All cultures in the world have their cuisines which includes gourmets and delicacies. What foods are Mediterranean food? Well they are the meals of countries that lie along the Mediterranean sea. This body of water stretches from Spain all the way to Israel. It covers African countries like Algeria, Morocco and Egypt as well as European nations like Greece and Cyprus.
The key differences
Food from this region is so distinct from dishes of other states. They are heavy in meat, fish, coarse vegetables and fish. They are also very spicy. In complementary instances, there are loads of herbs. Most of the fishes in Mediterranean food are of indigenous nature, having been transferred through generations. They also tend to be organic. We take a look at a sample of meals. Mediterranean food has gained so much significance world wide that its included in UNESCOS non tangible heritage list.
Regional cuisines
Tajine is a north African recipe made from tomatoes, egg and meat. Its name is derived from the name of the special pot it is cooked from. Its a regular stew but cooked over low heat for a long time due to the heavy texture of the ingredients. It is cooked with little water which results in a thick, paste like texture. It is disproportionately seasoned with paprika and ginger to give it a spicy taste. The preparation is eaten with bread or as a side.
Organic emphasis
Plant-based foods including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are abundant in Mediterranean cuisine because of the region’s warm climate, which promotes an ever-increasing richness of natural resources. Fish is a great source of lean proteins, especially Pita Jungle’s wood-fired salmon and yellowfin tuna salads. However, what actually makes Mediterranean food so special and wholesome is the way different combinations of beneficial herbs and spices are used to bring flavor to recipes.
Heavy use of tomatoes
Italy refers to tomatoes as its “red gold,” and throughout the Mediterranean, these fruits are used in a wide variety of cuisines. They are used in just about every dish you can think of, including pasta, sauces, stews, soups, dips, salads, and flatbread. They can also be roasted in the oven. Mediterranean breakfasts frequently use tomatoes in dishes like menemen, a Turkish one-pan meal made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices. It’s comparable to the Greek and Cypriot dish strapatsada. Check out this guide on incorporating Eastern Mediterranean flavors into your breakfast to liven it up in the morning.
List of common ingredients
- Eggplant
- Olives
- Cucumbers
- Olive Oil
- Tomatoes
- Fresh Herbs
- Grains
- Cheese
- Legumes
- Spices
