What is Mediterranean cuisine? Explore the famous delicacies of Mediterranean cuisine
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What is Mediterranean cuisine?
Mediterranean cuisine involves the food cooked and prepared by the people living near the Mediterranean Basin. The blend of different flavors brought by different cultures in this region makes up Mediterranean cuisine.
There are quite similarities between the food prepared by different cultures, but the cuisine can be divided into three regions. First is North African which happens to be Morocco. Spices play a main role in the preparation of North African food. Next is Southern Europe which comprises Spain, France, and Italy. Their food mostly has to do with lots of herbs and wine. Finally, there is Eastern Mediterranean which covers Greece, Egypt, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey.
Mediterranean diet promotes healthy and sustainable living. It includes lots of vegetables, fruits, olive oil, and grains. Bread is their staple food. There are many delicacies prepared from bread and different foods. Let’s explore these appetizing and delicious delicacies of Mediterranean cuisine.
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Pita Bread
Pita Bread has gone popular in recent years, and it’s usually paired with hummus. It’s a round pocket bread that is baked in an oven or tannur that is similar to the modern tandoor. This bread is predominant in Mediterranean cuisine and is made from all-purpose flour. It’s available in all shapes and sizes. Pita Bread by nature is super soft and goes along well with dips. You can also make pita chips and enjoy them with mayo dip.
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Lebanese Chickpea Falafel
Lebanese Chickpea Falafel is a classic chickpea street food of the middle east. The Falafel looks like a Veg Tikki in texture but it’s more round in shape. It makes a great appetizer. You can enjoy the falafel by stuffing the pita bread with falafel, sauces, and lots of veggies. Also, you can have them with your favorite dip.
Falafels are generally deep-fried but you can also bake them. They are prepared by mixing chickpea and besan in a melange of spices.
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Hummus
Just like bread, hummus is also very popular in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s made by blending chickpeas with tahini, olive oil, and herbs. Usually, store-bought hummus uses canola oil for its preparation which is less healthy than olive oil. So, always make hummus at your home to avoid the unhealthy junk and bland taste of preservatives. Hummus makes a great combination with pita bread and veggies.
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Mediterranean Quinoa
If you’re not a big fan of Quinoa, then this recipe is going to change your opinion on Quinoa. This bowl either uses hummus or the smoky red bell pepper sauce. The bell pepper sauce is prepared by blending red bell pepper, almonds, and a lot of different ingredients together. You can also add your favorite veggies to make the dish more flavourful and interesting.
This Mediterranean Quinoa bowl can be your go-to meal if you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine.
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Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry that is prepared by layering phyllo dough and filling it with nuts. It’s a Middle-East confection that tastes super delicious. You can get your hands on this sweet, crunchy dessert if you visit any traditional Turkish restaurant.
Also, Baklava can be prepared at your home by making honey syrup, a filling of nuts, and finally layering the sheets with the ingredients. It’s a complex process but not for someone who loves cooking.
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