Best Mediterranean Winter Dinner Ideas

5 from 6 votes
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Looking for cozy and healthy winter dinner ideas? You can find it all here. From warm soups and stews to one pan comfort recipes including pasta and rice dishes, we’ve got you covered. Check out these our collection of recipes for easy dinners to make on a cold winter night.

Looking for cozy and healthy winter dinner ideas? You can find it all here. From warm soups and stews to one pan comfort recipes including pasta and rice dishes, we've got you covered. Check out these our collection of recipes for easy dinners to make on a cold winter night.


 

Winter Soup and Stew Recipes

Ash Reshteh – Persian Noodle Soup

Ash reshteh
4.84 from 60 votes

Ash Reshteh Recipe (Persian Noodle Soup)

Ash Reshteh is a popular Iranian soup that’s simple, easy and very flavorful. This vegetarian Persian soup is made with herbs, legumes and caramelized onion, perfect for any day of the year.
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Ash Reshteh is a popular Iranian soup that's simple, easy and very flavorful. This vegetarian Persian soup is made with herbs, legumes and caramelized onion, perfect for any day of the year.

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

5 from 3 votes

Perfect Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Roasted cauliflower soup is creamy and rich without any cream! Made with just a few ingredients, this cauliflower soup is vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free. Read on to learn how to make this easy soup at home with only a few ingredients in less than one hour.
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two bowls of soup topped with cauliflower.

Easy Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

4.87 from 43 votes

Easy Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

Enjoy an easy chicken lentil soup that's full of Mediterranean flavor. Seasoned with warm spices and packed with veggies, this soup is all you need for a hearty dinner.
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bowl of lentil soup with chicken topped with dill and lemon slices.

Turkish Ground Beef Stew

ground beef stew Turkish style served with rice.
4.67 from 15 votes

Ground Beef Stew, Turkish Style

This Turkish style ground beef stew is hearty and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with vegetables and spices, this stew can be served on its own or with some rice.
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This Turkish style ground beef stew is hearty and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with vegetables and spices, this stew can be served on its own or with some rice.

Instant pot chicken soup

5 from 6 votes

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe

This comforting instant pot chicken soup is ready in 25 minutes and is the perfect weeknight dinner. Flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon and cumin, this soup is very comforting. This comforting instant pot chicken soup is the perfect weeknight dinner. Learn how to make soup in a pressure cooker with this guide and video.
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tow bowls of chicken soup with vegetables.

Mediterranean Green Lentil Soup

4.67 from 205 votes

Easy Mediterranean Green Lentil Soup

Here's a green lentil soup with a Mediterranean twist. Packed with vegetables and spices, this recipe proves that healthy soups don't have to be bland!
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A bowl of Mediterranean green lentil soup topped with parsley and lemon.

Quick and Easy Sausage Gnocchi Soup

5 from 12 votes

Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Sausage gnocchi soup is easy and ready in 30 minutes. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that's hearty and simple.
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sausage gnocchi soup in a Dutch oven.

Ash-e Bademjan – Persian Eggplant Soup

Persian eggplant soup
4.80 from 30 votes

Persian Eggplant Soup – Ash-e Bademjan

Persian eggplant soup is a delicious Persian recipe that's very simple to make. This easy Persian soup is vegetarian and gluten free. 
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Eggplant soup for fall dinner ideas in a bowl topped with kashk and mint.

Greek lemon chicken orzo soup

4.96 from 49 votes

Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Greek lemon chicken orzo soup is easy and packed with flavor. This healthy soup is creamy, hearty and so tasty, perfect for a cozy dinner.
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three bowls of Greek chicken and orzo soup on a white backdrop.

Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe (Mercimek Corbasi)

4.82 from 118 votes

Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe (Mercimek Corbasi)

Turkish lentil soup is ready in 30 minutes. You can make this healthy and delicious soup with just a handful of ingredients.
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Turkish lentil soup is ready in 30 minutes and is so easy to make. You can make this healthy and delicious soup with just a handful of ingredients.

Curry Lentil Soup

4.50 from 68 votes

Curry Lentil Soup

Curry lentil soup is a tasty recipe that you can make in 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. This lentil soup with coconut milk is very comforting. 
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easy healthy dinner ideas - Curry lentil soup is an easy soup recipe that you can make in 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. This lentil soup with coconut milk is very comforting.

