Embark on a culinary journey with Tonia Buxton’s Mediterranean recipes. From succulent Roasted Octopus with Lemon and Parsley to flavorful Chickpea Filled Filo Triangles, experience the essence of the sea and vegan delight in your own kitchen.
What are some Mediterranean recipes by Tonia Buxton?
- Roasted Octopus with Lemon and Parsley: Roast a whole octopus with olive oil, rosemary, and lemon at 150C for 1½-2 hours. Serve with lemon-olive oil dressing and parsley.
- Chickpea Filled Filo Triangles: Combine chickpeas, spices, and vegetables to fill filo pastry. Bake at 180C until golden. Enjoy these vegan pastries as a starter or light meal.
Experience Authentic Mediterranean Cooking at Home
Roasted Octopus with Lemon and Parsley
Imagine the warm Mediterranean breeze and the sound of waves lapping against the shore as you savor the most simple yet delicious octopus dish from Tonia Buxton, a renowned TV chef and cookbook author. This recipe brings the essence of the sea right to your dining table with just a few quality ingredients: a whole, cleaned octopus drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, seasoned with rosemary, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of flat-leaf parsley.
To embark on this culinary journey, preheat your oven to 150C. Place your octopus in a roasting dish, treat it with a generous amount of olive oil, and tuck in the rosemary sprigs. Cover it snugly with foil and let it roast to tender perfection for about 1½ to 2 hours. Once it’s time, cut the octopus into bite-sized morsels, dress them with a lemon and olive oil emulsion, and sprinkle with parsley. Enjoy this succulent dish with a side of tomato and onion salad or Greek salad, fresh lemon wedges, and crusty bread to mop up the flavorful juices.
Chickpea Filled Filo Triangles
For those seeking a vegan delight, the Chickpea Filled Filo Triangles make a fantastic choice. A signature dish on The Real Greek’s vegan menu, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of aroma and spice. Start with a pack of filo pastry and ingredients for the filling, including tinned chickpeas, onion, a blend of cumin and turmeric, sundried tomatoes, red chili, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and a final touch of olive oil and flat-leaf parsley.
The oven should be set to 180C as you prepare to blend the spices, chickpeas, and other filling ingredients to a coarse paste. Filo pastry is delicate, so cut and handle it gently, arranging the chickpea mixture into each prepared section. Once filled and folded into triangles, sealed with a dab of olive oil, and sprinkled with seasame seeds if desired, bake until they turn a lovely golden hue. These delightful pastries are perfect as a starter or even as a light main, offering a taste of Mediterranean vegan cuisine.
Embracing the Mediterranean Diet
Mediterranean cuisine is cherished worldwide for its fresh flavors and health benefits. It’s a diet abundant in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil, with a moderate intake of fish and poultry. The recipes shared by Tonia Buxton are a testament to the simplicity and nourishment this diet offers, alongside its rich cultural heritage.
About Tonia Buxton
Tonia Buxton is not only a celebrated chef but also a prolific author with four cookbooks to her name. Her expertise in Mediterranean fare and her passion for healthy, flavorful dishes have made her a respected figure in the culinary world. For more culinary inspirations and recipes, one can explore Tonia’s extensive work and contributions to the gastronomic community. Through her recipes and cookbooks, Tonia Buxton invites us all to explore the delights of Mediterranean cooking and incorporate these traditional and wholesome dishes into our own kitchens.
What are some Mediterranean recipes by Tonia Buxton?
- Roasted Octopus with Lemon and Parsley: Roast a whole octopus with olive oil, rosemary, and lemon at 150C for 1½-2 hours. Serve with lemon-olive oil dressing and parsley.
- Chickpea Filled Filo Triangles: Combine chickpeas, spices, and vegetables to fill filo pastry. Bake at 180C until golden. Enjoy these vegan pastries as a starter or light meal.
How can I make Roasted Octopus with Lemon and Parsley at home?
To make Roasted Octopus with Lemon and Parsley at home, preheat your oven to 150C. Place a whole cleaned octopus in a roasting dish, drizzle generously with olive oil, add rosemary sprigs, cover with foil, and roast for 1½ to 2 hours until tender. Cut the octopus into bite-sized pieces, dress with a lemon-olive oil emulsion, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with a side of salad and crusty bread.
What ingredients are needed to make Chickpea Filled Filo Triangles?
To make Chickpea Filled Filo Triangles, you will need filo pastry, tinned chickpeas, onion, cumin, turmeric, sundried tomatoes, red chili, garlic, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, and flat-leaf parsley. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful vegan filling for the delicate filo pastry triangles.
What are the health benefits of embracing the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, lower levels of cholesterol, and improved weight management. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil. It also includes moderate amounts of fish and poultry, making it a balanced and nutritious way of eating. By embracing the Mediterranean diet, you can enjoy delicious meals while supporting your overall health and well-being.
