Mediterranean Recipes

Tender beef, simmered in a rich tapestry of spices, herbs, and savory sauces, converges with creamy refried beans and crunchy lettuce. Soft, pliable tortillas envelop the vibrant filling, holding within the promise of a satisfying bite. Melting cheese and tangy tomato sauce mingle, releasing a golden, gooey harmony that binds each component.

Ingredients:
Proteins:
• 1 lb ground beef🍖
Vegetables:
• 1/2 cup chopped onion🧅
• 2 cloves with minced garlic🧄
• 4.5 oz diced green peppers
• Minced green onions (for garnish)
Spices and Seasonings:
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt🧂
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Canned Goods:
• 16 oz refried beans🥫
• 8 oz tomato sauce🍅
• 10 oz enchilada sauce
• 15 oz Beanless Chili (Hormel)
Grains:
• 6 flour burrito tortillas (approx. 12 inches)🫓
Cheese and Toppings:
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese🧀
• 2 cups shredded lettuce🥬
• Additional toppings (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Stir until evenly browned and onion is softened.
4. Drain grease.
5. Add garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
6. Stir in green chili and refried beans until well blended. Keep warm.
7. Combine tomato sauce, bean-free pepper, and enchilada sauce in a skillet.
8. Whisk until well mixed; cook over medium heat until simmering. Keep warm.
9. Divide beef and bean mixture into 6 servings.
10. Place a burrito-sized tortilla on a plate.
11. Add 1/6 of the beef mixture, cheese, and lettuce (optional).
12. Fold tortilla sides over filling (like an envelope).
13. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
14. Place seam-side down in greased 9×13 oven-safe dishes.
15. Pour sauce over burritos.
16. Top with additional cheese.
17. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Timings:
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 – 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 – 60 minutes
Additional Time:
• Letting burritos rest before serving: 5-10 minutes
• Optional toppings preparation (e.g., diced tomatoes, sour cream): 5-10 minutes
Total Time with Additional Steps: 65 – 80 minutes

Servings: 6

Serve hot and enjoy!

A symphony of flavors and textures, Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty Italian dish that celebrates the union of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and rich sauce. Browned chicken thighs, infused with the depth of garlic and herbs, mingle with sautéed onions and bell peppers, their sweetness caramelized to perfection. Earthiness of mushrooms and tanginess of tomato paste and wine converge, creating a savory sauce that coats every bite. A comforting, satisfying masterpiece, Chicken Cacciatore is a testament to the beauty of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients:
Proteins:
• 1 ½ lb chicken thighs (680 g)🍗
• Kosher salt, to taste🧂
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Oils:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Vegetables:
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms (225 g), sliced
• ½ medium yellow onion, sliced🧅
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced🫑
• 4 cloves garlic, minced🧄
Spices and Herbs:
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Wet Ingredients:
• ½ cup red wine (120 g)🍷
• 14 oz diced tomatoes (400 g)🍅
• 1 cup chicken stock (240 g)🍗
Garnish:
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (10 g)
Additional:
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste🍅

Directions:
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
1️⃣ Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
1️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 4-quart skillet over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add chicken; cook 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
3️⃣ Transfer chicken to a bowl.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms
1️⃣ Add another tablespoon olive oil to the pan.
2️⃣ Add mushrooms; lightly season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Cook until mushrooms begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Transfer mushrooms to the bowl with the chicken.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
1️⃣ Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the pan.
2️⃣ Add onion and red bell pepper; season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Cook over medium heat until onion and pepper begin to brown, 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
1️⃣ Create a well in the pan; add tomato paste.
2️⃣ Cook for 1 minute; mix with onions and peppers.
3️⃣ Add garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and rosemary; stir to combine.
Step 6: Add Wine and Simmer
1️⃣ Add red wine; scrape up stuck-on bits from the pan.
2️⃣ Cook until wine is reduced by half.
Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Chicken Stock
1️⃣ Add diced tomatoes and chicken stock.
2️⃣ Bring to a simmer.
Step 8: Combine and Cook
1️⃣ Place chicken and mushrooms on top of simmering sauce.
2️⃣ Pour in accumulated juices from the bowl.
3️⃣ Sprinkle with parsley.
4️⃣ Cover; cook for 12 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 9: Serve
1️⃣ Serve chicken and sauce over pasta or with bread alongside.

Timings:
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 – 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 – 50 minutes

Servings:
For 4 servings.

Enjoy your Chicken Cacciatore!

