Braised Amaranth leaves (Vleeta) in light tomato sauce - The King of Summertime Greek greens!

Vleeta or Vlita (Amaranth leaves) is a kind of "horta" (greens) that during the Summer months are very popular around Greece and my personal favourite of all the kinds we have! There are two types in Greece, the red-leafed (or wild grown) and the green which is the cultivated variety. Vleeta are popular not only because of their smooth texture and sweet flavour but also because they are so versatile! My favourite version is the classic recipe where Vleeta are boiled and served as a salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice or malt vinegar (which, in my opinion, suits them better than the lemon). A lot of people, though, cook them in other ways too. My mother, for example, when she has any leftover vleeta she cooks them in the skillet along with butter and crumbled feta cheese and they are delicious!!! In various areas the vleeta can be part of the filling for various pies instead of using spinach and elsewhere, like the islands, often you'll find them braised along with courgettes, potatoes and/or runner beans. Today's recipe is inspired by the Cretan cuisine and things could not be simpler and easier! Just a few ingredients are enough to have a very tasty vegetarian meal, light and nutritious at the same time! If you have the chance to find Amaranth leaves abroad don't hesitate to cook them at least once in the Greek way and you'll see that I was right

Easy and fast homemade basic mustard recipe + 2 tasty simple ideas

I know..... what's the point to make mustard at home since, nowadays, there are so many companies around the world with some really tasty and well made mustards which make our lives easier... What if I'd tell you that "why not? Just for the sake of it!" or "Why not to have the satisfaction that you did try it at home and probably your mustard would taste much better than the store-bought one?" Would these reasons be enough to convince you? Probably not, as I was not for a long time:-)) But, believe me, once you do it for a first time following this basic recipe, then you'll do it again and again because it's so easy and fast! So, here is the basic recipe which you can easily adapt regarding the quantity of the ingredients but better to start off with a small jar so to see how it goes

Easy and fast mini cakes with fresh plums scented with vanilla and brandy

In Greece during the Spring and Summer months there is a stone fruit called "Vanillia". They are similar to the fresh plums in both taste and colour. This sweet and juicy fruit is the main ingredient for these cute mini cakes. The batter is light and airy, scented with brandy and vanilla and the result is a very tasty Summer dessert! The common fresh plums of course will replace the "Vanillia" ones perfectly but other Summer stone fruits can also be used depending on your preference

Stuffed aubergines casserole with mildly spiced ground meat and almonds

Inspired by the aubergines "Imam Bayildi" (a recipe shared with the Turkish cuisine) and the aubergines "Papoutsakia" - two of the most popular and delicious traditional dishes in Greece - this casserole is a great idea to enjoy the aubergines during the Summer!! The chef combines the best elements of the two recipes to create a really filling and delicious meal for the whole family!!

Fluffy oven-baked omelette with zucchini, basil and pine nuts

Inspired by various traditional omelette recipes with zucchini which can be found in various areas of Greece and especially the islands. This is a light and delicious omelette and the ideal light lunch or brunch during the Summer months

Oven-baked fresh sole fillets with peppers, lemon and plum tomatoes

Another light but delicious recipe to enjoy this tasty fish during the Summer months! An easy recipe to prepare and very nutritious of course which combines simple but tasty ingredients in the best way! Serve it along with a hearty salad or boiled wild greens and you'll have a very filling meal! Beside sole fillets, other white-flesh fish can also be used in fillets, slices or whole