Recipezaar: Southern Europe (Mediterranean),Low Cholesterol recipes

Magic Fresh Tomato Spaghetti, Pasta or Pizza Sauce

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:32:40 -0400

Check out this trick - a whole, unpeeled tomato goes in the pot, and a tasty, seed-free, peel-free tomato sauce comes out! Okay, well, maybe it's not really magic, but it's a great trick to save you from having to peel, chop, and de-seed all those tomatoes (which is the reason I almost never made sauce from my garden tomatoes until now). We'll take care of the peels and seeds with a blender/food processor and a fine mesh strainer. Yes, a couple of extra things to clean, but it's still faster than all that peeling and chopping! Also, because the peels are cooked in the sauce, you preserve more of the nutrients in them. This is a highly customizable recipe (really more a framework than anything else) - make it smooth or chunky, with meat or vegetarian, regular or low-sodium, or even use it to hide a few extra veggies (a tip for you parents of picky children - you can make them completely undetectable). The quantities are inexact because there's so much variation in the size, taste and texture of fresh tomatoes, and anything else you add will change the flavor. So you really have to adjust the seasonings and other ingredients to compensate. This is part of the art of making tomato sauce, but don't be intimidated! Just add a little bit at a time until it tastes right to you, remembering the axiom: "You can always put more in, but you can't take it back out." Unless you have a real magic wand, of course. :) -- posted by ItalianMama

Herb and Garlic Pizza Dough

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:36:01 -0400

This is quick and easy. Whenever I serve this for company they rave about the crust. Little do they know it was soooo easy. Sometimes I do half whole wheat flour and half white -- posted by Islandlife

Homemade Fresh Ricotta Cheese

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:29:48 -0400

This is amazingly simple to make, using just 3 ingredients! And it only takes about 20 minutes to make!!! More delicate than storebought and only 1/2 the price. Use this fluffy cheese for lasagna, cannoli, or simple crostini(with a drizzle of eevo or topped with chopped fresh herbs). There's even a reduced fat version! I found this in the May issue of Good Housekeeping magazine. -- posted by Sharon123

Italian Style Broccoli

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:57:22 -0400

I serve this with as a side to pasta dishes -- posted by GingerlyJ

Aubergine, Tomato & Parmesan Bake (Melanzane Alla Parmigiana

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 09:07:06 -0400

GoodFood Magazine, 04/2009 edition, is where I found this recipe. I imagine everyone has at least one version of this meal - so I'm just adding mine One of the biggest advantages is that it tastes better the second day!. Of course I like mine the best!:) Can be frozen without topping, vegetarian & "posh" comfort food! Marvelous, just wonderful. -- posted by Manami

Quick Easy Roast Tomato Pasta

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:02:37 -0400

Adapted from something I saw on Rachael Ray. So delicious and easy -- posted by LBella

Quinoa Tabouleh (Gluten-Free and Vegan)

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:55:32 -0400

I got this recipe from a package of Bob's Red Mill brand quinoa. It's perfect because my husband and I love Middle Eastern food, but he's allergic to gluten and can't have traditional tabouleh. The fresher the herbs, the better because they are really the cornerstone of this recipe. Feel free to add tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, toasted pine nuts, anything you desire. It would make a great meal with a side of veggie kabobs and vegan tzatziki. Cooking time includes cooking the quinoa and refrigerating the salad. Preparation time includes chopping. -- posted by Prose

Chicken and Olive One Pot Roast

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:40:15 -0400

The tomatoes, onions and beans all create a lovely sauce for the chicken. -- posted by English_Rose

Lasagna

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:53:46 -0400

Mom's Lasagna -- posted by MmLeaf05

Toaster Garlic Bread

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:35:27 -0400

Very easy to make garlic bread, fast and can make you look like a kitchen godess in an emerbency -- posted by andream