Avgolemono (Greek lemon chicken soup)

4.93 from 14 votes

Avgolemono (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup)

This avgolemono soup recipe is comforting with bright flavors. Made with the classic egg lemon sauce, avgolemono, this Greek lemon chicken soup is so satisfying. Follow along for all my tips and instructions to make this authentic Greek chicken soup.
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easy healthy dinner ideas - This avgolemono soup recipe is comforting with bright flavors. Made with the classic egg lemon sauce, avgolemono, this Greek lemon chicken soup is so satisfying. Follow along for all my tips and instructions to make this authentic Greek chicken soup.

Vegan Eggplant Chickpea Stew

Vegan eggplant chickpea stew.
5 from 2 votes

Vegan Eggplant Chickpea Stew Recipe

This recipe for eggplant chickpea stew is surprisingly easy and stress-free. It's vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free – perfect for picky eaters!
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This recipe for eggplant chickpea stew is surprisingly easy and stress-free. It's vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free - perfect for picky eaters!

Homemade Italian Beef Stew

5 from 5 votes

Italian Homemade Beef Stew

An easy homemade beef stew recipe that's full of amazing flavors. This easy Italian beef stew is made with tender beef and fresh vegetables. 

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Italian beef stew in a bowl.

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe

This comforting instant pot chicken soup is ready in 25 minutes and is the perfect weeknight dinner. Flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon and cumin, this soup is very comforting. This comforting instant pot chicken soup is the perfect weeknight dinner. Learn how to make soup in a pressure cooker with this guide and video.
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This comforting instant pot chicken soup is ready in 25 minutes and is the perfect weeknight dinner. Flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon and cumin, this soup is very comforting. This comforting instant pot chicken soup is the perfect weeknight dinner. Learn how to make soup in a pressure cooker with this guide and video.

Homemade Minestrone Soup

4.84 from 6 votes

Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

This minestrone soup recipe is delicious and easy to make. It's loaded with vegetables, beans and pasta – perfect for a hearty meal on a cold day!
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This minestrone soup recipe is delicious and easy to make. It's loaded with vegetables, beans and pasta - perfect for a hearty meal on a cold day!

Comforting Rice and Pasta Recipes

Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta

5 from 14 votes

Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta

This spinach pesto pasta is creamy and rich, plus it's loaded with vegetables. Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, this vegetarian pasta is both healthy and delicious.
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a hand with a fork getting pasta from a bowl.

Italian Sausage Pasta

4.84 from 30 votes

Italian Sausage Pasta in Instant Pot

Italian sausage pasta made in instant pot is an easy quick dinner that the whole family will love. This one pot sausage pasta is the perfect dish for busy weeknights! 
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pasta and sausage topped with parmesan cheese.

One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta

chicken parmesan pasta.
4.27 from 38 votes

One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta

A healthier version of an all-time favorite, this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta is great for weeknight dinners and is ready in less than 40 minutes!
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A wooden spoon scooping pasta out of pan.

Greek one pan chicken and rice

4.48 from 17 votes

Greek One Pan Chicken and Rice

An easy one pan chicken and rice recipe made Greek style! Juicy chicken and flavorful rice make the perfect weeknight dinner that's easy yet super delicious.
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cooked chicken breast on rice with olives and lemon.

Pastitsio – Greek lasagna

4.91 from 44 votes

Easy Greek Pastitsio Recipe

Pastitsio is a Greek pasta bake that's bursting with flavor. Layers of pasta, meat sauce and bechamel sauce makes this dish so unique and delicious.
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pasta topped with a ground beef sauce and bechamel sauce.

Persian One Pot Tomato Rice – Dami Gojeh Farangi

Persian tomato rice dami gojeh farangi.
4.72 from 46 votes

Persian One Pot Tomato Rice – Dami Gojeh Farangi

Persian tomato rice is an easy vegetarian dish full of amazing flavors. This one pot rice recipe uses very few ingredients and can be prepared in no time!
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Persian tomato rice is an easy vegetarian dish full of amazing flavors. This one pot rice recipe uses very few ingredients and can be prepared in no time!

Lubia Polo Recipe (Persian Green Bean Rice)

4.88 from 33 votes

Lubia Polo Recipe (Persian Green Bean Rice)

Lubia polo is a classic Persian green bean rice recipe that's flavored with warm and aromatic spices. Follow along to learn how to make this tasty recipe using my step-by-step recipe and tips.
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Lubia polo is a classic Persian green bean rice recipe that's flavored with warm and aromatic spices. Follow along to learn how to make this tasty recipe using my step-by-step recipe and tips.

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

4.67 from 33 votes

Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant pot chicken and rice is ready in less than 30 minutes! Packed with veggies and so much flavor, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner!
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A platter of chicken and rice with vegetables with a serving plate on a white backdrop.

One Pan Jambalaya Pasta

5 from 3 votes

One Pan Jambalaya Pasta

Have a warm bowl of One Pan Jambalaya Pasta any day of the year – this dish is full of flavors and takes less than an hour to come together. Perfect comfort food!
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jambalaya pasta in a bowl with a fork.

Easy Vegetable Lasagna

4.67 from 18 votes

Easy vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Here's an easy vegetable lasagna recipe that can be enjoyed any day of the week. This vegetarian lasagna is cheesy, packed with veggies and absolutely delicious!
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vegetable lasagna with basil in a pan on a backdrop.

Meygoo Polo – Persian Shrimp and Rice

4.69 from 32 votes

Persian Style Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo)

Try the classic combination of shrimp and rice with a Persian twist. This dish is packed with delicious and warm Middle Eastern spices! Master this recipe by watching our video and step-by-step tutorial.
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Cooked shrimp on spiced rice Persian style

Mujadara – Lebanese Lentil Rice with Crispy Onions

4.78 from 63 votes

Mujadara Lebanese Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions

Mujadara is a simple Lebanese lentil and rice dish with crispy onions that's packed with flavor. This lentils and rice recipe calls for only a few ingredients and is very easy to make.
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two bowls of lentil rice and onions on a blue napkin.

Zereshk Polo Morgh – Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken

4.72 from 49 votes

Zereshk Polo Morgh – Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken

Zereshk polo morgh is one of the most famous dishes in Persian cuisine. It's full of wonderful flavors such as saffron, turmeric and barberry.
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chicken with rice and barberries.

Winter Chicken Dinner Recipes

Greek Chicken and Potatoes

4.66 from 23 votes

Greek Chicken And Potatoes Recipe

This Greek chicken and potatoes is the perfect dinner. Made in one pan with lots of garlic and lemon, every bit of this baked chicken and potatoes is juicy and packed with flavor.
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roasted chicken and potatoes in an oval dish.

Pomegranate Chicken

5 from 15 votes

Pomegranate Chicken, Persian Style (Morgh Nardooni)

This pomegranate chicken is tangy and savory with a lot of flavor. Juicy chicken cooked in pomegranate juice makes this Persian classic a family favorite!
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This pomegranate chicken is tangy and savory with a lot of flavor. Juicy chicken cooked in pomegranate juice makes this Persian classic a family favorite!

Turkish Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

5 from 9 votes

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Turkish Style

Roasted chicken and vegetables is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Chicken is flavored with spices and roasted on a bed of vegetables with a tasty sauce all in one dish. It's a simple classic dinner that everyone loves.
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roasted chicken and vegetables in an oven baking dish.

Baked Greek chicken

5 from 7 votes

Baked Greek Chicken Recipe

This baked Greek chicken recipe is a weeknight favorite. Marinated in yogurt, lemon and garlic, this chicken is flavorful in every bite.
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This baked Greek chicken recipe is a weeknight favorite. Marinated in yogurt, lemon and garlic, this chicken is flavorful in every bite.

Mediterranean garlic chicken

5 from 6 votes

Mediterranean Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Mediterranean style garlic chicken recipe is a keeper. Juicy chicken flavored with garlic and Mediterranean herbs is absolutely delicious.
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This Mediterranean style garlic chicken recipe is a keeper. Juicy chicken flavored with garlic and Mediterranean herbs is absolutely delicious.

