Mediterranean LIGHT BITES

Fresh and flavor-packed, these dishes are perfect for sharing at your first alfresco dinner party of the season

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There are nights when we want to sit down to a rich, hearty meal and others when we prefer to graze on small plates. As the nights get warmer we are starting to crave the lat-ter more and more, so we were thrilled to find the new cookbook Tahini Baby, which is filled with plant-forward light dishes loaded with flavor. “What it all comes down to is that this book is about food that makes you feel good,” says chef and author Eden Grinshpan, the host of Top Chef Canada. “With their vibrant colors and bright, balanced flavors, these dishes can only be described as happy-making.” Try one today!

SPICY GREEN RICE WITH DUKKAH

Serves 4

¾ cup fresh baby spinach
½ cup fresh cilantro
½ cup fresh mint
½ cup fresh chives
1 serrano chile, stemmed
2 garlic cloves ¼ cup olive oil
1½ cups basmati rice, rinsed
1½ tsp. kosher salt Juice of ½ lemon

1. In a blender, blend first 6 ingredients with ½ cup water. Transfer to a large measuring cup; add water so the mixture totals 3 cups.

2. Heat oil in a pot over medium. Add rice; toast 5 min. Add salt and sauce; boil, then simmer, covered, 10 min. Turn off heat; let sit, covered, 10 min. Add lemon juice.