Mediterranean Dishes
This is the index for a new category for Mediterranean Dishes. My doctor recommended that I look at a Mediterranean diet, so this is it. I will be developing this list over time and adding videos to the articles as they are filmed. This will be fun!
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that is inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The countries that are often associated with the Mediterranean diet include:
- Greece
- Italy
- Spain
- Turkey
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Israel
These countries have similar dietary patterns that are characterized by a high consumption of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Olive oil is the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, and fish and seafood are consumed regularly. Dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, are also consumed but in moderation. Red meat is consumed less frequently in the Mediterranean diet than in many other dietary patterns. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a reduced risk of various chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
So here is my list of 30 Mediterranean Dishes.
Please let me know if I missed something significant in the comments.
Moussaka: This Greek dish is similar to lasagna, but it’s made with layers of eggplant, ground lamb or beef, tomatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce.
Tabouli: This Lebanese salad is made with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes, onions, and mint, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Shakshuka: This North African dish is made with eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, often served with bread for dipping.
Spanakopita: This Greek dish is a savory pastry made with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in crispy phyllo dough.
Falafel: This popular Middle Eastern dish consists of small, deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices.
Hummus: This dip is made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, and garlic, often served with pita bread or vegetables.
Baba Ghanoush: This dip is made from roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, often served with pita bread or vegetables.
Dolmas: These stuffed grape leaves are often filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, then rolled and cooked in a flavorful broth.
Paella: This Spanish rice dish often contains seafood, chicken, or sausage, along with vegetables and saffron for a distinctive flavor and color.
Tzatziki: This Greek dip is made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, often served as a condiment with meat or vegetables.
Kebabs: These skewered meat dishes are popular throughout the Mediterranean, often made with lamb, beef, or chicken marinated in herbs and spices, and grilled to perfection.
Fattoush: This Lebanese salad is made with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes, mixed with toasted pita bread and a tangy sumac dressing.
Pita Bread: This Middle Eastern flatbread is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, often served as an accompaniment to dips, salads, and grilled meats.
Gyro: This Greek dish consists of shaved meat (usually lamb or chicken) served in a pita bread with onions, tomatoes, and a creamy tzatziki sauce.
Shish Taouk: This Lebanese chicken dish is marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection and served with rice or a salad.
Calamari: This Italian seafood dish features tender, fried squid rings that are often served with lemon and a marinara dipping sauce.
Manakish: This Lebanese breakfast bread is similar to a pizza, but it’s topped with za’atar (a mixture of herbs and spices) or cheese, and often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
Kofta: These Middle Eastern meatballs are made with ground beef or lamb, mixed with onions and spices, and grilled to perfection.
Taramasalata: This Greek dip is made from fish roe (usually cod or carp), mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs, often served with pita bread or vegetables.
Ratatouille: This French vegetable stew is made with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions, and herbs, and is often served as a side dish or a vegetarian main course.
Stuffed Peppers: This dish is made by stuffing bell peppers with a mixture of rice, ground beef or lamb, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, and then baking until tender.
Mouhammara: This spicy Lebanese dip is made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and spices, often served with pita bread or vegetables.
Grilled Octopus: This Greek seafood dish is marinated in lemon, olive oil, and herbs, then grilled until tender and served with lemon wedges and a simple salad.
Koshari: This Egyptian comfort food is a delicious mixture of rice, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, and a spicy tomato sauce, often served with a side of macaroni.
Briam: This Greek vegetable dish is made by baking a mixture of tomatoes, zucchini, onions, potatoes, and herbs until tender and delicious.
Fideuà: This Spanish dish is similar to paella, but it’s made with short noodles instead of rice, along with seafood, peppers, and saffron.
Baba Ghannouj: This Lebanese dip is similar to baba ghanoush, but it’s made with roasted eggplant, tahini, yogurt, and garlic for a creamier texture.
Pisto: This Spanish vegetable stew is made with tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions, and garlic, and often served as a side dish or a vegetarian main course.
Kibbeh: This Lebanese dish is made from ground beef or lamb mixed with bulgur wheat, onions, and spices, then shaped into balls or patties and fried until crispy.
Baklava: This sweet dessert is made from layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts, cinnamon, and sugar, then drenched in a sweet syrup flavored with honey or rosewater.