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful, savory-sweet fusion, perfect for the holidays. Tender turkey, fragrant herbs, and crunchy bread crumbs blend harmoniously. Dried cranberries add tartness and chewiness, balancing the richness. Onion, celery, and parsley contribute freshness and depth. Thyme and seasonings infuse warmth and aromatic comfort. Golden-brown exterior gives way to a moist, flavorful interior. These bite-sized treasures are easy to make, perfect for snacking, appetizers, or side dishes.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups of bread crumbs🍞
• 1 cup of cooked turkey, shredded🥩
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup of onion, finely diced🧅
• 1/2 cup of celery, diced
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth🍗
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of salt🧂
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 large egg🥚

Directions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
1️⃣ Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
Step 2: Prepare Stuffing Mixture
1️⃣ Mix bread crumbs, turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley in a large bowl.
2️⃣ Add thyme, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
1️⃣ Pour in chicken broth.
2️⃣ Add egg.
3️⃣ Stir until evenly combined and moist.
4️⃣ Adjust moisture with additional broth if needed.
Step 4: Form Stuffing Balls
1️⃣ Scoop 2 tablespoons of mixture at a time.
2️⃣ Roll into balls.
3️⃣ Place on prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
1️⃣ Bake for 25 minutes.
2️⃣ Check for golden brown and cooked-through.
Step 6: Serve
1️⃣ Serve warm as side dish or appetizer.
2️⃣ Offer gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.

Timings:
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
Additional Time:
• Preheating oven: 5 minutes
• Preparation of stuffing mixture: 10 minutes
• Forming stuffing balls: 5-7 minutes
Total Preparation and Cooking Time: 60 – 67 minutes

Servings:

12 – 15 stuffing balls.

Enjoy your crunchy Stuffing Balls!

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is a culinary masterpiece, balancing sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Flaky salmon fillets, tender and moist, provide the perfect canvas. A rich, sticky glaze, crafted with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice, adds depth and complexity. Caramelized during baking, the glaze transforms into a golden, syrupy crust, infusing the salmon with sweetness. Each bite transports you to a serene ocean side, surrounded by simplicity and elegance. The subtle tang of lemon and the pungency of garlic enhance the salmon’s natural flavor. Fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness, completing the dish. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is a harmonious fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and Mediterranean elegance!

Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup honey 🍯
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced🧄
• 4 pieces salmon fillets🍣
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon juice (1 lemon)🍋
• Salt and pepper (to taste)🧂
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
1️⃣ Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Prepare baking sheet with parchment.
Step 2: Prepare Glaze
1️⃣ Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Step 3: Assemble and Season
1️⃣ Arrange salmon pieces on baking sheet.
2️⃣ Coat liberally with glaze.
3️⃣ Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Cook
1️⃣ Bake for 12 – 15 minutes or until glaze caramelizes.
2️⃣ Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for intense finish.
Step 5: Serve
1️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley.
2️⃣ Serve with preferred accompaniments.

Timings:
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 – 15 minutes (baking) + 2-3 minutes (optional broiling)
•Total Time: 22 – 28 minutes
Additional Time:
• Preheating oven: 5 minutes
• Preparation of glaze and salmon: 5 minutes
• Seasoning and garnishing: 2-3 minutes
Total Preparation and Cooking Time: 34 – 40 minutes

Enjoy your juicy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon!

Smashed Avocado Bruschetta is a symphony of creamy textures, vibrant colors, and fresh flavors. Toasted baguette slices, crispy on the outside and soft within, provide the perfect base. A rich, velvety avocado mixture, infused with zesty lemon juice, salt, and pepper, adds depth. A colorful medley of cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fragrant basil adds pops of juicy sweetness. The subtle pungency of garlic and the tangy zip of balsamic glaze complete the harmony. Each bite transports you to a sunny Mediterranean afternoon, surrounded by simplicity and delight.

Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe avocado🥑

• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes🍅

• 2 tablespoons red onion🧅

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil

• 1 baguette (for toasting)🥖

• Salt🧂

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 garlic clove🧄

Optional Toppings:

• Balsamic glaze

• Crumbled cheese🧀

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice🍋

Directions :

Step 1: Prepare Avocado Mixture

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2️⃣ Mash avocado in a medium bowl until smooth.

3️⃣ Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper; mix well.

Step 2: Prepare Tomato Mixture

1️⃣ Combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil in a small bowl.

Step 3: Toast Baguette

1️⃣ Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.

2️⃣ Brush each slice with olive oil.

3️⃣ Bake for 5 – 7 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble Bruschetta

1️⃣ Remove baguette from oven; rub with garlic.

2️⃣ Spread smashed avocado on each slice.

3️⃣ Top with tomato mixture.

5️⃣ Drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional).

Timings:

• Prep Time: 15 – 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 – 7 minutes (toasting baguette)

• Total Time: 20 – 27 minutes

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Steak and Shrimp Kebobs are a symphony of savory flavors and vibrant colors, expertly harmonized on a single skewer. Tender steak, marinated to perfection, boasts a rich, meaty texture, while succulent shrimp add a pop of juicy sweetness. Crunchy bell peppers, onions, and zucchini add a fresh crunch, their subtle sweetness enhanced by the smoky grill. The aromatic marinade, infused with garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, and paprika, wraps each bite in a depth of umami flavor. With each skewer, the tender steak and shrimp meld together in perfect harmony, complemented by the satisfying char of the grill. Serve with a side of fluffy rice, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing salad for a well-rounded culinary masterpiece!

