Tag: Mediterranean recipe

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Warm Anchovy & Buttered Leeks with Lemon Crumbs

Warm anchovy and buttered leeks with lemon crumbs made using anchovy fillets in sunflower oil, recipe and image created by Nicol Retailer Limited

Sometimes the most memorable dishes are the simplest ones — where a handful of quality ingredients come together to create something quietly spectacular. This Warm Anchovy & Buttered Leeks with Lemon Crumbs recipe is exactly that: elegant, comforting, and packed with deep, savoury flavour. This recipe uses premium anchovy fillets in sunflower oil. These are available to buy online from Nicol Retailer and are ideal for adding rich, savoury depth to Mediterranean-style dishes.

Tender leeks are gently cooked until silky and sweet. They are then enriched with anchovy fillets that melt effortlessly into the butter and oil, creating a glossy, umami-rich sauce. Finished with crisp lemon crumbs for contrast and freshness, this dish feels both rustic and refined — perfect as a starter, a light main, or a luxurious side.

History of Anchovies

Anchovies have been used in cooking for centuries, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. They are prized for their ability to add deep umami flavour. As documented by Encyclopaedia Britannica, this dates back to ancient Roman times. The Romans famously used anchovies to make garum — a fermented fish sauce that was considered a luxury condiment. It was traded across Europe. This early love for anchovies laid the foundation for their enduring role in cuisines from Italy and Spain to France and Greece.

Over time, anchovies became prized not just for their flavour, but for their practicality. Preserved in oil or salt, they travelled well and delivered intense savoury depth to simple dishes. Today, anchovies remain a cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking — quietly enhancing sauces, vegetables, and pastas with their unmistakable umami richness.

In modern kitchens, anchovies are valued less as a “fish” ingredient and more as a natural seasoning. When gently heated, they melt into oils and butters, creating deep flavour without overpowering a dish. This is exactly what makes them perfect for recipes like this warm leek dish.

Using quality anchovies from Nicol Retailer honours this long culinary tradition, bringing an ancient ingredient into contemporary, elegant home cooking.

How to make this Recipe

Elegant yet wonderfully simple, this Warm Anchovy & Buttered Leeks with Lemon Crumbs recipe celebrates the magic of slow cooking and quality ingredients. Follow the steps below to recreate this comforting Mediterranean-inspired recipe at home. It is perfect as a refined starter, light main, or indulgent side:

Warm anchovy and buttered leeks with lemon crumbs made using anchovy fillets in sunflower oil, recipe and image created by Nicol Retailer Limited

Warm Anchovy & Buttered Leeks with Lemon Crumbs

Print Recipe
Warm Anchovy & Buttered Leeks with Lemon Crumbs is a rich yet elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish where anchovy fillets melt into buttery olive oil, coating tender leeks with deep savoury flavour. Finished with golden lemon-garlic breadcrumbs for crunch and freshness, this simple recipe delivers bold umami taste using anchovy fillets in sunflower oil from Nicol Retailer. Perfect as a refined starter, side dish, or light main, it’s quick to prepare and full of comforting flavour.
Course Light Main Course, Side Dish, Starter
Cuisine European, Italian, Mediterranean
Diet Low Calorie
Keyword anchovy fillets in sunflower oil, anchovy leeks recipe, how to cook leeks with anchovies, warm leek dish
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 220

Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Lemon Crumbs

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan.
  • Add breadcrumbs and toast until golden and crisp.
  • Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest and black pepper. Set aside.

Cook the Leeks

  • In a wide pan, heat butter, olive oil, and anchovy oil over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and cook gently for 30 seconds.
  • Add leeks, stir to coat, then cover and cook gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and glossy.

Add the Anchovies

  • Add anchovy fillets to the pan.
  • Stir gently until they melt into the leeks, creating a silky sauce.
  • Season with black pepper (no salt needed).

Finish & Serve

  • Spoon leeks onto a serving platter or shallow bowls.
  • Sprinkle generously with lemon crumbs.
  • Finish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

This Warm Anchovy & Buttered Leeks with Lemon Crumbs recipe is designed to maximise flavour using anchovy fillets in sunflower oil, which naturally melt into the cooking fat to create deep umami richness without added salt. The gentle cooking method allows the leeks to become soft, sweet, and glossy, perfectly balancing the savoury anchovies.
Gluten-free variation:
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the lemon crumb topping or omit the crumbs entirely for a naturally low-carb dish.
Vegan variation:
For a vegan alternative, replace anchovy fillets with capers, white miso, or finely chopped olives to replicate the savoury depth, and use vegan butter or olive oil instead of dairy butter. This maintains the Mediterranean flavour profile while keeping the dish 100% plant-based.
Serve warm as an elegant starter, flavourful side dish, or light main. Using premium ingredients from Nicol Retailer ensures the best texture, aroma, and overall taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 200g | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 700mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g

Nutritional Benefits Anchovy & Leeks

This dish isn’t just rich in flavour — it’s also packed with nutritional goodness, making it a smart choice for balanced, wholesome meals.

