Main Dishes Medium Barley Risotto with Mushrooms, Garlic, and Parsley
Creamy barley risotto with earthy mushrooms and fresh parsley. All the comfort of traditional risotto with the nutty depth of whole grain barley.
Cuisine
Italian
Browse 23 italian recipes from Mediterranean Joy.
23 recipes
Main Dishes Medium 
Main Dishes Medium Caponata Siciliana di Verdure
Sicilian caponata with eggplant, peppers, celery, tomato, olives, capers, and agrodolce. Serve cool or at room temperature.
Sides Easy Farro Pilaf with Roasted Vegetables and Herbs
Nutty farro toasted in olive oil, then simmered with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and fresh herbs. A satisfying grain dish that works as a main or side.
Sides Easy Gremolata (Lemon Zest, Garlic, Parsley) for Beans and Vegetables
Three ingredients, five minutes. This Milanese condiment wakes up beans, braised dishes, and roasted vegetables with bright citrus and raw garlic.
Main Dishes Easy Mushroom and Lentil Ragù (Plant-Based)
A rich, savory plant-based ragù made with mushrooms and lentils. Deep umami flavor in a completely vegan sauce that satisfies like the meat version.
Main Dishes Easy Peperonata
Italian peperonata with red and yellow peppers, shallot, capers, oregano, and basil. Soft, glossy, and best after a short rest.
Sides Easy Pesto Variations: Basil, Arugula, Parsley-Walnut
Master the pesto formula and create infinite variations. Three distinctive recipes—classic basil, peppery arugula, and nutty parsley-walnut.
Sides Easy Salsa Verde (Parsley, Capers, Lemon, Olive Oil)
The ultimate Mediterranean sauce for fish. Bright parsley, briny capers, sharp lemon, and grassy olive oil. Five minutes to transform any seafood dish.
Sides Easy Simple Tomato Sauce (Garlic, Olive Oil, Basil)
The foundation sauce. Garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, and basil. Master this and you have the base for pasta, braises, soups, and countless variations.
Main Dishes Medium Stuffed Eggplant with Tomato, Herbs, and Breadcrumbs
Sicilian-style stuffed eggplant boats filled with tomato, herbs, and crispy breadcrumbs. Baked until tender and golden. Vegetarian, meal-prep friendly.
Main Dishes Easy Whole Wheat Pasta with Sardines, Lemon, and Breadcrumbs
A simplified pasta con le sarde—whole wheat spaghetti with sardines, lemon, and golden breadcrumbs. Nutritious, affordable, and deeply satisfying.
Appetizers Medium Calamari Salad with Lemon, Olive Oil & Fresh Herbs
Tender poached calamari tossed with celery, olives, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. A classic Mediterranean seafood salad that's light yet satisfying.
Main Dishes Medium Chickpea Fritters (Panelle-Style)
Crispy Sicilian chickpea flour fritters, pan-fried until golden. Serve with lemon and herb salad for a light Mediterranean meal.
Salads Easy Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Herb Vinaigrette
Chewy farro meets summer vegetables in a bright herb dressing. A satisfying grain salad perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Soups & Stews Easy Greens and Beans Soup
Italian-style soup with dark leafy greens and white beans, finished with olive oil and lemon. Simple, nutritious, endlessly satisfying.
Main Dishes Easy Lentil Ragù Over Whole Grains
Hearty lentil ragù with vegetables and herbs, served over farro or any whole grain. Comfort without heaviness—the vegetarian bolognese.
Main Dishes Easy Mussels in Tomato & Herb Broth (Cozze al Pomodoro)
Plump mussels steamed in a garlicky tomato sauce with white wine and fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the broth.
Main Dishes Easy Pasta al Pomodoro
Spaghetti al pomodoro with garlic, basil, olive oil, and ripe tomatoes. A quick, stripped-back version finished directly in the pan.
Main Dishes Easy Spaghetti with Anchovies, Garlic & Toasted Breadcrumbs
A classic Southern Italian pasta where anchovies melt into the sauce, creating deep umami flavor. Topped with crispy garlic breadcrumbs for texture.
Soups & Stews Easy Tuscan Bean Soup with Bread (Ribollita-Style)
Hearty Tuscan bread soup with white beans and vegetables. Day-old bread makes it thick and satisfying—peasant food at its best.
Soups & Stews Easy White Bean and Kale Soup
Hearty Tuscan-style soup with creamy white beans, tender kale, and a rosemary olive oil finish. Comfort food that's genuinely good for you.
Salads Easy White Bean, Tuna, and Caper Salad
An Italian-style tuna and white bean salad with olives, capers, parsley, shallot, and a lemon-Dijon dressing. Briny, bright, rich, and ready fast.
Salads Easy Tuna and White Bean Salad with Lemon & Herbs
The ultimate pantry lunch: canned white beans, quality tuna, lemon, and fresh herbs. High protein, no cooking, ready in 5 minutes.