The Ikaria Way: 100 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes Inspired by My Homeland, the Greek Island of Longevity

Drawing inspiration from the cuisine of the Greek island Ikaria, one of the five “Blue Zones” known for the longevity of their residents, Kochilas (My Greek Table) gathers an impressive array of recipes packed with vegetables and herbs known for their wellness benefits. While not organized around the seasons, dishes feature seasonal specialties from summery layered two-tomato salad and yogurt cucumber soup to kale and cabbage slaw, an update of a classic Greek winter salad, and butternut squash steaks. Legumes, eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms are well represented in such dishes as red lentil soup with ginger, chickpea-bulgur stew, lemony giant beans, mushroom red pepper souvlaki, and “eggplant boats” stuffed with bulgur, tomatoes, and basil. Ferry boat spaghetti inventively replaces ground meat with lentils, and vegan moussaka incorporates a bechamel sauce made with aquafaba. Kochilas argues for the anti-inflammatory and auto-immune benefits of “a pantry inspired by Ikaria,” and especially lauds dark greens, olive oil, feta cheese, and herbs. Though a list of sources supporting Kochilas’s nutritional claims and pairing suggestions for less familiar dishes like jammy braised chestnuts & onions would be helpful, there’s no denying the appeal of many of these meals. This unique vegetarian approach inspires. (Mar.)