Top 10 Mediterranean Dishes to Taste Today
Have you ever tried Mediterranean dishes? If not, then you must try them on once in your lifetime. This unique cuisine is full of healthy yet mouthwatering dishes that include a lot of colourful veggies, freshly cooked tender meats etc.
The concept of Mediterranean food cuisine culture comes from the 23 different countries that are located around the Mediterranean Sea. The unique taste and recipes of all of these 23 countries are cumulatively brought together through this Mediterranean food cuisine which mainly has 3 culinary regions, namely - Eastern Mediterranean, Southern Europe and North Africa.
All three regions present different types of dishes according to their climate, culture etc. but they do influence each other a lot. We are going to describe the Mediterranean cuisine dishes that you must try once in a lifetime.
Moussaka
One of the must-try dishes from Mediterranean cuisine is moussaka. The dish contains Mediterranean stuffed eggplant, meat and white sauce or béchamel. The dish is typically prepared into three different layers and then baked together.
The dish was invented in 1920 and origin of this flavourful dish was Greece. But some of the other Eastern Mediterranean countries also have traces of serving this dish during that time period. In the traditional recipe, juicy eggplants, fresh lamb meat and ripe tomatoes were used to make this dish. Also, fresh vegetables were used as seasonings.
Greek Salad
Among Mediterranean diet dishes, Greek Salad is the most famous and popular one. If you have ever been to Mediterranean markets you will be astonished to see the beautiful ripe and fresh vegetables and fruits cultivated within the countries.
The climate here allows fruits and vegetables to grow very nicely. The freshness and juiciness of these veggies and fruits give the Greek salad an eye-soothing look. The recipe has fresh bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, olives etc. nicely chopped into pieces and then coated with feta cheese. The total ingredients are then tossed and seasoned with olive oil and your healthy Greek Salad is ready.
Baklava
This is a sweet dish served as a dessert and the origin of this dish is Turkey. The dish has a rich and divine taste that is cherished by everyone. Crushed pistachios and walnut and some other nuts are used to prepare a bed and then it is clubbed with a layer of filo pastry. Now the joint layers are then dipped into honey syrup to prepare the final dish. It is then put in the freezer to chill and serve.
Dolmas
Dolmas are a prevalent and delicious option among Mediterranean dishes with different preparation recipes in different regions. The origin of this dish is the Middle East. In Turkey, the dish is made by stuffing juicy eggplants with spicy rice and ground lamb. Lemon juice is then sprinkled on thi dish to finally make it.
In the North Balkans, the preparation process is completely different. Peeled onions, rice, seasonings, minced beef etc. are put together and tossed in sour cream. However, in countries like Syria, Iraq, and Armenia the dish is made with cinnamon-infused rice. The rice balls are properly made and wrapped with vine leaves.
Borek
The Mediterranean dish that we will suggest in the list of top 10 is Borek. To make this dish Yufka pastry or filo pastry is used. As a stuffing, a mixture and cream form of parsley and feta cheese is used to give the dish a nice taste and look.
The dish is baked in a big size pan and it is served after cutting it into bite-size slices. However, the recipe differs a little in Armenia and Greece but still, the main essence remains the same.
Mezze
Among the 10 best Mediterranean dishes Mazze is the most colourful one. The look of the dish is so beautiful that you won't miss a chance to grab one bite of the dish. This is basically an appetizer dish which means 'to taste.
The dish contains several different appetizers from different countries. Though it's basically an appetizer dish, in Muslim countries where alcohol is not served, Mazze is eaten as a main course dish.
Fattoush Salad
Fattoush Salad is considered one of the most healthy Mediterranean meals, which is very popular across the Levant region. Fresh and juicy veggies and fruits like cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, radish, and onions are chopped nicely and then tossed in lemon juice and mint spring. The colourful salad is then served with fried pita bread.
Falafel
of the most popular classic Mediterranean dishes is Falafel which is also a vegetarian food. The dish is made with mashed chickpeas and a mixture of spices and herbs. It is then shaped as small balls and deep fried into the oil.
In ancient times, Egyptian countries used this dish as a substitute for non-veg meals during fasting. Also, the dish is sometimes served as a part of Mazze too.
Moroccan Tagine
The name of this dish referred to its making process, not to its recipe. The recipe for Moroccan Tagine differs from country to country, but the process of making it is unique and the same.
This is basically a Mediterranean stew made in a large yet shallow pot. It is cooked on high heat. In some countries, the recipe is served as Mediterranean chicken dishes, but some even like the vegetarian version.
Shakshuka
This is an intensified and flavourful stew dish made with a juicy sauce base and poached eggs as the top layer. Freshly collected tomatoes, fresh peppers, and juicy onions are used to prepare the sauce base with a help of olive oil. To add flavour to the sauce, a mix of authentic spices is used which contains nutmeg, paprika, pepper and cumin.
The boiling stew is then garnished with poached eggs from the top which is drizzled with seasonings and some flavourful spices. The tradition is to serve the stew in an iron pan so that it can stay hot for longer periods of time.