Homemade chicken shawarma

4.44 from 67 votes

Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

This homemade chicken shawarma recipe is made with a special spice mix that infuses it with classic Middle Eastern flavors. Serve it in a wrap to get the satisfying taste of take-out shawarma at home!
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This homemade chicken shawarma recipe is made with a special spice mix that infuses it with classic Middle Eastern flavors. Serve it in a wrap to get the satisfying taste of take-out shawarma at home!

Italian skillet chicken

4.89 from 26 votes

Italian Skillet Chicken Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes, this Italian chicken skillet recipe is a great option for a healthy and comforting dinner. This is a simple skillet chicken recipe that calls for real ingredients and is seasoned with bright spices and lemon.
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easy healthy dinner ideas - Ready in 30 minutes, this Italian chicken skillet recipe is a great option for a healthy and comforting dinner. This is a simple skillet chicken recipe that calls for real ingredients and is seasoned with bright spices and lemon.

Easy Seafood Recipes For Dinner

Oven Baked Salmon with Olives and Capers

4.76 from 25 votes

Oven Baked Salmon with Olives and Capers

The best ever oven baked salmon is here! Flaky and moist Alaska salmon with olives and capers on a bed of vegetables is the best weeknight dinner!
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The best ever oven baked salmon is here! Flaky and moist Alaska salmon with olives and capers on a bed of vegetables is the best weeknight dinner!

Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon

5 from 4 votes

Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

This is an easy orange glazed salmon recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy a delicious, crispy pan seared salmon cooked with a homemade orange glaze.  

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Salmon slices in a pan topped with orange glaze and slices of orange.

Best Salmon Marinade Mediterranean Style

4.70 from 60 votes

Best Salmon Marinade Mediterranean Style

This salmon marinade features bright flavors and doesn't require a long list of ingredients. You can use this marinade for baked or grilled salmon. 
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easy healthy dinner ideas - This salmon marinade features bright flavors and doesn't require a long list of ingredients. You can use this marinade for baked or grilled salmon.

Mediterranean style shrimp recipe

4.81 from 21 votes

Mediterranean Style Shrimp Recipe

This Mediterranean style shrimp recipe is bursting with vibrant flavors. Large shrimp marinated with spices, garlic and olive oil, then cooked in a delicious tomato and pepper sauce results in one of the tastiest 20-minute dinners you'll ever find!
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This Mediterranean style shrimp recipe is bursting with vibrant flavors. Large shrimp marinated with spices, garlic and olive oil, then cooked in a delicious tomato and pepper sauce results in one of the tastiest 20-minute dinners you'll ever find!

Mediterranean Baked Dijon Salmon Recipe

4.86 from 67 votes

Mediterranean Baked Dijon Salmon Recipe

A quick salmon recipe with so much flavor, this dijon salmon recipe is a family favorite. This baked salmon is juicy, tender and very simple to make. 
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easy healthy dinner ideas - An easy salmon recipe with so much flavor, this dijon salmon recipe is a family favorite. This baked salmon is juicy, tender and very easy to make.

Baked mahi mahi Greek style

4.94 from 63 votes

Baked Mahi Mahi, Greek Style!

This mahi mahi recipe is ready in 30 minutes. Tender and flaky fish baked with bright Mediterranean flavors makes the perfect dinner.
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Front shot of baked mahi mahi topped with garlic and spices.
4.88 from 8 votes

Easy Broiled Salmon Recipe (15 minutes!)

You can make this delicious spiced broiled salmon recipe in less than 15 minutes. Broiling is the way to go for a fast, tasty and satisfying salmon dinner!

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You can make this delicious spiced broiled salmon recipe in less than 15 minutes. Broiling is the way to go for a fast, tasty and satisfying salmon dinner!

Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe with Honey and Lemon

5 from 6 votes

Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe with Honey and Lemon

Baked salmon in foil perfect for a weeknight dinner. This salmon recipe is ready in 25 minutes and is so delicious!
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Baked salmon in foil perfect for a weeknight dinner. This easy salmon recipe is ready in 25 minutes and is so delicious!