Tuscan White Bean Dip

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:16:17 -0400

I was looking for a heathy appetizer to take to a party and decided a good garlicy white bean dip would be the choice. A friend had sent me a recipe for a bean dip. I tried the dip and then tweaked it to my taste. This ultimately should be served on pita chips, however not being able to buy those in Holland, I chose to use plain salted tortilla chips. My recipe was a complete success at the party. People loved it and not a drop was left. At first when told of the dip my husband was skeptical of a healthy bean dip. However he raved about it as well. -- posted by Expat in Holland

Francine's Tenerumi Soup

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:19:08 -0400

Tenerumi Soup is a Sicilian dish. The ingredients say spinach since the program does not recognize "tenerumi" which are the tender ends of a cucuzza plant. -- posted by Phil Franco

Penne With Zucchini, Swordfish, and Herbs

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:52:32 -0400

Penne con Zucchine e Pesce Spada, from 1,000 Italian Recipes; Michele Scicolone -- posted by ratherbeswimmin'

Low Fat Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:29:24 -0400

Full flavor, low fat, and low calorie hummus. Spicy and oh so delicious! Serve with veggie tray, pretzels, crackers, or your favorite dipping snacks. -- posted by RedSoxInMD

Spanish Green Salad With Roasted Red Peppers and Preserved Lemon

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:29:42 -0400

I was attending a dinner party where the theme was Spanish food, and I was responsible for bringing a salad. The funny thing about Spain is that their salads are either super plain (e.g. a couple of tomatoes and some greens) OR contain meat, in the form of fish or cured ham of some kind. I looked at several different recipes and made up this one. -- posted by bmann

Black Olive Pesto

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:52:45 -0400

I was trying to create a dip with a Mediterranean flavor to go with toasted pita chips, and this is what I came up with. I hope you like it. -- posted by Greg #3

Chicken Marsala

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:39:54 -0400

Watched a video of this being prepared, decided to make this as Marsala (Veal or Chicken) are one of my favorite dishes. -- posted by BethR

Lemony Potato, Broccoli and Goat Cheese Salad

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:21:15 -0400

Perfect for making ahead, but take it out of the fridge a good hour before serving. -- posted by English_Rose

Tuna and Bean Salad

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:42:26 -0400

An all-time favorite Italian salad, this won't take long to make and is great for lunch. -- posted by English_Rose

Pepper and Mozzarella Pasta

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:43:06 -0400

Quick and tasty. -- posted by English_Rose

Vegan Lentil Soup in 20 Minutes

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:25:45 -0400

I admit, the first time I used a pressure cooker I was a little afraid. I left my studio and stood on the other side of the door to avoid severe burning and disfigurement if my pot of legumes exploded. I called a friend to ask her if I was doing it right. But now I see the pressure cooker like a trusted friend who only wants to save me some valued time. So when I saw this lentil recipe in Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and the preparation time of 1 hour, I was so glad I had a pressure cooker to cut the time by nearly two-thirds, borrowing a technique from the Spanish and the Lentils with Chorizo Sausage Recipe (Recipe #342592). The first thing I did was skip the step where you sauté the onion and carrots for 10 minutes. It's unnecessary, and you'll find that my method makes a soup with a smoother, more pleasant consistency by cooking the vegetables whole or halved, then removing and pureeing them afterwards. My kitchen has a surplus of brown lentils, so those are what I used. I'm going to keep the brown lentils in the recipe because I don't know if French lentils require more liquid. One thing I want to try for next time, since I used bouillon cubes, is to break them up and try to dissolve them in step 2 rather than prepare the stock ahead of time, and I plan to cut down the salt next time. I find the best way to seed plum tomatoes is to cut them in half and sweep out the seedy parts with your index finger. The soup you'll get from this is addictively delicious and filling, and you'll feel like a genius for owning a pressure cooker. -- posted by Valeria

Easy Sugar-Dusted Amaretti Biscuits

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:26:53 -0400

I haven't tried this yet. I'm collecting simple cookie recipes to try for Christmas. This was found in The Canadian Living Cooking Collection Muffins and Cookies. -- posted by Dreamer in Ontario

