About Eat with Meraki
Hi, I’m Rie! Based in Japan, I’m passionate about whole food cooking and gluten-free baking that follows the Mediterranean Diet while using local Japanese ingredients. I like to call my style “MediterrAsian” cooking!
What is the Mediterranean Diet? It’s eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, healthy fats (nuts, seeds, and olive oil), moderate amounts of dairy, fish and seafood, red wine and white meat, and minimum red meat. It also avoids processed food, refined grains, refined oils and refined sugar. It prevents heart disease and stroke, keeps you agile and improves cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
In 2017, I flew to Italy to study the Mediterranean Diet, its positive effects on the human body and most importantly, how to apply it to my everyday life here in Japan. At its core, the Japanese diet is quite similar to the Mediterranean diet: high consumption of seafood, vegetables and whole grains.
Eat with Meraki is full of recipes and helpful information to help you incorporate healthy eating habits effortlessly into your everyday life. The recipes are quick, easy and don’t hurt your body or budget! Meraki in Greek means the soul, creativity and love put into doing something creative. I hope you enjoy my original recipes which I’ve put a lot of love into! May every meal be a celebration of health and life!
Chewy Gluten-free Sweet Potato & Tahini Brownies
Everyone loves a bit of chocolate, and the sesame, sweet potato and cinnamon add an autumnal twist! It tastes almost like a gateau au chocolat without getting too sweet or melty.
Autumn Carrot and Fennel Soup
Stay warm with this Carrot & Fennel soup which can be enjoyed hot or chilled! Carrots improve eye health and boost immunity. The fennel adds complexity to this otherwise simple soup.
Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Pie
It’s officially September and that means Autumn is almost here! For those slightly breezy, chilly days, try this Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Pie recipe!
Baked Tofu Summer Bowl
This Baked Tofu Summer Bowl is perfect for those days when you feel a bit lethargic but still want a light, fresh meal filled with veggies!
Why the Mediterranean Diet is Important Right Now
Together with exercise, a healthy intake of water and adequate sleep, the traditional Mediterranean Diet consists of a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, lean meats and olive oil which reduces risk of heart disease, stroke and other leading causes of death!
Gluten-free Dairy-free Snickerdoodles
This is a super quick recipe to satisfy your midnight cravings or afternoon snack time – it’s also healthy, clean and delicious! The maple syrup and coconut oil keep the cookies surprisingly chewy.
Low-Carb Garlic Fried Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower is not the cheapest vegetable in Japan, so whenever it’s on sale and in season, we try to pick up a few. This recipe is a nutritious alternative to white rice as it is low in carbs and sugar.
Healthy Nutella
Spread it over toast or cake, top your cereals or mix it into your smoothies – this is a much more nutritious alternative to your favorite Nutella – read on for the recipe!
What Does Meraki Mean?
Find out what the Greek word “meraki” means to Eat with Meraki, and how this approach drives my Mediterranean Diet journey!
Corn Tortillas
Enjoy these authentic corn tortillas that add that right amount of texture to your Taco Tuesdays!
3-Day Homemade Ginger Beer
Cool down this summer with this refreshing Ginger Beer. Ginger soothes sore muscles, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, boosts immunity and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties!
Aglio e Olio Garlic Pasta
Aglio e Olio is a simple Italian recipe from Naples that’s garlicky, spicy, lemon-y, and so appetizing at any time of day! There are so many ways to make Aglio e Olio but here’s my favorite.
Roasted Beets & Carrots
You’ve seen my Watermelon Summer Salad – now it’s time for Persimmon Autumn Salad: sweet, salty, crunchy, spicy! This is a great way to use persimmons that aren’t as juicy.
Truffle Creamed Corn with Prosciutto
This fancy Creamed Corn brings out the flavors of sweetness (corn), saltiness (prosciutto) and complexity (truffle). Fun starter for lunches or at-home dinner dates.
Liliko‘i Breakfast Smoothie
Passionfruit (liliko’i) is filled with antioxidants, helps your body heal, has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and contains vitamins A and C, fiber and nutrients!
Citrus Marinade Pork
This marinade uses oranges, which keeps the meat and sauce tasting sweet without getting acidic. Combine the sweetness with spicy cumin and salt, and you’ve got a mouthwatering summer dinner!
Watermelon Caprese Summer Salad
Beat the heat with this refreshing, cooling fruity salad. I’ve been making this a lot for brunch and lunch lately as it is so easy to put together.
Turmeric Chicken with Mango Salsa
This is one of my favorite dishes to make, bursting with spices and flavors! This meal follows the Mediterranean Diet but its flavors remind me so much of Malaysian dishes I grew up eating.
Sea Bream with Sesame Miso Dressing
Madai (red sea bream) in Japan is a fish usually eaten to celebrate something! The versatile madai is an excellent ingredient to wow your guests (and your palate).
Let’s Talk about Polyphenols!
Polyphenols are micronutrients found most famously in olive oil, as well as berries, herbs, spices, nuts, cocoa powder, flax seeds and veggies! They improve heart health, lower risk of diabetes, reduce blood pressure, contain anticancer properties and boost immunity.
Golden Turmeric Milk
I like to start off my day with a cup of spicy, creamy golden milk! Golden milk is popular for its healing, anti-inflammatory properties found in turmeric and ginger.
Spicy Seared Bonito
One of my favorite fish is katsuo (skipjack tuna): it’s lean, a great source for essential fatty acids, calcium, zinc and other rich minerals, sustainable and cheap!
Immune-Boosting Breakfast Juice
This breakfast juice is made up of a combination of vegetables and fruits perfect to get you ready for the day! It’s loaded with vitamins and tastes refreshing, cooling and delicious!