More Comfort food for winter dinner

Greek Moussaka

4.59 from 131 votes

Greek Eggplant Moussaka Recipe

Moussaka is a classic Greek comfort food. Follow our step-by-step recipe to make this easy and comforting eggplant casserole. 
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Moussaka is a classic Greek comfort food. Follow our step-by-step recipe to make this easy and comforting eggplant casserole.

Soutzoukakia – Greek Baked Meatballs

4.86 from 7 votes

Soutzoukakia Greek Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Soutzoukakia also known as Greek baked meatballs in tomato sauce is a classic recipe that's full of flavor. Juicy meatballs cooked in a flavorful rich tomato sauce makes the perfect recipe. Follow along for all my tips and tricks to make the juiciest meatballs!
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Greek meatballs in tomato sauce on a bed of rice.

Keftedes – Greek Meatballs

4.81 from 21 votes

Easy Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes)

Keftedes are Greek meatballs that are juicy, delicious and easy to make. Serve them with some pita, salad and tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean meal!
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meatballs with vegetables, tzatziki and pita.

Eggplant Parmesan

5 from 7 votes

Best Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

This eggplant parmesan recipe is a classic for good reasons. You can't go wrong with layers of eggplant, cheese and marinara sauce. Learn how to make this eggplant casserole with this easy tutorial (including a special tip that makes this dish special!) and how-to video. 

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Eggplant parmesan on a plate with basil and tomatoes.

Eggplant Lasagna

4.80 from 25 votes

Classic Eggplant Lasagna Recipe

This easy eggplant lasagna recipe is cheesy, delicious and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's made without the noodles so it's gluten free and low carb.
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eggplant lasagna for fall dinner idea on a plate.

Mirza Ghasemi – Persian Eggplant and Tomatoes

Mirza ghasemi.
4.94 from 16 votes

Mirza Ghasemi Persian Smoked Eggplants and Tomatoes

Mirza Ghasemi is a Persian eggplant and tomato dish that’s very flavorful. This vegetarian eggplant recipe is super easy to make and everyone will ask for seconds! 
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A spoon serving rice and mirza ghasemi.

Kashke Bademjan – Persian Eggplant Dip

4.93 from 63 votes

Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)

Kashke bademjan is a simple Persian eggplant dip that is made with a handful of ingredients. This tasty vegetarian dip is full of amazing flavors and makes for a perfect appetizer!
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Kashke bademjan on a plate topped with dried mint and walnuts.

Karniyarik – Turkish Stuffed Eggplant

4.65 from 31 votes

Karniyarik Turkish Stuffed Eggplant

Karniyarik is a classic Turkish stuffed eggplant recipe. Delicious eggplants are stuffed with a tasty ground beef, pepper and tomatoes filling and are baked to perfection. 
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Eggplant stuffed with meat and topped with mint.

Easy Italian Meatballs

5 from 16 votes

Easy Italian Meatball Recipe

This easy Italian meatball recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The juicy beef meatballs are cooked in a delicious sauce for a satisfying meal.
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Meatballs topped with cheese and parsley.

Serving suggestions

You can serve any of these dishes with a simple salad such as Mediterranean salad or Greek salad. Check out our side dish recipes for more ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

You can make most of these dishes in advance. I recommend checking out each recipe for complete instructions and tips.

How can I make these vegetarian?

If the main ingredient is not chicken, beef or seafood, then you can simply leave it out or use other sources of protein such as beans. You can also use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock in any of these recipes.

How to store the leftovers?

Most of these recipes can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Check out each recipe for details.

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5 from 6 votes

Best Mediterranean Winter Dinner Ideas

Looking for cozy and healthy winter dinner ideas? You can find it all here. From warm soups and stews to one pan comfort recipes including pasta and rice dishes, we've got you covered. Check out these our collection of recipes for easy dinners to make on a cold winter night.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • Check out each recipe for the complete list of ingredients.

Instructions 

  • Check out each recipe for complete instructions.
  • Make ahead: You can make most of these recipes in advance. Check each recipe for details.
  • Storage: For most of these dishes, store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Shadi HasanzadeNemati

I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!

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5 from 6 votes

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Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are so perfect for the winter months! Nothing is better than a hearty dish like these when the weather is cold outside.

  2. 5 stars
    What an incredible list of dinner ideas. I really love all the different soups and fish dishes. Have marked this page for future reference.