Pasta Primavera - Gone Light

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:05:28 -0400

Can be made using any veggies surrently in season or available to you....should be FRESH! A delicious way to enjoy your pasta - without it "enjoying" you so to speak! From the Cook Yourself Thin tv show. -- posted by Mommy Diva

White Bean and Pesto Bruschetta

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:20:44 -0400

I got teh idea for this dip from the show Emeril Green. I couldn't remember the exact recipe so I played around a bit and came up with this simple but elegant tasting appetizer -- posted by GingerlyJ

Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup With White Beans

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:17:19 -0400

This recipe is my version of an Italian Salsiccia Minestra, or sausage soup. You can add or subtract ingredients according to what you have on hand. If you use linguica, kidney beans, and kale, it becomes Portugeuse Kale Soup. Buon mangiare! -- posted by bakedapple42

Summer Tomato Sauce

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:01:12 -0400

From "Pasta Harvest" cookbook by Janet Fletcher -- posted by Chef Itchy Monkey

Vegetable Stew

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:24:40 -0400

From Dom DeLuise. -- posted by Chocolatl

Rita's Recipe from Felina in Italy

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:20:07 -0400

This is an open-faced eggplant sandwich from Dom DeLuise. -- posted by Chocolatl

Ww Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:08:06 -0400

weight watchers 5 points -- posted by Chef #1298498

Easy Puttanesca Sauce

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:53:50 -0400

A lovely warming sauce; a good sinus-clearer; or just some proper traditional Italian cooking! This sauce announces itself at full volume, because of the chillies, but is also full of flavour. It is pantry food - a sauce that can be thrown together from ingredients you can keep in the cupboard for months at a time. This is the simplest recipe for it I have found, but is still delicious. When condensed down there may not seem to be much sauce, but you want to treat this like pesto - a small quantity swirled through lots of pasta, rather than drowning in sauce. If you try to split this only between two you may find it too rich. -- posted by Boo L

Low Fat Lime Cilantro Hummus

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:28:33 -0400

My husband found this recipe on a website about a year ago and it has become a staple in our home. (The website is www.urbandrivel.blogspot.com there are quite a few good recipes if you're interested). It's great with Falafel, fresh veggies and pita wedges. -- posted by Bell4523

Pita Bread

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:15:06 -0400

I learned to make pita bread using this recipe from my friend's copy of Nita Mehta's Lebanese cookbook. When I moved, I had to beg her for the recipe because other recipes that I found online were not so tasty or easy. Not only is the stovetop/griddle method of cooking pitas easy, but it is so fun and satisfying to see them balloon up to make pita pockets! -- posted by stealmystapler

Savory Bruschetta

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:36:27 -0400

This is one of my family's favorite things that I make. Sage,Thyme, Onions,Tomatoes and Swiss cheese make this a very savory and tasty appetizer. It's very simple and can be tweaked with other additions if you like. I try to buy a few baguettes at a time so I can slice them all up and place them in zip lock baggies and freeze.Then whenever I have tomatoes onions and cheese on hand, I can take out the bread,defrost, and put this quick appetizer together in a matter of minutes. -- posted by Chef #741806

No-Knead Ciabatta

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:17:24 -0400

This is one of my most favorite recipes. It has very few ingredients but turns out very well. When you take it out of the oven you can hear the crust crackling-very nice! Hope you like it as much as we do. (If you want to use whole wheat you can add only a half a cup to this recipe -more than that will make the bread dense) Also if you only have active dry yeast- double the yeast amount to 1/2 tsp. Note* since it is a no-knead recipe it is a pretty flat loaf with a max. height of about 5-7 inches. -- posted by Leah's Kitchen

Basic Garlic and Oil Sauce for Perfect Pasta (Rachael Ray)

