Hero Ingredients for Healthy Cooking (Mediterranean-Inspired)

Today I’m opening my kitchen cupboards… and honestly, this is where healthy cooking really begins. Not with complicated recipes, but with a few well-chosen, everyday ingredients—my hero ingredients.

These are simple, everyday staples that bring both flavor and nutrition, that I use all the time, and they are at the heart of Mediterranean cooking. You’ll find them in many recipes on my blog and throughout my book Vivian is Cooking GREEK, available worldwide on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover.

Here are my heroes:

Two Greek Recipes You Won’t Find in My Cookbook… Yet

When I created my Greek recipe book "Vivian is Cooking GREEK", I focused on recipes I had already made and tested for years. Later, I realized two important classics were missing: Lahanodolmades and Kadaifi.

Both are now available here on the blog:

🥬 Lahanodolmades – tender cabbage rolls filled with a flavorful mixture. 

🍯 Kadaifi – the classic crispy, nutty, syrup-soaked dessert. 

I also offer printable versions of these recipes in my Etsy shop for those who want them separately, and they will be included in a future update of my cookbook.

Explore the recipes, try them at home, and enjoy a taste of traditional Greek cuisine!

Exciting News: My Greek Cooking Book is Out + New Printable Recipes & Art Prints on Etsy!

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news — my Greek cooking book has officially been released on Amazon! 📖✨

If you love the idea of holding a beautiful printed cookbook in your hands, the paperback edition is now available on Amazon. For those who prefer a digital version, my eBook is available on Etsy and Gumroad, ready to download and use on any device.

But that’s not all! My Etsy shop keeps growing, now offering:

• Printable recipe cards and bundles — recreate your favorite Greek dishes at home, one recipe at a time

• Art prints inspired by cooking and Mediterranean ingredients — you can print them at home, or for even higher quality, at a professional print shop and decorate your kitchen or table.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a romantic evening, these digital products are designed to make your experience fun, beautiful, and authentic.

I’d love your support! If you enjoy my book, recipes, or art prints, feel free to:

• Share the news with your network

• Buy my products to try at home or gift to someone special

• Leave a review if you feel inspired — it means a lot and helps others discover the joy of Greek cooking

And a little secret… I’m already working on my next book: Vivian is Cooking Baking Stunning Cakes! 🎂✨ I can’t wait to share it with you and add even more sweet inspiration to your kitchen.

Thank you for being part of this journey — from blog, to Etsy, to Amazon! It’s all about bringing the taste, beauty, and joy of Greek cuisine into your home.

Kali orexi! (Bon appétit!)
— Vivian (Paraskevi)

Dolmadakia me Kima (Stuffed Vine Leaves with Meat)

Dolmadakia me kima are a classic Greek comfort dish: tender vine leaves filled with meat, rice, and fresh herbs, gently cooked until soft and fragrant. I usually prepare them with a veal & pork mince and cook them in a pressure cooker, which makes the process easy and very reliable — but other options work just as well.

👉 For the meatless version, see my dolmadakia without kima 

Greek Stuffed Vine Leaves (Dolmadakia)

recipe on the blog. The rolling technique is exactly the same (check photos there).

Love this recipe? Get a printable version in my Etsy shop, explore other Greek recipes, or enjoy the full recipe book on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, or hardcover)!

Coconut "Ravani"

🌟 Difficulty	⏱️ Time	🍽️ Serves	🔪 Skill level
★★ Easy	1 hr + overnight soaking	10–12	Beginner

Ok, a difficult day for me (2 of may) has passed and life gets it's rhythm again. So, what's best than trying my favorite Greek cake? Coconut "Ravani" or Coconut semolina moist cake :)
Do you remember the recipe for ravani? If not, time to revise it ...
Find today a slightly different version that is one of my favorite Greek cakes with flaked coconut.

Greek Semolina Cake with Syrup (Ravani)

Ravani is a moist, fragrant Greek cake made with semolina and soaked in a sweet syrup. It’s a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a hint of lemon and a delicate texture, this cake is a beloved treat in Greek households (in ours too!). I dare to say that this is one of the best recipes for ravani!

An amazing variation is the coconut ravani.

Greek Baked layered Pasta (Pastitsio or the alter ego of Moussaka ! )

>>>>This recipe is part of my ebook « Vivian Is Cooking Greek – 44 Authentic Recipes to Try at Home » <<<<

Pastitsio, the alter ego of Moussaka, is a comforting Greek pasta dish, often compared to lasagna. Exactly like Moussaka, it consists of layers of pasta (instead of vegetables), rich meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping..