eatwell

These tasty muffins are jam-packed with protective antioxidants and dietary fibre that help neutralise free radicals in the body and support cardiovascular health. Apples contain soluble fibre that helps to lower cholesterol levels, and polyphenols that can lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

This pilaf is one of my all-time favourites. I love the fresh herbs and burst of freshness from the pomegranate. It’s a great way of using up any fresh herbs you may have in the fridge, but I recommend using a mix of fresh parsley and mint which pairs perfectly with the zest of the lemon.

Miso is one of my favourite fermented foods which I use often in marinating fish, in dressings and as a simple snack as a soup with seaweed. It only seemed fair to try it out in a more Asian-fusion-style pilaf. I think it’s an absolutely winning combination.

Team this delicious pilaf with your favourite protein or another side of nourishing vegies for the easiest, most flavoursome meal, that’s ready in no time at all.

Try these recipes made with Cabot Health’s 15-Day Cleanse. Dr Sandra Cabot’s 15-Day Cleanse is a triple-strategy program that targets the liver, gut and immune system for a total body cleanse.

I’ve learned so much about pilaf writing for this issue of EatWell — it’s so diverse, delicious and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Plus it’s a bit of a crowd-pleaser, in particular this gorgeous pilaf which is full of wholesome flavours and ingredients. If you don’t have cauliflower then swap it for three cups of cooked rice such as brown or basmati.

Pine nuts are a nutritious seed containing vitamins E and K, magnesium and beneficial monounsaturated fats, all needed for good heart health. Eating foods like garlic, onion and mushrooms that are good sources of the trace mineral selenium will help boost immune function and reduce inflammation in the body.

This is my healthy take on a Greek classic pastitsio. Instead of a rich cheesy sauce, it’s topped with a much lighter blend of yoghurt, tahini and parmesan. It can also be made with beef mince if you prefer, but I personally prefer to use lamb.

I have read that Cypriot farmers made haloumi with techniques and ingredients unique to their family or village, often relying on it as a staple source of protein. These sensational haloumi chips are such a delicious starter or even a light lunch, served with a salad. They are really quick and easy to make and hard to stop eating once you start.

I love these little green parcels that I first made using a Stephanie Alexander recipe. These have a different filling that bursts with the flavours of Cyprus.

A scrumptious, zesty and nourishing take on a traditional Cypriot semolina cake. I’ve swapped semolina and sugar for almond meal and maple syrup in this recipe which tastes just as good (if not better) as the original while packing it chock-a-block full with skin- and heart-loving healthy fats.

If you’ve followed my work for a while you’ll know I love the challenge of a meat for vego swap and this take on the Cypriot sausage which usually incorporates pork is an absolute winner. I’ve focused on the traditional flavours of red onion and parsley and made the meat-for-vegie swap with quinoa, lentils and eggs. Wholesome and delicious.