What we need:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 zucchini (3/4 pound), chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 small onion, hopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Zucchuni Dip
Grilled Zucchini Kebabs
- 2 round zucchini (10 ounces each), each cut into six 1/3-inch-thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground white pepper
Couscous Salad with Cucumbers, Olives and Feta
- 1 cup couscous
- salt
- 1 1/4 cups very hot water
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped oregano
- 1 tablespoon drained small capers, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium cucumber peeled seeded and cut
- 1/4 cup chopped mixed olives
- 3 large romaine lettuce leaves, chopped
- pepper
- 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Lamb Rib Chops with Crust
What we need:
- 2 lamb racks, cut into chops
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 leaves fresh basil, torn
- 1/2 cup crusty bread, cubed
- salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions:
- To prepare the lamb, brush generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place mushrooms, basil and bread in a food processor and process to fine crumbs. Transfer to plate or bowl and press the lamb firmly into the crumbs to form a crust. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to set crust.
- Heat enough oil in a nonstick pan to cover the base. Saute chops, a few at a time, over medium-high heat until golden brown and medium rare, about 10 minutes total, or until cooked as desired. To test, press gently with finger. The meat should be firm but springy. Keep warm in a low oven.
Salt vs. Herbs and Spices
The more salt you eat, the more water you retain to dilute it. You don’t want the extra water weight, of course, and it may also hide a loss of body fat. Also, research has linked excessive salt intake to hypertension and heart and kidney disease. Using herbs and spices is a way to get the full flavors from food without adding a lot of salt.