Book excerpt: When applied to the cuisine of the Mediterranean, simple becomes synonymous with brilliant. Simple Mediterranean Cooking is a perfect introduction to the region's cuisine, featuring more than 75 recipes that celebrate its straightforward approach and flair for producing dishes that are as beneficial to one's health as they are pleasing to the palate. Take a life-changing trip around one of the culinary world's centers with Simple Mediterranean Cooking. Inside you'll find: Nourishing, vegetable-forward dishes from the rich and diverse areas surrounding the Mediterranean, from Provence, Catalonia, and Italy to Greece, the Levant, and North Africa; Elegant appetizers, comforting soups, freshness-packed salads and sides, and decadent desserts to round out your table; Tips and techniques that will transform your cooking, making it healthier and more dynamic.