Anchovies

Nutritionally, anchovies are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health, according to Healthline. They are:

  • High in protein, supporting muscle health
  • A natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support heart and brain health
  • Rich in calcium and phosphorus, essential for strong bones
  • Packed with vitamin B12, supporting energy production and nervous system health

Because anchovies are used melted into the dish, you benefit from their nutrients without needing large quantities.

Leeks

Leeks are a good source of fibre and vitamins, contributing to digestion and overall wellbeing, as highlighted by BBC Good Food, offering:

  • Dietary fibre, aiding digestion and gut health
  • Vitamin K, important for bone strength
  • Vitamin A and antioxidants, supporting immune health
  • Natural sweetness without added sugars

When slowly cooked, leeks become easier to digest while retaining their nutritional value.

Together, anchovies and leeks create a dish that’s:

  • Naturally low in carbohydrates
  • Rich in healthy fats (from olive oil and anchovy oil)
  • High in flavour without relying on heavy sauces or processed ingredients
  • It’s a wonderful example of Mediterranean-style eating — simple, seasonal, and nourishing.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

This Warm Anchovy & Buttered Leeks with Lemon Crumbs dish is wonderfully versatile. It is easy to adapt for different occasions and menus. Its rich, savoury depth pairs beautifully with both simple accompaniments and more refined plates.

Serve it warm, spooned into shallow bowls or arranged neatly on a platter. Allow the glossy anchovy-butter sauce to pool gently around the leeks. A slice of crusty sourdough, focaccia, or toasted ciabatta is essential for soaking up every last drop of the lemon-scented oil.

As a starter, it works beautifully ahead of grilled fish, roast chicken, or a light pasta course. As a side dish, it complements roasted meats, pan-seared white fish, or a vegetarian spread featuring lentils, beans, or polenta. For a simple yet elegant vegetarian main, serve the leeks over creamy mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or butter beans, finished with an extra drizzle of olive or anchovy oil.

For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a light elderflower spritz keeps the palate refreshed.

For an extra flourish, finish the dish at the table with freshly cracked black pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a scattering of chopped herbs. These small touches elevate the dish and reinforce its Mediterranean character.

Shop the Ingredients

Create this dish using anchovy fillets in sunflower oil from Nicol Retailer, your trusted source for high-quality ingredients. It’s used by home cooks and professional kitchens alike.

This Warm Anchovy & Buttered Leeks with Lemon Crumbs recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when carefully chosen, can create truly memorable food. By using high-quality anchovy fillets that melt seamlessly into the dish, you achieve deep, savoury flavour without complexity. For the best results, sourcing premium ingredients is key — which is why home cooks and professional kitchens alike trust Nicol Retailer for reliable quality and exceptional produce. From pantry staples to specialist ingredients, Nicol Retailer makes it easy to cook with confidence, bringing restaurant-quality flavour into everyday meals.

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Italian Bresaola Tartine with Roasted Sweet Peppers

Bresaola tartine with roasted sweet peppers, lemon ricotta and rocket.
Bresaola tartine with roasted sweet peppers, lemon ricotta and rocket.

If you’re searching for a recipe that feels luxurious yet effortless, this Italian bresaola tartine with roasted sweet peppers is a perfect choice. Light, colourful and packed with flavour, it combines silky cured beef, naturally sweet roasted peppers, creamy lemon ricotta and peppery rocket. These ingredients are all layered on crisp toasted sourdough.

This is the kind of dish that looks at home on a restaurant menu, yet is simple enough to prepare in your own kitchen. It is ideal as a starter, light lunch, or elegant sharing platter. It proves that when ingredients are high quality, less really is more.

The History of Bresaola

Bresaola is a traditional Italian cured meat with a long and proud heritage rooted in the mountainous regions of Northern Italy. It is particularly found in Valtellina in Lombardy. Unlike many cured meats made from pork, bresaola is produced from lean beef, making it unique within Italian charcuterie.

The origins of bresaola date back several centuries. Preserving meat was essential for survival through long Alpine winters. Local farmers developed a method of air-drying beef using salt, spices and mountain air. This method created a product that was flavourful, long-lasting and easy to store. The cold, dry climate of the Alps played a crucial role in shaping bresaola’s distinctive character. Learn more about the history of bresaola.

