Healthy Cypriot Recipe: A Taste of Mediterranean Wellness

Cyprus is an ideal destination for a wellbeing holiday, with one of the biggest highlights being its incredibly healthy cuisine. Don’t be misled by the touristy kebabs and meat-heavy options you might see at some restaurants. In reality, Cypriots regularly enjoy a variety of plant-based dishes as a staple of their diet. One of my personal favourites, which I often make at home, is a warming and nourishing meal packed with plant-based protein and rich in antioxidants and minerals from fresh vegetables and olive oil. Here's the recipe so you can try it for yourself.

Louvi (black-eyed peas with Swiss chard and courgettes)

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight in cold water
• 1 courgette, cut into chunks
• 1 bunch of Swiss chard (or spinach), chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra lemon wedges for serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water for boiling
  

Method

1. Prepare the black-eyed peas: Rinse the soaked black-eyed peas in a colander. Place them in a pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender but not mushy. 15 minutes before they are ready add the courgette.

2. Sauté the other vegetables: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).

3. Add the greens: Stir in the chopped Swiss chard (or spinach) and cook for a few minutes until the greens begin to wilt.

4. Combine the peas and season: Add the cooked black-eyed peas to the pan with the greens. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes to combine the flavours. Season with salt, pepper, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice 

To serve

Serve the louvi warm with black or green olives on the side plus extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. I sometimes add some anchovies on top to boost my Omega 3 fatty acids and benefit my brain and heart health.

Enjoy! And let me know what you think if you try it.

Love,

Stella

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