Most popular recipes of 2017

Let's see which were my most popular recipes of 2017! And while we're at it, let's also see the ones I believe didn't get the credit they deserved!

Happy new year my friends!

I am not very good at speeches and things like that, but before everything else, I just want to take a moment to thank all of you for the support you showed me this year, in various ways. If it weren't for you, this blog would not have a purpose to be, and I'm more than grateful for all of your comments and messages and for being part of this big family! When I started this blog I had a lot of things in mind, but I didn't expect to find friends, to get to know different cultures and to exchange thoughts and ideas with people from all over the world! I guess food is the common denominator through which we can understand each other and something that can unite us despite our many differences.  So, thanks! 🙂

To be honest, I hadn't planned this post. But after seeing the hashtag #2017bestnine taking the Instagram by storm and many blogs (if not all) posting their top posts of 2017, I realized I once more was late to the game. So, I went and checked my stats and these are the most popular recipes of The Hungry Bites for the year 2017.

And don't forget! At the end of this post you'll find the three recipes I personally believe didn't get the credit they deserved 🙂

Let's start!

#1. Big soft & chewy tahini - olive oil chocolate chunk cookies

I truly believe that these cookies are even better than the ones made with butter. They are utterly delicious, don't taste like tahini or olive oil, they're full of healthy fats and chocolate, and they have an amazing texture due to the combination of olive oil and tahini. Just remember to use chopped chocolate and not chocolate chips, as this way they're a million times better!

#2. Moroccan rice (pilaf)

This side dish has it all! Dried fruit, spices, roasted almonds, and an amazing taste! Make it during the week or for a more special occasion, either way, you'll love it!

#3. Pure chocolate mousse cake - Torte

OK, this cake is all about chocolate, so it's no wonder it's on this list. It has three chocolate sponge cake layers which are moistened with simple syrup, three velvety chocolate mousse layers and a simple chocolate ganache topping. At first, it may seem a little difficult to make, but if you follow the instructions closely, it's actually very easy. And using the baking pan as a mold, you get to build a tall, impressive cake with minimal effort!

#4. Easy baked Mediterranean Octopus Recipe

Don't be afraid of octopus anymore! Baked octopus in foil is the easiest and one of the most delicious recipes you will find. Plus, when you open the foil it almost feels like opening a present! 🙂

#5. Superfoods detox smoothie

You can never have too many healthy recipes, can you? This smoothie will help you detoxify your body, especially if you ate some more during the holidays! And it tastes really good!!!

#6. Tuscan style white beans

I love beans! And the fact that the way these beans are prepared hasn't changed over the years, means that this recipe is simply delicious! Just don't forget to soak them overnight!

#7. Traditional white bean risotto

Whenever I make Tuscan style beans, I always make some more in order to have leftovers for the next day. I then use them to make this hearty white bean risotto. This is one of my favorite dishes, so I'm very happy it made it on the top 10!

#8. Mocha caramel and peanuts mousse cake

For my birthday, I always make my pure chocolate mousse cake (#3). But for my friends' birthday, I make this one. What's not to like? It's fluffy, velvety, with gooey caramel and crunchy peanuts! And like the previous cake, you use a simple baking pan to assemble it like a pro 🙂

#9. Quinoa and bean lunch salad

Gluten-free, vegan, healthy, rich in protein, easy to transfer, colorful and with a bright taste. Try this salad as soon as you can!

#10. World's best red berry smoothie

I realize that "world's best smoothie" probably sounds like an exaggeration, but for me this smoothie is exactly that! If you keep a bag of frozen red berries in your freezer, you probably already have everything else you need in your kitchen. And I still haven't found one person not to love this smoothie!

 

What about the recipes I thought they would be popular, but weren't? 

I have three of those. Though they're not the last three, I truly believe they deserve much more credit!

#3. Sweet Cretan cheese tarts

I don't think that a lot of people google "sweet Cretan cheese tarts" and probably my photos can't convey how good they taste. But you'll have to trust me because these traditional sweet cheese tarts are some of the best treats you'll ever have! Seriously!

#2. Watermelon gazpacho with feta cream

Maybe a cold soup doesn't sound very appealing to you. But this watermelon gazpacho is a refreshing, light appetizer (or snack) perfect on a hot summer day. Plus, the recipe includes crispy capers! 🙂

#1. Watermelon and feta Margarita

Yes, watermelon, feta, and alcohol! The combination may sound a bit weird, but feta (on the rim) provides just the right amount of saltiness in order to elevate this drink and make it spectacular! Pin it for the summer!

That's it, guys! I wish you this year to be the best so far!

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