The name Minestrone Genovese literally translates to big soup Genovese style, and that is exactly what this is: a thick, filling and very satisfying vegetable stew enriched with pesto, extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese.
Mama Santelli's Recipes
Mama has included over a hundred recipes from the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The recipes are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, with moderate amounts of fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy, and limited red meat and sweets. Change these recipes to meet your nutritional needs or create your own. Most of all have fun... "Se cresce vicino al mare e la tua Nonna riesce a pronunciarlo, puoi cucinarlo!" — Mama
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The line‑by‑line ingredients list lets you compare similar options — choose less sodium or sugar, or add more fiber and protein. Tracking specific nutrients for diabetes or heart health? Use the list to manage your intake.
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Featured Recipes
Minestrone Genovese
Portokalopita - Greek Orange Cake
Portokalopita is one of those desserts that surprises people because it uses shredded phyllo pastry instead of traditional flour. The combination of oranges, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and honey creates a wonderfully moist, fragrant cake.
Pasta Alla Norma
A classic Sicilian pasta dish featuring tender roasted eggplant, rich tomato marinara, fresh basil, and aromatic oregano. Finished with grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, this Mediterranean favorite delivers hearty flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Linguine Alle Vongole
Tender linguine tossed with fresh clams in a delicate sauce of white wine, garlic, olive oil, butter, and lemon. Finished with fresh parsley and a touch of red pepper flakes, this classic Italian seafood pasta captures the bright, savory flavors of Mediterranean coastal cooking.
Greek Stuffed Tomatoes
Juicy tomatoes and colorful bell peppers filled with a fragrant mixture of rice, fresh zucchini, potatoes, aromatic herbs, and Mediterranean seasonings. Slowly baked in olive oil and natural tomato juices alongside tender roasted potatoes and zucchini.
Black Bean Brownies
These brownies use black beans as the base. Black beans are high in fiber and protein, which promotes better digestion, helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, and can help manage blood pressure. They are also known to promote bone and heart health.
Mediterranean Lemon Orzo
Tender orzo pasta simmered in savory broth with sweet peas, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Bright lemon juice, fragrant zest, and fresh herbs create a light, creamy Mediterranean-inspired dish that's perfect as a side or satisfying main course.
Pan Seared Shrimp With Lemon-Garlic
Pan-seared shrimp with braised greens is a delicious Greek dish that serves as an example of how a handful of simple ingredients can be used to create a hearty, comforting, and healthy shrimp recipe that looks and tastes good enough to serve company, but is fast enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
Greek Avgolemono Soup
A comforting Greek classic featuring tender chicken, rice or orzo, and a silky lemon-egg broth. This traditional Mediterranean soup combines bright citrus flavors with a rich, creamy texture created without cream. Warm, satisfying, and perfect for any season.
Mediterranean Marinated Olives
Marinating cured olives with local ingredients—such as extra virgin olive oil, garlic, citrus peel, bay leaves, fennel, coriander, and regional herbs—evolved independently across coastal kitchens in Greece, Italy, Spain, and the Levant.
Italian Stuffed Peppers
These are my Italian Stuffed Peppers, and they are loaded with ground meat, rice, Italian parsley, freshly grated parmigiano reggiano, and topped with a slice of provolone. They are then baked in the oven with a beautiful homemade tomato sauce until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a delicious way to enjoy sweet crab for dinner! These patties are crisp and golden, perfectly tender, and taste even better dipped into my creamy, tangy, homemade tartar sauce.