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:11:53 -0400

If you like pasta, you're going to LOVE this recipe from Everyday With Rachael Ray's magazine (Oct '09). She has a "secret ingredient" that adds an unexpected zest to the ordinary ingredients: anchovies. She notes in her recipe that " even if you think you don't like anchovies, you should try this recipe--it'll change your mind." Further, she points out that "once you heat anchovies, they stop tasting like fish and start tasting more like salted nuts." So: try it, you'll like it! If you must, don't say anything to the diners--and ask them if they like it, before you reveal the "secret ingredient." -- posted by Debber

Ww Pasta Primavera

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:55:40 -0400

6 points -- posted by Chef #1298498

Spicy Red Pasta Sauce

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:52:24 -0400

Known in Italian as arrabiata sauce, this is an amazing homemade red sauce. The ingredients are frugal but the end result is delicious. My fiance and I use this often when we are having friends over. Add some chicken sausage and fresh basil if you want to make it extra special. -- posted by quirkycook

Aurora Somazzi Clerici's Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:19 -0400

My husband's great grandparents setteled in Napa after coming to America from Lugano, Switzerland. Lugano is a town on the border between Italy and Switzerland and has a long roman history- hence the italian style of foods. This is a great sauce that is easy to make and will fill your home with wonderful smells and healthy appetites. Makes about 3 quarts of finished sauce. -- posted by Napa Goat Ranch

Sugar, Salt & Vinegar Red Tomatoes

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:38:01 -0400

I just reviewed a Sugar Glazed Fried Green Tomato recipe on Zaar and it reminded me of a recipe I use constantly during the summer and it is not posted. My mother stated it was Swedish and my father stated it was German or Bavarian. Very simple and the marinating juice can be used in soups, stews or vegetable pies. Note: You can use raw sugar also. These tomatoes can be added to a simple lettuce salad and no dressing is necessary or served separately with juice drained. -- posted by Montana Heart Song

Tuna Pasta Sauce

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:15:18 -0400

Clearing out my cupboard, and came up with this sauce. It's cheap and easy to make, and low fat. -- posted by KVasanth

Turkey Pastitsio-Low Fat!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:40:32 -0400

Pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish,usually made with beef. This lighter version is ideal for those who are watching their weight/cholestrol level. I sometimes skip the cinnamon and add in a little chilli powder/chilli flakes for a spicier variation. -- posted by Noo

Calamaretti in Zimino Con Polenta Alla Griglia

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:14:18 -0400

An appetizing first course from the flavor center of the universe, Louisiana. Courtesy of Chef Fernando Saracchi of Ristorante Bacco, featured in The Louisiana New Garde television series. The nutrition numbers will be skewed as you won't be using the entire batch of polenta for this recipe. Save it and serve in other recipes. To save time, use store-bought prepared polenta. -- posted by Molly53

Quinoa - Risotto Style 1

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:07:28 -0400

This is my own recipe. I like it, as it's a fast way to eat well and feel great... Quinoa, poblano peppers and parmesan ! Don't use kraft powder. Buy some real parmesan or, even better, Belgioioso 'American Grana' if you're in the USA -- by far one of the best "parmesan" style cheeses you can find in the states. The fact that they admit it's American, gets you over a psychological barrier, and it's just a great product. You'll become addicted...eat it with fruit : figs, mango, guava... -- posted by Asd;MRS-NYC

Perfect Spaghetti Sauce (Crock-Pot)

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:08:50 -0400

As a kid, I was pretty picky about spaghetti sauce, and then mom got this one from a friend...SO good! Now that I have kids of my own, they love it and I've been able to improvise on the recipe myself to make it both kid- and adult-friendly! An easy meal that you don't have to think about and will make your house smell delicious! Plenty for freezing,as well, for another day. Hope you enjoy! *Sometimes, I'll replace some of the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes and add a little more spice and garlic to compensate* **I use hot Italian sausage mixed with ground beef for a little more of a kick** -- posted by Chef #1240616

Greek Chickpeas

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:47:06 -0400

Might be ok with oregano too! -- posted by littlemafia

Leeks Cooked in White Wine

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:44:02 -0400

This recipe is from the vegetarian cookbook Mediterranean Harvest. This recipe hails from Croatia and Bulgaria. -- posted by Eat Your Vegetables!