Traditional Production Methods

Authentic Italian bresaola is made from carefully selected cuts of beef. Typically, the top round is used. The meat is trimmed of fat, lightly salted, and seasoned with a blend of spices. These spices may include juniper, garlic, cinnamon and black pepper. The meat is then air-dried for several weeks to months, depending on size and tradition.

Unlike heavily smoked or fermented cured meats, bresaola is prized for its clean, delicate flavour, soft texture and deep ruby-red colour. The curing process enhances the natural taste of the beef without overpowering it. This results in a refined and elegant product.

Bresaola della Valtellina PGI

One of the most famous and protected versions is Bresaola della Valtellina IGP (PGI). It received Protected Geographical Indication status from the European Union. This designation recognises the product’s historical importance. It also ensures that authentic bresaola is produced according to strict regional and quality standards.

Today, bresaola remains a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and culinary tradition, enjoyed both in Italy and around the world.

How to Make Italian Bresaola Tartine with Roasted Sweet Peppers

This Italian bresaola tartine recipe is quick to prepare. It showcases the delicate flavour of premium sliced bresaola paired with sweet roasted bell peppers, creamy lemon ricotta and fresh rocket. With minimal cooking and simple assembly, it delivers elegant results without complexity. Follow the step-by-step ingredients and instructions below to create a light starter, refined lunch or impressive sharing dish. These steps highlight the quality of the ingredients:

Bresaola tartine with roasted sweet peppers, lemon ricotta and rocket.

Bresaola, Roasted Sweet Pepper & Rocket Tartine with Lemon Ricotta

Print Recipe
This Italian-inspired bresaola tartine recipe combines premium sliced bresaola with roasted sweet bell peppers, lemon ricotta and fresh rocket on toasted sourdough. Light, flavour-packed and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a starter, lunch or sharing platter. Made using high-quality Gran Bosca Italian Bresaola and fresh bell peppers available from Nicol Retailer Limited, this recipe delivers a balance of savoury, sweet and citrus notes with a crisp finish. Ideal for entertaining, casual dining and modern European menus.
Course Light Main Course, Lunch Dish, Sharing / Grazing Platter, Starter
Cuisine Italian, Modern European
Diet Low Calorie
Keyword Bresaola recipe, Bresaola starter, Bresaola tartine, Italian bresaola
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 People
Calories 320

Ingredients

For the Tartines:

Optional Garnish:

Instructions

Roast the Sweet Bell Peppers:

  • Preheat your oven to 220°C / 200°C fan / Gas Mark 7.
  • Cut the sweet peppers into thick strips, remove core and seeds.
  • Toss in a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Spread on a baking tray and roast 15–20 minutes, turning once, until tender and slightly charred.
  • Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Lemon Ricotta:

  • In a small bowl, combine ricotta with lemon zest, lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper.
  • Stir well until creamy and bright — season to taste with salt if needed.

Toast the Bread:

  • Lightly brush each slice of sourdough with olive oil.
  • Lightly brush each slice of sourdough with olive oil.

Lightly brush each slice of sourdough with olive oil:

  • Lightly brush each slice of sourdough with olive oil.
  • Arrange roasted sweet pepper strips evenly on top.
  • Drape slices of bresaola over the peppers.
  • Top with a handful of fresh rocket.
  • Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and, if using, a balsamic glaze for sweet-tangy richness.
  • Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and, if using, a balsamic glaze for sweet-tangy richness.

Notes

This Italian bresaola tartine recipe is quick to prepare and highlights the natural flavour of premium sliced bresaola paired with sweet roasted bell peppers, creamy lemon ricotta and fresh rocket. Using high-quality Gran Bosca Italian Bresaola ensures a tender texture and balanced savoury taste, while roasting the peppers enhances their natural sweetness. For best results, serve the bresaola at room temperature and add it just before serving to preserve its delicate texture. This recipe is ideal as a starter, light lunch or elegant sharing dish and can be easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Serving: 250g | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 1000mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g

Roasted Sweet Bell Peppers: Colour, Sweetness and Balance

Roasting fresh premium sweet bell peppers transforms them completely. Heat intensifies their natural sweetness, softens their texture and adds subtle caramelised notes. Their vibrant red, yellow and orange tones also bring visual appeal. As a result, the tartine is as striking as it is delicious. Find out how to roast peppers perfectly

The sweetness of the peppers balances the savoury depth of the bresaola, while their softness contrasts beautifully with crisp sourdough and fresh rocket. This harmony of flavours and textures is what makes the recipe so satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

These Italian bresaola tartines with roasted sweet peppers are extremely versatile. They can be served in a variety of ways, making them suitable for casual meals, refined dining and professional catering menus.

