As the winter cold settles in, the body often craves something light, easygoing, and simple to digest. Somehow, even in the midst of frost and chill, we long for the brightness of fresh plant-life on our plates. So why not bring some Mediterranean sunshine into your winter kitchen?

🥗 Craving Fresh Salads, Even in Winter?

Nothing beats a big, garden-fresh salad during summer. Imagine leafy greens, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Though winter isn't the season for them, it is possible to craft a delicious, summery salad with a bit of creativity.

You could grab some ready-picked salad leaves, but if you're like me, you might care about seasonal eating. Sure, the thought of adding a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to Canary Island tomatoes sounds delightful, especially with some herbs from the garden. But there's something off about those long food miles and greenhouse-grown veggies.

🌱 Embrace the Power of Beans and Pulses

The good news is that the sunshine taste of the Mediterranean can be brought to your plate with the help of a pulse and a bean or two. One small caveat: dried pulses need a good soak—sometimes for quite a while—so it's worth planning ahead.

If you're short on time, canned beans are also a great option! For instance, a simple salad of cannellini beans, sliced red onion, and parsley can be put together in just a few minutes. Toss in a homemade vinaigrette with the best extra-virgin olive oil, some lemon juice, and a spoonful of French mustard. 🌿

Add some crusty bread, a glass of wine, and maybe a little Flamenco music, and you can almost feel the warmth of a Spanish summer holiday. Explore more healthy salads here.

🫘 Why Preparing Dried Beans is Worth It

Taking the time to prepare dried pulses can make all the difference. Your salad will taste ten times better when you've soaked and cooked your own beans. Once drained, coat them in olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor.

Bean salads are incredibly versatile. Want some heat? Add a finely chopped chili, sun-dried tomatoes, or even crushed garlic with anchovies. Nothing could be simpler, but the result is an explosion of flavor, extremely healthy, and remarkably affordable.

Check out our budget-friendly Mediterranean recipes to learn more about making delicious yet inexpensive meals.

🐟 Chickpeas for Warm, Hearty Tagines

Another versatile and economical option is chickpeas. These delightful pulses work perfectly in tagines, those aromatic Moroccan stews that bring warmth to even the coldest winter day.

A favorite of mine is fish tagine with chickpeas. Simply simmer white fish, garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili in olive oil for 30 minutes, then add chickpeas and simmer for another 10 minutes. The exotic flavors will have you dreaming of Morocco's sunlit streets.

Discover more hearty winter recipes here to keep the chill at bay.

🌞 Lentils: A Gift from Sunny Gardens

Lentils are yet another gift from the garden that add sunshine to winter cooking. My Sicilian friend taught me a dish using Puy lentils. Once cooked until al dente, simply combine them with fried garlic, onions, inch-long sticks of cooked spaghetti, and generous amounts of extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle some sea salt and black pepper, and voilà—Mediterranean simplicity at its best.

🌿 Simple, Healthy, and Satisfying

Eating in winter doesn't need to mean heavy, stodgy meals. Embracing light, sunny flavors can uplift your mood and benefit your health. I, for one, will be embracing this sunny, healthy Mediterranean approach over the next few weeks to bring some warmth and simplicity into my winter kitchen. 🏡

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