Vegetarian Traditions
Stories • Recipes • Travel • Farms • Traditions
A Culinary Journal by Chef George Vutetakis
For more than fifty years, I’ve explored the people, places, and traditions behind remarkable plant-based food—from
San Diego and Michigan farmers’ markets and the Inn Season Café to villages in India and tropical farms in Peru.
I invite you to discover recipes, culinary travel, farming traditions, ingredient histories,
and the joy of cooking with nature’s abundance.
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Latest Stories
New recipes, culinary journeys, farmers, traditions
and stories from my kitchen.
Sicilian Caponata
A classic Sicilian-inspired sweet-and-sour eggplant preparation featuring tender baby eggplants, tomatoes, red bell peppers, capers, Zante currants, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar. This simplified oven-baked version develops rich Mediterranean flavors without frying and can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature as an appetizer, vegetable side dish, condiment, or dip.
Pistachio Cavolo Nero Medallions
These medallions capture the essence of autumn: earthy, bright, and full of texture. Toasted pistachios and Cavolo Nero kale create a deep green color and nutty aroma that feels both rustic and elegant.
Ricotta Al Forno
A classic Sicilian baked ricotta reimagined with almonds—silky, aromatic, and entirely plant-based.
Almond Ricotta Al Forno
This almond ricotta serves as a seamless substitute for traditional cow's milk ricotta. The use of almonds is not new to Italian cuisine, which has a long history of incorporating them into various foods and beverages, making them a natural choice for dairy alternatives. This recipe takes inspiration from the Sicilian 'Ricotta Al Forno.' The cheese is baked with a selection of herbs, extra virgin olive oil, and flaky sea salt, along with other Mediterranean flavors. It emerges from the oven sliceable yet meltingly tender, offering endless delicious possibilities.