Pasta With Uncooked Tomatoes, Basil, Capers, Olives and Feta

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:43:57 -0400

This pasta dish is perfect to highlight the fresh flavor of heirloom tomatoes. From the vegetarian cookbook Mediterranean Harvest. -- posted by Eat Your Vegetables!

Gemelli With Asparagus and Pine Nuts

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:49:34 -0400

This recipe is from Vegan Italiano. "Gemelli is a short braided pasta, ideal for tossing with inch-long asparagus, but any tubular variety--penne is a good choice--will work in this appealing springtime recipe." -- posted by Eat Your Vegetables!

Warm Pesto Roast Vegetables

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:19:39 -0400

A great accompaniment to pasta, make ahead and take some to work to spruce up your lunch. You can roast halved and deseeded squash with the skin on, if you like - just scoop the flesh away from the skin with a spoon and toss into the salad. -- posted by English_Rose

Italian Wedding Soup

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:13:03 -0500

A combo of several wonderful Wedding Soup recipes.... -- posted by dukeswalker

Ambrosial Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:33:14 -0500

This Golden Roasted Sweet Cauliflower fragrant with rosemary, garlic, and saffron is submitted this here http://www.cuisinartstandmixer.com/recipes/index.php?recipe_id=2479 hope you enjoy and do vote for it!. It is topped with rich creamy roasted garlic sauce. -- posted by ~Rita~

Minestra With Sweet Sausage

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:56:41 -0500

This recipe is from Rachael Ray. -- posted by Lainey6605

Spicy Marinara Sauce

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:55:06 -0500

This is a great sauce for those weekend pasta meals when you have the extra time. My favorite thing about making my own sauce is the aroma that fills your house. Everyone comes to the dinner table hungry. -- posted by Bread 'n Butter

Spaghetti With Braised Kale (Bon Appétit)

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:59:38 -0500

An easy vegetarian (or vegan) recipe from Molly Wizenberg printed in Bon Appétit (October 2009). Lacitano kale is also called Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale. This recipe is very adaptable. You can add shallots, red pepper flakes, or other herbs and spices. Season with salt and pepper. -- posted by blucoat

Garlic and Oregano Pizza Dough

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:13:49 -0500

I used this for a pizza party I had recently, and it was a huge hit! It works best with white pizzas (using olive oil and herbs or pesto as a sauce). The crust is amazingly tasty, and quite flavorful. It also cooks up incredibly crispy on the outside, and tender and chewy on the inside. It's a perfect pizza dough. -- posted by Obsidian468

Monica & Jamie's Hummas

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:54:22 -0500

Jamie and I own a graphic design business. One of our clients owns a Persian restaurant with a terrific Hummas appetizer. This inspired us to try our own hand at it. After trying many recipies, we've created this version with an array of the ingredients we liked best from what we tried. Here's my recipe, not too bad if I do say so myself! -- posted by Monica & Jamie Pearson

Italian Sausage and Rice

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:42:46 -0500

I picked this up from the Stater Bros Menu Butler program. I only tried it once but with white rice and it turned out very mushy but tasty. -- posted by kimemeki

Easy Garlic Beets

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:39:00 -0500

I love the garlic beets served by our local Greek restaurant. This recipe is inspired by CountryLady's recipe #135758 and makes a nutritious side. -- posted by puppitypup

Fresh Cavatelli/Cauliflower/Almonds & Toasted Bread Crumbs

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:28:47 -0500

Casareccie Vruocchele e Vredocchie - This dish couldn't be bad if it tried to be! All the ingredients = fabulous! This is from Lidia Bastianich's new cookbook "Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy" and we made this last night and it was awesome! Comfort food, oh yes! :) -- posted by Manami

Vegetable Soup (Lidia Bastianich)

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:36:51 -0500

Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy; Liguria -- posted by ratherbeswimmin'

