Ina Garten Mediterranean Food

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Place the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil in a large salad bowl and toss to combine.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat all the vegetables. Add the feta, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Serve the salad with the toasted pita bread.

GREEK SALAD

Steps:

• Place the cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
• For the vinaigrette, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables. Add the feta and olives and toss lightly. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature.

GREEK MEZZE PLATTER

Steps:

• Artfully arrange the marinated feta, red peppers, stuffed grape leaves and a small bowl filled with the hummus on a platter. Sprinkle the pine nuts over the hummus and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the pita chips on the platter and arrange the sprigs of thyme over the red peppers, for decoration.
• Combine the dried thyme, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Lay the feta slices overlapping on a 9 × 9-inch square serving plate.
• Sprinkle the feta with the entire herb mixture. Nestle the thyme sprigs and olives among the feta slices. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve at room temperature.
• "Make It Ahead" by Ina Garten © Clarkson Potter 2014. Provided courtesy of Ina Garten. All rights reserved.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Slice the pita bread into 8 triangles and place them on a sheet pan. Place the sheet pan in the oven and toast the bread for 10 minutes.

INA GARTEN'S GREEK SALAD

Steps:

• Place the cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
• For the vinaigrette, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables.
• Add the feta and olives and toss lightly.
• Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature.
• Tips from me:
• To reduce the sharpness of the onion, soak the sliced onion in ice cold water for 30 minutes and pat with paper towels to dry, before adding to salad.
• To cut down on prep time, place a single layer of cherry/grape tomatoes between two Tupperware lids (or flat plates, etc.) and slice through all of them at once, using a sharp knife.

BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S SALMON CAKES

Steps:

• Place 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of oil, the onion, celery, red and yellow bell peppers, parsley, capers, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and peppers in a large saute pan over medium-low heat and cook until the vegetables are soft, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
• Cool to room temperature; flake the salmon into a large bowl, add the bread crumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, and eggs and toss lightly.
• Add the cooked mixture and mix well.
• Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Shape into salmon cakes, 2 1/2 to 3 ounces each.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
• Add the salmon cakes and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until browned.
• Drain on paper towels; keep them warm in a 250 degree F oven and serve hot.
• TO COOK SALMON:.
• Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in a 350ºF oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until just cooked.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil, allow to rest for 10 minutes, then chill completely.
• Flake with your hands.
• *Salmon cakes can be shaped and stored overnight in the fridge on baking sheets wrapped in plastic; fry just before serving.