Squid As Food: A Mediterranean Chefs Story

11 Things Every Bread Lover Needs To Know


"Olives are the fruits of the olive tree (Olea europaea), a classic Mediterranean tree crop. The plant family is named for the tree and its fruit, which also contains species such as lilacs, jasmine, and Forsythia. It is one of the earliest cultivated trees, having originated in Asia Minor and spread throughout much of Europe by the time of the Romans." The olives are harvested from trees that grow across the Mediterranean region, thus various places yield different types with distinct flavours. People are increasingly purchasing pre-bottled oil rather than manufacturing their own at home or pressing it themselves at a local mill (which is still very popular). If you have your own olive grove, you may manufacture your own oil using an ancient press or simply by pressing the olives between two huge stones! Some claim that this results in a better-tasting product... Couscous is a Mediterranean classic, but it's also popular in North Africa and the Middle East. Couscous, which originated in Morocco, is prepared from semolina flour (a kind of grain) that has been wet with boiling water and let to cool before being boiled over stew or vegetables. Couscous may be eaten alone or with pork, fish, chicken, or lamb—or all four! If you've ever eaten Moroccan cuisine, you've most likely had saffron-spiced couscous on your plate. This dish gets its golden colour and unique taste from saffron; when combined with lemon juice or olive oil and scallions (also known as green onions), it becomes even more fragrant.

Clove Mediterranean Is One Of The Most Diverse Places On Earth —


Spanish cuisine is a fusion of indigenous and foreign influences. Because of its vicinity to the Mediterranean Sea, the nation boasts a plethora of seafood dishes, and its proximity to France and Portugal has impacted its usage of red wine and garlic. Mediterranean, Arabic, and North African cuisines have all had an impact on Spanish food. Spain was also formerly under Muslim dominion, which provided more gastronomic influence from the Middle East. Fresh ingredients are often used in Spanish cookery, which is commonly cooked in olive oil rather than butter or lard (although this varies by region). Popular dishes include seafood paella (rice with saffron and other spices), gazpacho soup, tapas (small portions of food served as appetisers at bars or restaurants), tortilla espanola (a potato omelette), jamon serrano (dry-cured ham), pan con tomate (bread rubbed with tomato), churros (fried dough sticks) dunked in hot chocolate for breakfast on weekends—and much more!

Kale Wins, Hands Down


Tabbouleh is a Levantine salad that consists of finely diced tomatoes, cucumber, mint, parsley, onion, and olive oil. It is often served with lemon juice on top for extra taste. The green herb parsley is endemic to the Mediterranean area. It is a member of the carrot family, thus its leaves are smaller and more delicate than those of most other herbs. Parsley has numerous nutritional benefits, including the following: it is high in vitamins A and C; it contains iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium; it improves digestion due to its high fibre content; it helps lower blood pressure; it cleanses the kidneys by removing toxins from them; and it stimulates bile secretion, which aids in the prevention of gallstone formation. Parsley may be eaten fresh or cooked, however the stems must be removed before cooking (they are not edible). Parsley may be used in salads, on top of soups (like our Greek Soup recipe), and in other recipes like stews where its freshness compliments other ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice! Faba beans, often known as wide beans, are a kind of legume that is popular in Mediterranean cooking. They have been a staple dish for ages and may be found in many Mediterranean nations. They are not only healthful, but also inexpensive and simple to cultivate. Faba beans are abundant in protein, fibre, and B vitamins such as riboflavin (vitamin B2) and folate (vitamin B9). They may be used in soups or salads, and when fried into falafel, they provide a wonderful source of vegetarian protein! Harissa is a fiery red chilli paste prepared with garlic and other spices. It originated in Tunisia and is often served as a condiment with Mediterranean cuisine such as couscous, grilled meats, and seafood. Harissa may also be found in couscous, yoghurt, and sauces, as well as in barbecue sauces and meat glazes. Harissa may be made at home by roasting dried chilies and then grinding them with garlic and other spices including cumin, coriander seed, caraway, and olive oil; however, this approach may yield in varied product quality owing to variations in heat transmission during component roasting.

Kale Wins, Hands Down
Dried Fruit: The Snack Snob's Best Friend

Dried Fruit: The Snack Snob's Best Friend


Bulgur is a form of parboiled, dried, and crushed wheat. Bulgur is often used in salads, pilafs, and soups, as well as as a side dish. Bulgur is said to have originated in the Mediterranean area, although it has since expanded worldwide. It's also popular in Middle Eastern cooking; bulgur is used in tabbouleh salad and kibbeh nayyeh soup (made with lamb). The food of Naples, Italy, is known as Neapolitan cuisine. It has been around for about 2,000 years. The customs and ingredients provided by the Greeks and Romans during their conquest of southern Italy are the foundation of Neapolitan cuisine. As a result, it influenced many other Mediterranean cuisines. Today, Neapolitan cuisine is one of the most popular kinds of Italian cuisine in the world. Pizza, spaghetti, fish and seafood dishes such as swordfish and calamari are just a few examples of Neapolitan cuisine (squid). Baba ghanoush is a traditional Middle Eastern meal comprised of eggplant, garlic, and tahini. It's usually served as an appetiser or side dish with pita bread or pita chips, but it also works well as a main meal. Unlike hummus, baba ghanoush is creamy and smooth (another popular dip). For a variety of flavours, serve it warm or cold! Paella is a rice dish from Spain that is often cooked with fish, chicken, or rabbit. It's often served in a big pan on special occasions. The term "paella" is derived from the Latin word for pan (patella). Koshary, also known as kushari, is a rice, macaroni, lentil, and fried onion dish. It is considered a national dish of Egypt, where it originated. Koshary is generally topped with tomato sauce.