Hummus

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:10:23 -0500

Got this recipe from a friend. Haven't tried it yet. -- posted by HawaiianBaker

Pappa Al Pomodoro Alla Jamie Oliver

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:24:09 -0500

From Jamie's Italy - I always add a tablespoon or two of pesto. -- posted by The Impossible Cook

Quick Chicken Paella

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:45:00 -0500

This is a quick weeknight version of the Spanish classic. -- posted by Irmgard

Italian Bean and Sausage Soup

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:20:43 -0500

This soup has become a family favourite through the years. It comes together fairly quickly, but more importantly, it tastes good. I have "excellent" written in the margin. -- posted by Sweet PQ?

Sicilian Chicken Soup

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:31:45 -0500

A hearty spicy full bodied chicken noodle soup, perfect for cold nights, or people with colds! This recipe was inspired by Carrabas Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup. My friend and I absolutely love it, but we live too far away from a Carrabas to have it more than once a year or so. We tried other "copycat" recipes we found online, but none of them were even close. So through trial and error we created this recipe. Hope you enjoy it and we'd love to hear what you think! -- posted by Chef #1473946

Skim Milk Granita

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:47:44 -0500

Have a vanilla ice cream craving? Well, this is a course granita like they make in Palermo. It is also fat free and low in calories. To make this recipe, you need a blender that can crush ice. -- posted by krolek

Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:53:24 -0500

Creamy, hearty meal. Side with a simple salad. -- posted by Vicki in CT

Christmas Eve Baccala (Salt Cod With Potatoes & Tomatoes)

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:26:00 -0500

Traditionally, Italians dine on seven different fish and seafood dishes (symbolizing the seven sacraments) on Christmas Eve. (By the way, you don't have to wait for Christmas to make this wonderful dish.) This recipe is typical of the Calabrian region of Italy. Have plenty of crusty Italian bread available to scoop up the sauce. And, remember to buy your dried, salted cod (baccala) three days before cooking, so you can prepare it. Buono Natale!! -- posted by Alan in SW Florida

Galinha Guisada Com Massa

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:21:53 -0500

Portuguese comfort food, shared on the blog Full Bellies, Happy Kids. -- posted by Sweet Jezebel

Oven Candied Lemon Slices

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:22:21 -0500

Great to top pies, tarts, cakes, etc. Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens magazine. You can do this with limes and oranges too. -- posted by Sharon123

Italian Bread

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:32:04 -0500

I found this recipe in Taste of Home Magazine, recipe by Elsie Palmer. I just received my first KitchenAid Mixer for Christmas and couldn't wait to try it on making bread dough and decided to try this recipe, although I only made half, one loaf. Times don't include rising and cooling times. -- posted by diner524

Spicy Tomato Sauce

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:24:15 -0500

I use this basic tomato sauce as a base for any recipe that calls for tomato sauce. I freeze 2 cup batches and defrost them as needed for the recipe I'm making. I then tailor the sauce to my flavor needs for the recipe, adding herbs and spices as needed. This works so well, I haven't purchased jarred spaghetti sauce in months. -- posted by Nicole Neumann

Mussels in a Lemon, Garlic, and White Wine Sauce

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:59:33 -0500

I created this in an effort to emulate a dish we liked at a local Italian restaraunt. I think it's pretty similar, but would have to eat the restaraunt version again to be sure! Either way, my boyfriend loved it...he rated it an enthusiastic A-Plus!! I live nowhere near an ocean, so this recipe calls for frozen mussels...I couldn't even begin to tell you how to modify the recipe using fresh mussels. -- posted by Robyn's Cookin'

Super Easy, Super Hearty Spaghetti Sauce

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:39:38 -0500

I don't like a plain ol' can of spaghetti sauce on my pasta, but I don't really have the patience or skill to make my own from scratch. So how about a nice compromise? No one will recognize this as stuff from a jar after you add your own touches! Here's how I make my own healthy, delicious sauce. (Try it on cooked spaghetti squash for a nice change!) -- posted by FabulousBigNiki

