By |

2 small zucchini, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon olive oil
olive oil cooking spray
14 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
4 plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half
1 1/4 teaspoons sherry wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Cooked pasta, optional

Preheat oven to 450°

In a large bowl, toss zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper and onion with thyme, rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, 2 tablespoons water and oil. Fit a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and coat it with cooking spray.
Spread vegetables in a single layer in the pan; roast, stirring once, for 25 minutes.
In the same bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Add to pan with the vegetables; roast 10-12 minutes more.
Toss roasted vegetables with the vinegar.
Sprinkle with basil

Serves 4

Note: Can be served over cooked pasta for a more heartier meal.

By |

4 red bell peppers, seeded and cut in half
2 heads cauliflower, trimmed and cut into 2-inch florets
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 tablespoons Spanish olives with chilies, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Cover bottoms of 2 large baking sheet pans with parchment paper.
Toss cauliflower florets and pepper halves with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl, then divide between two 4-sided sheet pans. Roast vegetables, turning them and switching position of pans halfway through, until just tender and browned in spots, about 20 minutes total.
While vegetables roast, whisk together lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large serving bowl, then add 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a slow stream, whisking. Add the chopped Spanish olives, if desired, into the vinaigrette. Add warm cauliflower and peppers and toss to coat. Serve at room temperature.
Serves 12
Note: Peppers and cauliflower can be roasted and tossed with vinaigrette one day ahead and chilled.

By |

8 ounces button or portobella mushrooms, grilled/roasted
1 red bell pepper, grilled/roasted and cut in pieces
1/2 large eggplant, peeled, cut in chunks and grilled/roasted
1 bunch green onions, grilled/roasted
16 mixed Mediterranean olives, pitted, optional
1 – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper, or to taste
4 whole wheat tortillas or flatbreads
4 large lettuce leaves

Roughly chop mushrooms, peppers, eggplant, green onions and olives.
Toss them in a large bowl with the lemon juice, goat cheese, salt and pepper.
Line tortillas with lettuce. Spoon vegetable-goat cheese mixture on top. Wrap tightly, tucking in the ends burrito-style and serve.

Serves 4

Note: Can use leftover grilled/roasted vegetables to prepare these wraps. Great for a summer supper or a packed lunch.

By |

3/4 cup lentils, washed and drained
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 shallots, thinly sliced
1 carrot, 1/4 inch dice
1 celery stalk, 1/4 inch dice
1 red pepper, 1/4 inch dice
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
6 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Place the lentils in a saucepan, covered with water.
Bring to a boil.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Drain the lentils.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add shallots, sauté for 2 minutes.
Add carrot, celery and pepper; sauté, stirring, for 5 minutes more.
Add parsley and vinegar.
Remove from heat.
Transfer to a bowl.
Add the drained lentils to the bowl.
Stir in the spinach.
Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 4