For a light lunch or everyday meal, serve the tartines whole with a crisp green salad. Use rocket, watercress or mixed leaves, lightly dressed with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Adding cherry tomatoes or shaved fennel brings freshness and texture. This balances the savoury bresaola and sweet roasted peppers.

As a starter, cut the tartines into smaller portions. Present them on a sharing platter with olives, marinated vegetables or shaved Parmesan. This works beautifully for dinner parties, festive menus and Italian-inspired entertaining. It offers a refined appetiser that feels indulgent without being heavy.

For grazing boards and buffets, slice the tartines into bite-sized pieces and arrange alongside cheeses, charcuterie, crusty bread and dips. Their bold yet balanced flavours make them ideal for parties, celebrations and casual entertaining. Meanwhile, their visual appeal adds colour to any spread.

For a more contemporary or lower-carb option, omit the bread and serve the bresaola, roasted peppers and lemon ricotta layered over fresh rocket leaves. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. This variation is perfect for lighter dining or summer menus.

To elevate the dish further, consider finishing with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. These small additions enhance flavour while keeping the focus on the quality of the ingredients.

Star Ingredients

At the heart of this recipe are premium Gran Bosca Italian Bresaola and fresh premium sweet bell peppers, both available to buy from Nicol Retailer Limited. The bresaola is expertly air-dried to deliver a delicate, savoury flavour with a tender texture, making it ideal for light starters, lunches and Italian-inspired dishes. Paired with naturally sweet, vibrant bell peppers, these high-quality ingredients offer consistent freshness, flavour and reliability. Whether you’re cooking at home or sourcing ingredients for hospitality and catering, Nicol Retailer Limited provides trusted products that elevate simple recipes into something special.

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Burrata di Puglia with Roasted Tomatoes & Basil Oil

Creamy Burrata di Puglia served with roasted tomatoes, basil oil and balsamic glaze on a white plate, with toasted sourdough on the side; recipe and image created by Nicol Retailer Limited.

A Taste of Southern Italy, Crafted for Pure Indulgence

Creamy Burrata di Puglia served with roasted tomatoes, basil oil and balsamic glaze on a white plate, with toasted sourdough on the side; recipe and image created by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Few dishes capture the heart of Italian cuisine as effortlessly as Burrata di Puglia. Silky on the outside, rich and creamy on the inside, this luxurious cheese transforms even the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary. Our recipe — roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil oil and balsamic glaze — celebrates everything people love about this iconic Italian treasure.

Burrata comes from Puglia, a sun-soaked region in Southern Italy famous for its olives, tomatoes and artisanal cheeses. Created in the early 1900s by local cheesemakers, burrata was originally a clever way to use up leftover mozzarella curds known as stracciatella. These creamy ribbons were wrapped in a delicate mozzarella shell, creating the signature “burst of cream” we adore today.

Traditionally stored in fresh asphodel leaves to maintain its moisture, burrata was once a rare, regional delicacy. Over the years, its unique texture and indulgent flavour made it a global sensation. Today, it is loved by chefs, home cooks, and food lovers everywhere.

Burrata has become nothing short of a global food obsession — and for good reason. It combines everything people love about Italian cuisine: simplicity, indulgence, freshness and pure comfort. But its popularity goes much deeper than just flavour.

The Ultimate Creamy Indulgence

At the heart of burrata is stracciatella — soft ribbons of fresh curd mixed with cream. When you slice open the mozzarella shell and the creamy centre spills out, it creates a sensory moment that diners never forget. It feels luxurious, yet completely natural. This makes it stand out from every other cheese.

A Chef’s Secret for Instant Elegance

Restaurants around the world adore burrata because it adds a “wow factor” with almost no effort. Place it on a plate with seasonal vegetables, drizzle a little oil, and that’s it — you’ve created a dish that looks (and tastes) like fine dining. Home cooks quickly fell in love for the same reason. Burrata transforms simple meals into something extraordinary.

Taste of Authentic Italian Craftsmanship

Food lovers appreciate burrata because it represents true artisanal tradition. Handmade in Puglia using time-honoured cheesemaking techniques, burrata feels like a small piece of Italy on your plate. That cultural authenticity — combined with its luxurious texture — gives it huge global appeal.

Light, Fresh and Comforting

Unlike many cheeses, burrata is indulgent yet refreshing. The mixture of cream and curd creates a lightness that feels clean rather than heavy. It satisfies cravings without overpowering, making it ideal for modern, health-conscious eaters who still want to enjoy rich, flavourful food.