Athenian Bean Salad

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:54:11 -0500

You'll be proud to say you've bean there, done that when you taste this scrumptious salad that's packed with protein and fiber. This Greek-inspired dish is as good as it is good for you. Recipe is from mydailymoment.com. -- posted by Sweet Jezebel

Olive Garden Golden Cinnamon Orzo Calabrese

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:26:54 -0500

This recipe is from the files of Riserva di Fizzano and the Rocca delle Macie Winery Olive Gardens Italian Partners. -- posted by Celticevergreen

Middle Eastern Dairy Free Café Latté

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:44:27 -0500

Obviously not the real way but us dairy free can have it too and it does taste very good. -- posted by UmmBinat

Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:03:58 -0500

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis -- posted by Phil Franco

Vegetarian Spaghetti and "meatballs"

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:24:59 -0500

I found this recipe at eatbetteramerica.com This is one of my favorites! I absolutely love it. I am posting the recipe as written but I use my own recipe for marinara sauce. I also use whole wheat breadcrumbs. I find that whole wheat is a little heartier. Serving size is enough for 6 people to have two meatballs each. So keep that in mind when you make this. -- posted by SarahBeth131

Low-Fat Pasta E Fagioli (Italian Pasta & Bean Soup)

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:21:29 -0500

A delicious, hearty, easy and healthy soup from the terrific cookbook, "Saved By Soup: More Than 100 Delicious Low-Fat Soups To Eat And Enjoy Every Day" by Judith Barrett. -- posted by blucoat

Arrabiata Penne

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:52:43 -0500

A delightfully simple pasta dish with loads of flavour and more than a hint of chilli which blends so well with the tomato. Served with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese, crusty bread and accompanied with a nice glass of red wine. Its a meal to linger over. -- posted by JoyfulCook

Sarasota's Fresh Tomato and Olive Relish

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:37:34 -0500

A simple fresh tomato relish. Serve this over fresh fish, chicken, or lamb. Just a few minutes to put together, let it set at room temp for 5-10 minutes and it is ready to enjoy. -- posted by SarasotaCook

Italian (Turkey) Sausage Pasta Casserole

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:29:53 -0500

Just a little something I threw together one night when I had a craving for something Italian, but healthy. This recipe makes a healthy portion, but its just as good the next day! You can increase the tomatoes, zucchini and beans if you don't want the turkey, or just to have more vegetables. Its easy to adjust as you want. -- posted by Chef #1162267

Sbd Veggie Moussaka

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:31:34 -0500

Moussaka is Delish, but it's SOO fattening. SBD not only cuts the carbs out of it, but also lowers the fat to make it a HEALTHY dish! (healthy and moussaka in the same sentence, how do you like that?) -- posted by CHRISSYG

Zucchini and Potato Minestra (Lidia Bastianich)

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 07:14:26 -0500

In ' Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen'. -- posted by ratherbeswimmin'

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:11:28 -0500

These potatoes have some zip!! I like to let potatoes marinate all day, and it makes dinnertime easier. -- posted by KPD

Greek Pita Bread

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:33:04 -0500

If you've ever been in a Greek restaurant, this is both the bread used for Gyros (pronounced he-ros) and the dipping bread used for hummus or olive oil dipping sauce. The difference is in the size you roll it out to - 8" for Gyros, 10" for dipping. It calls for all-purpose flour, but bread flour is closer to what is typical in Greece. -- posted by Pa. Hiker

Approximately Aurelio's Pizza and Pasta Sauce

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:08:41 -0500

Aurelio's sauce has been a family secret since Joe Aurelio opened his first restaurant in Homewood, Illinois, in 1959. Some people call the sauce sweet, but I would describe it as mild and tomatoey. There is some controversy over whether the sauce actually contains beer or not. This is the recipe we have found to be closest to the original. If you don't wish to use beer, a little malt extract will add the same flavor. Thanks to HandsomeG and Gaga at pizzamaking.com for some clues that led me to create this recipe. -- posted by Chocolatl

