Tag: Mediterranean Fusion

  • Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl

    Ingredients

    1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked

    1 lb chicken breast, grilled and sliced

    1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

    1 cucumber, diced

    1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

    1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

    1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

    1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

    1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

    2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

    1 teaspoon dried oregano

    Salt and pepper to taste

    Salt and pepper to taste

    Execution

    1

    Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water and cook it according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.

    2

    Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Grill until fully cooked, then slice it into thin strips.

    3

    Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh parsley.

    4

    Assemble the Bowl: In individual serving bowls, layer the cooked quinoa, grilled chicken slices, and the vegetable mixture.

    5

    Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over each bowl, distributing it evenly.

    6

    Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over each bowl.

    7

    Toss and Garnish: Gently toss the ingredients in each bowl to combine flavors. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

    8

    Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

    Additional tips

    • Customize the bowl by adding grilled vegetables or your favorite Mediterranean ingredients.
    • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
    • Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld for an even tastier experience.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast

    Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast

    Ingredients

    8 slices of thick-cut bread

    4 oz cream cheese, softened

    1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

    1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

    4 large eggs

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

    Butter for cooking

    Maple syrup for serving

    Fresh basil leaves for garnish

    Execution

    1

    Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta. Set aside.

    2

    Make the French Toast Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and dried oregano.

    3

    Assemble the Stuffed French Toast: Spread the cream cheese mixture onto 4 slices of bread. Top with the remaining slices to make sandwiches.

    4

    Dip and Cook: Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Cook the stuffed French toast until golden brown on both sides.

    5

    Serve: Cut each sandwich in half diagonally and arrange on plates. Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

    Additional tips

    • For a shortcut, you can use store-bought hollandaise sauce, but preparing it from scratch adds an authentic touch.
    • Experiment with different types of smoked salmon for varied flavors, such as dill-infused or peppered varieties.
    • Ensure your eggs are as fresh as possible for the best poaching results.
    • If you prefer a non-traditional twist, consider adding a sprinkle of capers or a dash of hot sauce for extra zing.
    • Serve with a side of mixed greens or a light fruit salad to balance the richness of the dish.