Vibrant green and packed with fresh flavor, this Edamame Walnut Dip is a wholesome and satisfying alternative to hummus. Toasty walnuts blend with protein-rich edamame, bright parsley, and a hint of garlic for a creamy, nutrient-dense spread that’s both elegant and easy to make. Serve it as a light appetizer with toasted pita, seed crackers,...Read More

Babaganoush is a classic Lebanese eggplant dip that shines when made with fresh ingredients and a touch of smokiness. The key is to use good-quality olive oil, fresh eggplant (to avoid bitterness), and grill the eggplant until it’s charred and tender for that deep, smoky flavor. If you can’t grill, the broiler works—just keep the...Read More

This Summer Squash Carpaccio takes inspiration from the classic Italian beef dish — but instead of meat, thin ribbons of raw squash are the star. The name comes from the presentation: paper-thin slices arranged beautifully on a platter, lightly salted, and drizzled with a bright, herb-filled vinaigrette. Cousa, zucchini, and golden squash make a colorful...Read More

Grilled Padrón Peppers are the essence of simple Spanish cooking—quick, rustic, and addictive. These small, mild green peppers blister beautifully over high heat, developing a smoky sweetness with just the right touch of char. Every so often, one delivers a surprise kick of heat—part of their irresistible charm. Finished with a drizzle of good olive...Read More

Sometimes the simplest dishes make the biggest impression. This recipe was inspired by a small plate a chef once sent out on a sweltering summer night nearly thirty years ago—a thrifty little appetizer of chilled broccoli stems drizzled with a silky, nutty sauce. What was meant as a kitchen experiment became unforgettable: crisp, cool broccoli...Read More

Bitter melon chips are a crunchy, flavorful snack that turns an often-overlooked vegetable into something irresistible. Coated in a spiced chickpea-rice flour batter and fried until golden, these chips strike the perfect balance of crisp texture and bold seasoning. A dash of chaat masala and chili powder adds a tangy, spicy kick, while the frying...Read More

This luscious Lebanese roasted eggplant dip is creamy, smoky, and full of bright flavor. With tahini, lemon, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a classic Middle Eastern spread. Serve it with pita bread, crunchy veggies, or use it as a filling in wraps and sandwiches. The pomegranate seed garnish adds a burst of...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed and blanched 1/3 cup fresh peaches or mangoes, pureed 3 tablespoon mango chutney, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon serrano chiles, finely minced 2 tablespoons red chiles, finely minced 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon salt METHOD: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Briefly...Read More

This is a large-batch hummus recipe — on purpose! I like to divide the hummus into several portions and stir in additional ingredients for variations, such as chopped roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or chopped Kalamata olives. Hummus also makes a great filling for a vegetarian sandwich layered with sprouts, cucumber, and tomato.    INGREDIENTS: 3-4...Read More

Skordalia is a potent, but delicious Greek dip or sauce with a rich velvety texture, healthy and full of antioxidants from the garlic and olive oil (and walnuts, if you use them). Skordalia can be made with potatoes, bread, or with a combination of walnuts (or sometimes almonds) and bread. Potatoes will give you a...Read More