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Posted on November 6, 2017December 5, 2017 by Dorie

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Welcome to Mostly-Greek! I’m Dorie, a Greek mom and yiayia (grandma) living the suburban life with my family in the heart of California like it’s a Greek village!

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I don't prepare seafood anywhere near as often as I should, and I really have no excuses as to why. Seafood is actually a really easy protein to prepare and is so very versatile, too. This tomato and crab pasta sauce is a perfect example of this. It's so full of flavor and can come together very easily. There's a great "secret" ingredient, too... ouzo! The anise flavor of this traditional Greek liquor gives a subtle note to the overall taste that adds the perfect touch. Since shellfish is permitted during Lent, it's also a great recipe to have on hand for those who are fasting and want a break from all those beans! 😂 The recipe is ready for you so come on over for a visit!

It doesn't seem like it could be possible, but more rain is on its way to sunny California. This is on the heels of a few mornings waking up to frosty rooftops. That's unheard of for this time of year here, but as the Greeks are fond of saying, "τι να κάνουμε;" (what can we do?). Well, I'll tell you one thing, you can make this lovely Greek vegetable soup called χόρτο σούπα (horto soupa). It's packed full of delicious veggies and tons of flavor, and of course it's typical to add a hefty drizzle of olive oil on top. Oh, and don't forget the chunk of bread on the side! Being meat-free, it's also perfect for Lent. It's an easy dish to put together, so come on over for a visit to get the recipe!

Thomas approves of our new purchase for the flower garden, and we got to enjoy a sunny break from the rain to take care of some tasks outside. I hope your weekend was a good one!

One thing is for certain, if you love beans, then the Greek diet during Lent is definitely for you. In general, legumes are a fairly common part of the Greek diet year round, but with the absence of most animal products during the Lenten period leading up to Pascha (Easter) they get to be center stage. Their hearty and filling texture, and protein rich makeup make them a perfect substitute for meaty meals. The most iconic bean dish is fasolada, or bean soup. It's traditionally made with white beans, but I love the more dynamic flavor that comes from using a mixture of bean types. All that's needed is a hefty drizzle of olive oil and a thick slab of bread and this meal is complete! The recipe is not a complicated one, and it's ready for you to try. So come on over for a visit!

We are nearing the halfway mark of Great Lent, the time of fasting and reflection before Pacha (Easter). Finding meat and dairy free meals that isn't pasta over and over again can get a little challenging (and believe me, I love my pasta! 😁). This classic Greek dish is called fava, but it's not made with fava beans. It's actually made with yellow split peas! The peas are simply prepared with onions and olive oil and cooked down into a thick puree. It's then served with pita slices or bread. It's deceptively simple, but don't confuse this with plain! It's full of flavor and an excellent example of the healthy Mediterranean diet. It's so easy to prepare, so come on over to get the recipe!

I have a couple of bread recipes that I rely on for my regular bread baking. Any time I start tinkering with them, I usually give up and go back to these. This one is an easy and reliable yeast bread made with whole wheat flour and milk. The flour adds good texture and flavor, while the milk proteins add a touch of tenderness. It rises pretty quickly and is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or cutting in thick slabs for serving alongside a hearty soup. The recipe is ready for you so come on over, it's baking day!

With all the rain we've been having (sadly much of it on the weekends), it's been all but impossible to get out into the garden to take care of things. Thankfully, this evening was bright and actually just warm enough to allow a bit of time to check things over and enjoy the sights. Spring is definitely on its way, and for once, I'm looking forward to the warmer weather.

Peas are one of the most ridiculously easy garden plants to grow, and my oh my, so worth what little effort they require! There are few things as delicious as a freshly picked pod of peas. Naturally sweet, they are equally tasty either fresh or cooked, and can easily be frozen to enjoy later on. Their roots also help nourish the soil, making it a great option for rotation planting. Right now is the perfect time for planting them in warmer growing zones, but the time for colder zones is coming soon! They prefer cooler temperatures and mature quickly which means even those of you with a short growing window can enjoy this garden delight. I have more growing info on my blog, plus recipes for your harvest, so come on over for a visit!

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