Discover the Magic of Burrata di Puglia – A Creamy Taste of Italy at Its Finest

If you’re searching for a recipe that combines effortless elegance with unforgettable flavour, this Burrata di Puglia with Roasted Tomatoes & Basil Oil is the perfect place to begin. Loved for its silky exterior and irresistibly creamy centre, burrata has become one of the world’s most celebrated cheeses — and for good reason. In this dish, the warmth of blistered cherry tomatoes meets the cool luxury of fresh burrata. This creates a restaurant-quality experience you can enjoy at home in minutes. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, elevating a family meal, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers pure indulgence with every bite. Made using authentic Burrata di Puglia from Nicol Retailer Limited, it’s the perfect way to bring the flavours of Southern Italy straight to your table.

Here is how to make this delicious recipe…

Creamy Burrata di Puglia served with roasted tomatoes, basil oil and balsamic glaze on a white plate, with toasted sourdough on the side; recipe and image created by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Burrata di Puglia with Roasted Tomato & Basil Oil

Print Recipe
A beautifully simple yet luxurious Italian dish, this Burrata di Puglia with roasted tomatoes and basil oil delivers creamy indulgence, vibrant flavour and restaurant-quality elegance in every bite — the perfect way to elevate any meal effortlessly.
Course Antipasti, lunch, Sharing Plate, Side Dish, Starter
Cuisine Italian
Diet Vegetarian
Keyword Authentic Italian cheese recipe, Best burrata to buy UK, Burrata di Puglia recipe, Burrata with roasted tomatoes, Creamy burrata dish, Easy Italian appetiser, Fresh burrata recipe UK, Italian burrata starter, Mediterranean recipe ideas, Nicol Retailer burrata, Vegetarian Italian recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 People
Calories 500

Ingredients

Instructions

Roast the Tomatoes

  • Preheat oven to 200°C.
  • Place cherry tomatoes on a baking tray.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, crushed garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Roast for 12–15 minutes, until soft, blistered and aromatic.

Make the Basil Oil

  • Finely chop a generous handful of basil.
  • Mix with 2 tbsp olive oil and a small pinch of salt.
  • Set aside for flavours to infuse.

Plate the Burrata

  • Use a large serving platter or divide across four plates.
  • Place one burrata ball on each half of the platter.
  • Arrange the warm roasted tomatoes evenly around the burrata.

Drizzle & Garnish

  • Pour the basil oil over the burrata.
  • Add a swirl of balsamic glaze.
  • Tear fresh basil leaves over the top.

Serve Immediately

  • Enjoy with toasted sourdough or ciabatta for dipping.

Notes

For the best flavour and texture, use authentic Burrata di Puglia, as its rich, creamy centre pairs perfectly with warm roasted tomatoes and fresh basil. Serve immediately after plating to enjoy the full silkiness of the burrata. This recipe works beautifully as a starter, light lunch or sharing dish, and can be made gluten-free by serving with GF bread. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference — especially real Italian burrata, available to buy at Nicol Retailer.

Nutrition

Serving: 300g | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.5g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 250mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10.5g

Serving Suggestion

To enjoy this dish at its absolute best, serve your Burrata di Puglia with Roasted Tomatoes & Basil Oil the moment it’s plated — timing is everything. The gentle warmth of the roasted tomatoes softens the burrata just enough. This creates that ultra-creamy centre everyone falls in love with.

Place the burrata proudly in the centre of the plate and let the tomatoes pool around it, allowing the basil oil and balsamic glaze to mingle into a glossy, flavour-packed sauce. Serve with thick slices of toasted sourdough, ciabatta or focaccia, perfect for scooping up every silky, indulgent mouthful.

For a more complete Mediterranean experience, pair the dish with:

  • A crisp rocket salad with lemon and olive oil
  • Grilled courgettes, aubergines or asparagus
  • Thinly sliced prosciutto or speck

This recipe also shines as a show-stopping starter for dinner parties, an elegant shared antipasti dish, or a fresh summer lunch when you want something light yet luxurious. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a crack of black pepper and a final swirl of extra virgin olive oil just before serving. This adds a gourmet finish.

Whether enjoyed as a centrepiece or part of a larger spread, this burrata dish brings the pure flavours of Italy straight to your table — simple, fresh and undeniably beautiful.

Shop the Fresh Ingredients for This Recipe at Nicol Retailer

Creating this luxurious Italian dish is easy when you start with the finest ingredients — and every key element you need is available to buy at Nicol Retailer. From authentic Burrata di Puglia to vibrant Mediterranean vegetables and premium pantry essentials, we make it simple to cook restaurant-quality meals at home.