Cooking has always been a cultural activity for Nova Glenn. Growing up in a Mediterranean home, she was exposed to strong flavours such as sun-drenched olive oil, fresh herbs, and roasted vegetables.
However, as she experimented with plant-based eating, she questioned whether she could embrace this new direction and still respect her heritage. She states, “I didn’t want to lose that sense of connection.” “So I combined the two.”
Nova started developing recipes that combined plant-forward ideas with Mediterranean tradition. She substituted marinated eggplant for grilled lamb. She tossed chickpeas with lemon, garlic, and herbs in place of pasta that was heavy on cheese. Her kitchen became a fusion space where heritage and health could coexist.
She discovered that this style was beautiful because it was adaptable. “Plants are already abundant in the Mediterranean diet,” says Nova. “I simply went one step further.”
Her meals, which include stews simmered with spices from her early years, bowls of lentils with roasted peppers, and olive tapenades over whole grains, are vibrant and colourful.
According to her, “it’s not about recreating exact dishes.” “It’s about taking care of your body while respecting taste and sensation.”
Since then, her community has been inspired by Nova’s recipes, demonstrating that heritage and health don’t have to be mutually exclusive. “You can have both if you have the right ingredients,” she says with a smile.
