Mediterranen on the Menu

I tried several new recipes tonight with a greek flavor.

I really wasn't sure if Mr. H. would like them or not,

but he ended up loving everything!

My favorite recipes always start with fresh ingredients.  Mmm!

First up was an easy, classic mediterranean salad. 

For four servings you'll need -

6 small tomatoes, sliced into quarters (campari are my favorite kind!)

1 english cucumber, chopped (sometimes labeled "seedless")

1/4 red onion, diced

16 kalamata olives

1/4 cup feta cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

juice from one lemon

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Place tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives and cheese in a large bowl.

Combine oil, lemon juice, oregano, and pepper.

Pour dressing over vegetables and toss.

Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Next was tabbouleh lettuce wraps.  

For four servings you'll need -

1/2 cup bulgur

3/4 cup boiling water

1/8 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/8 cup fresh mint, chopped

1 tomato, chopped 

4 hearts of romaine lettuce leaves

Pour bowling water over bulgur and let sit for 30 minutes in the fridge.

Add oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic, parsley, mint and tomato.

Toss.

Serve on lettuce leaves at room temperature or chilled.

Homemade pita chips!  Why not from a bag?

Because these were better, cheaper and so easy.

You will need - 

2 pita breads, separated and cut into 24 wedges

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, minced

salt and pepper

Place pita wedges on a cookie sheet.

Combine oil and garlic.

Brush oil over wedges and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Turn wedges over and again brush with oil and season.

Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes or until chips are brown and crispy.

Homemade hummus!  Again better and much cheaper than store prepared.  Also very easy.

You will need -

1 can chick peas (also called garbanzo beans)

1/3 cup olive oil

juice of 1 lemon

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Combine all ingredients in blender.

Blend until smooth.

Yummy, different, healthy and fun.  

And Mr. H. approved. :-)