Cooking from Scratch in Well-Planned Stages

The cuisines of the countries around the Mediterranean are ingredient-based; they rely upon and make the best of each season’s produce, creatively combining the harvest to create a panoply of enticing dishes. Seasonal vegetables and greens take time to prepare, but for those who feel that cooking from scratch is the only way, take heart: With a bit of advance planning and organization, you will find that cooking from scratch is actually a misnomer—you are already close to done when you start.

When we lived in Athens, I used to shop at my neighborhood farmers’ market, at the bottom of the Acropolis, early on Saturday mornings. I went with an open mind and no preconceived ideas. Strolling around, I would spot the best vegetables, fruits, herbs, and greens. Only then would I decide what to get for my salads, main courses, and occasional special meals. The season’s produce guided and inspired me then as now, though the farmers’ market is now a garden outside my window.