Mediterranean Pork and Vegetable Meat Loaf
Feb 4, 2008
For truly relaxed entertaining, barbecue a few vegetables ahead of time and assemble these delicious nibbles just before company comes.
This traditional hearty soup features lentils, chickpeas, pasta and vegetables with aromatic yet mild spices. In Morocco its name is harira, and it serves to break the Ramadan fast in Muslim homes.
Grilled market-fresh veggies meet marinated olives and artichokes in this healthy dish made with whole wheat rotini. So chock full with taste and texture, carnivores won't complain about this vegetarian dish.
This herbaceous dressing adds a nice touch of freshness to summery grilled vegetables. If you want a bit more kick, increase the hot pepper flakes.
Pete's Frootique of Bedford, N.S., in the greater Halifax area, is the brainchild of Pete Luckett, Canada's popular TV fruit-and-vegetable expert. As well as fresh produce, the large store includes a juice bar, a butcher, a specialty British food shop and European deli and lunch counters. Many meals-to-go can be ordered from the deli counter and some of the favourites are shepherd's pie, Greek spinach pie and this vegetable "lasagna," which includes no noodles but layers of tasty oven-roasted vegetables. You can, of course, add lasagna noodles if you wish or a layer of other roasted vegetables, such as red peppers.
Grill up kabobs as a side dish for a vegetarian meal (such as chickpea burgers) or to serve with grilled meat or fish. Use either basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto. No pesto? Add 1/4 cup (50 mL) minced fresh basil (or 1 tsp/5 mL dried) to the butter.
I love Vietnamese food and have fond memories of bonding with my mother over hot bowls of pho and crisp fresh rolls. Banh mi, my favourite dish, is stuffed with aromatic grilled meat, savoury condiments and crunchy pickles. The crowning touch of this sandwich is the beautifully crisp Vietnamese roll, which you can buy in many Asian supermarkets. If you can't find one, substitute a crusty sub roll. – Irene Fong, Food specialist
