Summertime Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes

Mediterranean dishes are celebrated for their robust flavors, fresh ingredients, and aromatic herbs. The use of olive oil, olives, and fragrant seasonings like oregano and basil enhances the vibrant taste profiles, making each meal not only delicious but also wholesome. These culinary delights feature lean proteins, healthy fats, and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, perfectly aligning with a nutritious and delicious summer diet!

Batata Harra (Spicy Fried Potatoes)*

Batata Harra is a savory side dish originating from Lebanon. Seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, cilantro, and spice, these spicy potatoes are full of flavor and are deliciously crispy. It pairs nicely with salads and anything grilled! 

Ingredients: 

• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 c. vegetable oil for deep frying

• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 4 tbsp cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper 

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon french fry seasoning 

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Lemon juice (to your liking)

Preparation:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1 inch cubes. Rinse.

2. Add the potatoes to ice water and soak for 10 minutes.

3. Add the cubed potatoes to a pot of boiling water and parboil for 5 to 6 minutes, or until fork-tender.

4. Drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly. 

5. Toss the potatoes in cornstarch until coated evenly.

6. Add 1 cup of vegetable oil to a small pot and place over medium heat (about 350°F). 

7. Deep fry the potatoes until golden-brown. This may need to be done in batches to ensure the potatoes are not overcrowded. Drain and set aside. 

8. Evenly coat a wide pan with vegetable oil. Heat on low and add cilantro, garlic, and salt. Stir for about a minute, until fragrant and a slight color change is noticed. Mix in the fried potatoes, then add lemon juice.

9. Season with black pepper, crushed red pepper, paprika, and french fry seasoning and serve warm.

Baked Salmon*

Packed with protein and healthy fat, salmon is the superfood of the sea. This simple, heart-healthy dish is marinated in olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and spice. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 tbsp olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cilantro, freshly chopped

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped

• 3 (6oz) skinless salmon filets

Preparation:

1. Prepare the marinade by mixing garlic, olive oil, cilantro, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and parsley in a medium bowl. 

2. Place salmon filets in a medium sized baking dish and cover with the marinade.

3.  Cover with aluminum foil and let it marinate in the refrigerator for one hour, turning occasionally. 

4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 

5. Place the filets covered and sealed in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes.

Fattoush Salad*

The fattoush salad is another traditional Lebanese dish. It’s a fresh and vibrant mix of seasonal veggies topped with olive oil, crunchy pita bread, feta cheese and more. 

Ingredients:

• Bundle of parsley, chopped

• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

• ¼ sweet onion, chopped

• 2 radishes, grated

• 1 (24 oz) bag of iceberg lettuce salad

• 1/3 pound of feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

• Clove of garlic, minced

• 1 ½ lemons, juiced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• 1 loaf (whole wheat) pita bread

Preparation:

1. Mix the parsley, tomatoes, onion, radishes, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Reserve the iceberg lettuce, pita bread, and feta cheese for later steps.

2. Once ingredients are mixed, add the ready-salad bag, but do not toss until ready to serve. This keeps the lettuce fresh for longer.

3. Slice the loaf of pita bread horizontally to produce two thin, flat slices. Toast the slices in a microwave for one minute, until crisp. Let them cool for about 10 seconds. Once ready, break them into smaller pieces to add to the bowl.

4. Toss when ready to serve.

Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

This baked pear recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the warm flavors of maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Ingredients:

• 4 D’Anjou pears (aka Anjou pears)

• 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Optional toppings: Maple Almond Granola https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/maple-almond-cranberry-granola/, Greek yogurt, pecans

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F 

2. Cut pears in half, then cut a small sliver off the underside so the pears sit flat when placed upright on the baking sheet. 

3. Remove the core with a cookie scoop or melon baller.

4. Arrange pears, facing up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon.

5. Whisk maple syrup and vanilla extract together and drizzle most of it all over the pears, reserving about 2 Tablespoons for after the pears are finished baking.

6. Bake pears for about 25 minutes until soft and lightly browned on the edges. 

7. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with remaining maple syrup mixture. 

8. Add optional toppings and serve warm.

Recipe link: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/simple-maple-vanilla-baked-pears/

*Original recipe