Suzy Eats

Muhammara is a popular Mediterranean dip that originates from Aleppo, Syria and is eaten by people all over the Mediterranean region. Muhammara means “reddened” in Arabic. The main ingredients are fresh red peppers, walnuts and breadcrumbs. The walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and make it “heart healthy”. Muhammara is eaten as a dip with bread, as a spread for toast and as a sauce for kebobs, grilled meats and fish. You can garnish it with fresh mint (as pictured). My favorite is to spread it on pita bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 roasted red peppers
• 6 ounces walnuts, crushed or whole
• 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes or red chili powder
• 4 garlic cloves, whole
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• salt and pepper to taste
• mint, to garnish
• pita bread, crackers (optional) Read the rest of this entry »

I love feta cheese. It is definitely one of my favorites. By combining it with almonds (one of the healthiest foods around), you can really have one of the best Mediterranean Dips with your friends. It can be served with pita chips, olives or veggies. Be creative 🙂

Ingredients
1/2 cup almonds
2.5 cups feta cheese, crumbles
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley (dried)
olive oil and pita chips to serve
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Pita chips are baked from pita bread. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways. They are crunchier and thicker than a traditional potato chip, and they are also HEALTHIER 🙂 This recipe is for fattoush salad pita chips. There are many ways to make other pita chips, and I will post those recipes soon. This recipe makes about 60 pieces.

Ingredients:

• 2 pita loaves, chopped
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

How to:
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Labneh is a type of yogurt that is thick and concentrated. All of the excess liquid is strained to obtain this texture. Traditionally it is eaten plain, but there are many variations of labneh. The one below has a spicy and nutty feel. Labneh can be substituted for Greek yogurt. It is usually served with pita bread or pita chips.

Serves: 8-12

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 bunch green onions
• 16 ounces of labneh
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• olive oil, olives, tomatoes for garnish

How To:

 1. Finely chop the parsley, green onions, walnuts. I used a mixure and added them all and pressed “chop”. It works great just make sure they do not get too fine.

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I have blogged a fava bean dip recipe in the past…but I have recently discovered Egyptian Fava Bean Dip (courtesy of my husband) and LOVE it.  It is similar to the original recipe…only better 🙂 Fava beans are a staple food in Egypt and are eaten by all Egyptians. In fact, fava bean dip is considered the national dish of Egypt. If you are interested in reading more about the health benefits, please refer to a previous post: http://suzyeats.com/fava-beans-what-can-a-fava-bean-do-for-me-mediterranean-healthy/.

Ingredients

• 32 ounces of fava beans
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Place the fava beans in a large bowl. Add water and soak the fava beans in water overnight.  Keep them covered to maintain freshness.

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