popular Greek dish that is a meal on its own. Accompany it with a bit of feta and a slice of whole grain bread.
4. Five Ingredient Glazed Honey Lemon Chicken Legs
These are so easy and delicious. Serve with a simple tomato salad drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.
5. Roasted Cauliflower
This is a favorite in our household. It is very filling and we accompany it with a few rusks for dipping the olive oil.
6. Greek Lentils and Rice-Fakorizo
Lentils are my bean of choice, not only because they are so versatile (you can use them in stews, salads, even as a patty) but because they are so easy to prepare. No soaking and they cook very quickly. I use the smallest I can find as they cook even quicker. Here is a classic Greek dish of rice and lentils. I’ve added carrots and tomatoes for more variety.
7. Feta and Greek Yogurt Pita Appetizer
My kids love this and it is so easy to prepare. Serve it as a snack or as a meal accompanied with a salad.
8. Greek Style Peas-Arakas Latheros
I make this every week all year round. When fresh peas are not available, I use froze organic peas which I always keep in my freezer. Accompany with a bit of feta and whole grain bread.
9. Juicy Roasted Greek Meatballs – Keftedakia
If you are going to have red meat this is the way to go. While they are baking make the salad and you are all set. Here in Greece we often accompany them with lightly boiled wild greens (horta). These taste good at room temperature too!
10. Greek Roasted Veggie Pita Pizza
This is complete meal in itself and you can omit the cheese for a vegan version.
Photos by Elena Paravantes © All Rights Reserved
