13 of Our Best Mediterranean Recipes, from Greece, Italy, and Beyond
Break out the grape leaves and yogurt
These crustless tarts, adapted from Ana Sortun and Maura Kilpatrick's book Soframiz, are inspired by a yogurt and semolina custard that is traditionally baked inside cooked grape leaves in Greece. The authors say that, even though the grape leaves aren't rolled and filled cigar-style, the filled tarts are still a version of a dolma, a word that means "stuffed" in Turkish and Greek. "I love this version because the grape leaves get crispy and a little caramelized," Sortun says. They work equally well in ceramic ramekins, fluted or non-fluted tart pans, muffin tins, or small cast iron baking dishes. Get the recipe for Spicy Lamb and Grape Leaf Tarts With Orzo and Feta ». Matt Taylor-Gross
Chef Georgia Goggi of Italy’s Puglia region makes this slow-cooked tomato sauce with octopus and saffron. She pairs it with paccheri, a thick air-dried pasta—but any robust pasta shape will do.
Cretan Cheese Pies with Thyme and Honey (Kalitsounia)
Spicy Lamb and Grape Leaf Tarts With Orzo and Feta
Turkish Yogurt and Brown Butter Tomato Sauce
A.k.a. pizza rustica and pizza chiena, this Italian classic calls for a whopping 18 eggs and two pounds of charcuterie, and we’re in love
Lamb Shanks in Red Wine with Creamy Eggplant