Indulge in the deliciousness of the Mediterranean style of eating – because it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle. With an emphasis on fresh and wholesome ingredients, this diet offers a wide range of flavourful options without any restrictions.
As the chill of winter sets in, what could be better than some mouth-watering recipes to warm you up? Whether you’re cooking for one or love to host a gathering, these Mediterranean winter warmer recipe ideas will be sure to satisfy the tastebuds.
You definitely can’t go wrong with a vegetarian lasagne that’s packed full of flavourful healthy ingredients. I like to use artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant and spinach as the vegetable component, and whole-wheat lasagna sheets or noodles for the layers. To make the white sauce, I substitute in low-fat milk, sunflower margarine, plain flower and a little bit of low-fat cheese.
A seafood marinara with angel hair pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with ingredients like vegetables, beans, and herbs, as well as healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil. You can also add nuts, fish, and small amounts of meat or cheese for extra flavour and protein.
But what about pasta? Many of us have been told to avoid pasta in the past, but it is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine because it’s easy to make, fills up tummies, is family-friendly, and is an inexpensive choice. The trick is using pasta as the canvas for a veggie-packed meal. I love to use cherry tomatoes, spinach, olives, red onion, artichoke, parsley, feta and a drizzle of olive oil for my Mediterranean-style pasta.
One classic Italian soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening is Minestrone. This hearty soup is packed full of veggies, beans and pasta in a tomato broth for a nutritious and filling meal. Tip: in-season vegetables have a higher nutritional value as nutrients can get lost the longer fruit and vegetables are stored and transported.
Whether you book a one-off consultation or an enhanced care program with Med E Life, we have an array of tailored recipes that fit in with you, your eating habits and your lifestyle. Get in touch with us today and see how our dietitians can help you.