Ingredients:
Proteins:
•1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes🥩
•1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined🍤
Vegetables:
• 1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces🫑
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges🧅
•1 zucchini, sliced into rounds🥒
Marinade:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced🧄
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice🍋
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste🧂
For Assembling:
• Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)🍢

Directions:
Step 1: Marinate
1️⃣ Mix olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a marinade.
2️⃣ Add steak and shrimp; toss to coat.
3️⃣ Marinate 30 minutes+.
Step 2: Assemble Kebobs
1️⃣ Alternate steak, shrimp, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini on skewers.
Step 3: Grill
1️⃣ Preheat grill to medium-high.
2️⃣ Grill 2-3 minutes per side or until steak reaches desired doneness and shrimp are opaque.
Step 4: Serve
1️⃣ Rest for a few minutes.
2️⃣ Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or side salad.
3️⃣ Customize with favorite veggies or seasonings.

Timings:
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings:
4 servings.

Enjoy your tender steak and shrimp kebobs!

Fried Chicken Rice Teriyaki Cups are a harmonious fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors, meticulously crafted into bite-sized, crispy-edged cups. Tender chicken, marinated in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, is nestled atop a bed of fluffy, slightly crispy rice, infused with the subtle tang of soy sauce and rice vinegar. Crunchy scallions and sesame seeds add textural depth, while the hint of ginger and garlic rounds out the aroma. Each cup is a masterful balance of flavors and textures, making for a satisfying, filling snack or meal.

Ingredients:
For the Rice Mixture:
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 3 cups cooked rice (690 g)🍚
•1 cup minced onion (150 g)🧅
• ¾ cup finely diced carrot (90 g)🥕
• 1 cup chopped scallion (100 g), plus more for serving
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 clove minced garlic🧄
• 1 teaspoon salt🧂
• 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 large eggs🥚
For the Chicken Teriyaki:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 lb cubed chicken breast (905 g)🍗
• ½ teaspoon salt🧂
• 2 cloves minced garlic🧄
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• ½ cup soy sauce (120 mL)
• ⅓ cup honey (115 g)🍯
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch🌽
• Juice of 1 lime🍋
Note: These ingredients are for 12 cups.

Directions:
Step 1: Prepare Rice Cups
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
2️⃣ Grease 12-cup muffin tin.
3️⃣ Mix rice, onion, carrot, scallions, ginger, garlic, salt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and eggs.
4️⃣ Fill muffin cups with ¼ cup rice mixture; shape into cups.
5️⃣ Bake 35 minutes or until edges are golden.
Step 2: Make Teriyaki Chicken
1️⃣ Cook chicken, salt, garlic, and ginger in olive oil.
2️⃣ Add soy sauce, honey, sesame seeds, cornstarch, and lime juice.
3️⃣ Simmer sauce until thickened.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
1️⃣ Cool rice cups slightly.
2️⃣ Remove from muffin tin.
3️⃣ Fill with 3-4 chicken pieces.
4️⃣ Spoon teriyaki sauce over top.
5️⃣ Garnish with chopped scallions.

Timings:
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 – 40 minutes (rice cups: 35 minutes, teriyaki chicken: 7-10 minutes)
• Total Time: 55 – 60 minutes

Calories:
Assuming that there are 12 servings, there would be approximately 420 – 500 calories per serving.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cream Cheese Enchiladas embody a rich, velvety fusion of flavors and textures. Tender corn tortillas wrap around a decadent filling: creamy cream cheese, shredded chicken, and melted Mexican cheese. Savory chicken broth and diced green chilies add depth, while lime juice provides a subtle zing. A smooth, creamy sauce blankets the rolled enchiladas, infused with the subtle tang of cream cheese. Each bite transports you to the heart of Mexican cuisine, with comforting, indulgent flavors. The combination is pure bliss: creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying!

Ingredients:
• 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken🍗
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter🧈
• 2 cups chicken broth🥣
• 1 can diced green chiles(4 oz)
• 8 corn tortillas (6-inches)🌽🫓
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lime juice🍋
• Optional:
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste🧂
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Optional toppings:
– Diced tomatoes🍅
– Sliced olives🫒
– Sliced jalapeños
– Chopped green onions

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add flour; whisk to combine.
4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer; cook until thickened.
6. Remove from heat; stir in softened cream cheese.
7. Add shredded chicken, Mexican cheese, diced green chiles, and lime juice.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder.
9. Dip tortillas in sauce; fill with chicken mixture.
10. Roll enchiladas; place seam-side down in baking dish.
11. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas.
12. Top with additional cheese.
13. Bake 25 – 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
14. Garnish with cilantro and desired toppings.

Timings:
• Prep Time: 20 – 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 – 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 – 55 minutes

Servings:
Each serving would likely consist of 1-2 enchiladas, serving 4-6 people (depending on serving size).

Calories:

Approximately 450 – 500 per serving.