Angel Hair Pasta With Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Goat Cheese

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:13:08 -0500

Absolutely delicious... and addictive. I've been known to eat all of mine, plus the portions set aside as leftovers. Thank God for gyms! **NOTE** Sun-dried tomato oil is the oil that comes in the jar of sun-dried tomatoes. -- posted by dripdripsplat

Fennel Ratatouille

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:02:30 -0500

The addition of fennel seeds and bulb fennel in this ratatouille gives an extra Mediterranean flavor. It goes perfectly with grilled meat, especially lamb. It can also be served hot or at room temperature and also makes a great sauce when stirred into hot pasta. -- posted by English_Rose

Andalusian Bean and Chorizo Potaje (Stew)

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:31:09 -0500

Try this classic Spanish combination of chorizo and butterbeans in a fresh tomato sauce. Perfect for a warming winter supper. -- posted by English_Rose

Premio Pineapple Sausage Skewers

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:29:20 -0500

This is a great recipe for the whole family to enjoy and very fun to eat! If you haven't tried Pineapple and Sausage, you need to try this! Take it off the skewer and make an incredible sandwich! This recipe came from our recipe database at PremioRecipes.com. -- posted by Premio Foods

Pasta Shells With Broccoli & Anchovies

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:00:36 -0500

A quick, tasty pasta dish that is low fat and a good source of vitamin C and folic acid too. -- posted by English_Rose

Chilled Tomato and Yogurt Soup

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:47:06 -0500

Lovely recipe for the steamy hot days of summer here in the south! It combines tomatoes and cucumber for a really yummy chilled soup. Blending time is included in the cooking time. -- posted by breezermom

Wheatley Hills Marinara Sauce

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:04:16 -0500

Bon Appetit Mar 1977, page 6. Used for Scampi a la Wheatley Hills. -- posted by Rinshinomori

Eggplant Pizza

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:34:21 -0500

In a pathetic attempt to make eggplant parmigiana, I created this instead. It's very easy and uses basic ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. I've made it about a dozen times in the past few months and my husband loves it. It's a very flexible recipe and I've tried it a few different ways already and it always tastes great and surprisingly like pizza. Goes well with any pasta dish or risotto. -- posted by California Girl in Brazil

Mommom Faiella's Italian Sausage Scallopini

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:10:45 -0500

The aroma of the herbs and mushrooms cooking on the stove will be very pleasant to your senses. This is almost straight out of my grandmother's recipe book. The only changes my mother made to this recipe were to substitute canned mushrooms with fresh mushrooms and to add a bit more seasonings. -- posted by The Foodgitive

Mother's Always Right Stuffed Peppers

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:20:14 -0500

Be warned, listen to my mother- when she says to be careful with the peppers when straining because they may fall apart, it means be careful with the peppers when straining because they may fall apart. I broke 2 out of 3 peppers because of my lack of direction following. I had to use the broken peppers and cut them in half, laying the filling on the top. -- posted by The Foodgitive

Crock-Pot Ricotta

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:48:18 -0500

Make your own ricotta cheese in your crockpot! The acid you choose will affect the final flavor. Apple cider vinegar will give a sharper tang, a distinct odor, and a subtle golden color; this is probably best for savory applications. Lemon juice will give a subtler flavor and will not curdle as abruptly. For the cleanest, purest flavor, use distilled white vinegar. If you don't like or can't find the goat's milk, you can sub another quart of low-fat cow's milk. -- posted by DrGaellon

Tomato and Fetta Salad

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:50:07 -0500

A Greek inspired salad of fresh tomato halves, fetta cheese, olive oil and herbs. Perfect side dish for a meal, or wrapped up in a piece of flat bread it makes a great sandwich. It is absolutely essential to have good quality tomatoes for this dish. Little mini roma tomatoes are ideal, or any vine-ripened or organic fruit. -- posted by becy