Tasting Paprika From Around The World


This Egyptian culinary item has been around since the nineteenth century, and it was first mentioned in an Egyptian newspaper named Al-Ahram. The dish was developed by street sellers who required inexpensive meals to sell to working-class folks on their way to work or school every day. Koshary became so famous because it enabled people to enjoy this comfort cuisine without breaking the bank! Italian cuisine is popular all around the globe. Pizza, spaghetti, risotto, lasagna, and bread are all examples of Italian cuisine, as are custard desserts and lentil soup. Italian cuisine is mostly composed of meats such as chicken or beef, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers. Italy is also famous for its sauces, such as alfredo sauce and tomato sauce, which may be served over a variety of cuisines such as pizza or pasta. The squid belongs to the cephalopod family, which also contains the octopus and cuttlefish. Squid is a frequent element in many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Mediterranean nations such as Italy and Greece. Squid is often eaten whole, although it may also be filleted into rings or split into strips. Squid, apart from being tasty, is also a fantastic source of protein: one dish (100 grammes) contains around 19 grammes of protein. Although this figure seems low in comparison to other meals, it makes up for it with high quantities of vitamin B12 (which helps with brain function). When it comes to culinary options at your favourite Mediterranean restaurant or market, or even if you want to cook your own dish at home, squid can be exactly up your alley! Sausage cooking is both an old art and a skill. It's both a science and an art. The only thing you can't name your sausage is "art," since that would be cheating. This is just a sample of the excellent meals available in Mediterranean nations. There is something for everyone, from spaghetti to falafel! While certain foods may seem to be identical to those found in other regions of the globe, they frequently have their own distinct twist or taste profile that sets them apart. Check out our blog area if you want to learn more about Mediterranean food or get some ideas before visiting one of these countries!

Tasting Paprika From Around The World
Ten Food Finds in Provence, France

Ten Food Finds in Provence, France


Mediterranean cuisine is a diverse variety of meals from the Mediterranean Sea's surrounding nations. The foods are often distinguished by the use of olive oil, herbs, and spices. Borek is a filo dough pastry filled with cheese, spinach, feta, or meat. It's a classic Mediterranean meal that has become an iconic feature of Turkish cuisine. Depending on where you are from, the Borek is also called as börek or boereg. Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty prepared from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or a combination of the two. In the Middle East and the Mediterranean, they are a popular street dish. Falafel is often served in wraps with pickled veggies and tahini sauce (which is made from ground sesame seeds). Pita bread may also be used to create falafel sandwiches. Did you know that? The name "falafel" may have sprung from the Arabic word for "spheres," however it's unclear if this was done on purpose or not! Ful medames, or fava bean soup, is an ancient Egyptian delicacy dating back thousands of years. It is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and supper (and sometimes as a late-night snack) across Egypt and the Middle East. It's hearty and healthful, made with dried fava beans that have been soaked overnight and cooked with olive oil, garlic, and cumin. The beans are often served with pita bread on the side to dip into the soup. Moussaka is a layered dish made of eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, and ground beef. It is a typical dish in Greek, Cypriot, and Turkish cuisines that originated in the Ottoman Empire. The name moussaka is unknown; it might be derived from Arabic musaqqa', which means "a dish with meat," or from Turkish musakka', which is derived from Arabic musakhkha (northern pronunciation), which means "to feed." Bouillabaisse is a Marseille-style fish stew. It's often served with a piece of bread and is cooked with fish, shellfish, and vegetables. It goes well with rouille or a garlic mayonnaise prepared with saffron, garlic, and olive oil. Hummus is a dip or spread prepared with cooked, mashed chickpeas combined with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. Garbanzo beans are another name for chickpeas. The dish originated in the Middle East and travelled to North Africa before spreading to Europe and, finally, the United States.

Fried Chicken and Paprika Gravy Rotisserie


Hummus comes in a variety of flavours. Some recipes, for example, call for puréed red bell pepper instead of garlic; others add ground cumin seed or coriander seeds to the mixture; and still others add paprika powder along with cumin seed or coriander seeds to produce an orange-colored dip similar in appearance to what Americans think of when they hear "hummus"—but it's not technically hummus because it doesn't contain tahini! Hummus is widely accessible in grocery stores throughout the United States, but many people are unaware of how easy it is to prepare at home using dried chickpeas purchased from Amazon (or any other place that sells legumes). Simply soak them overnight, then boil until soft before combining together all other ingredients to make a thick paste that can be kept in a glass jar—it will stay refrigerated for many weeks! Food has a vital role in Egyptian culture. Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Western cuisines, as well as African, Indian, and Ottoman cuisines, have all had an impact on local cuisine. Many Egyptian dishes, like as falafel and fuul, may be found on the streets of Cairo and Alexandria (fava beans). Among the most popular meals are: Mokh bel Zeit (also known as mukhbil) is a cuisine that consists of different vegetables, such as spinach or lettuce leaves, packed with rice and meat or fish, and then cooked in an oven; it is sometimes served with tahini sauce on top. Mukhalalatiyya are packed chickpeas with ground beef that are then cooked and served with tahini sauce on top. Muhamara is another name for mutabal. Chorizo is a spicy sausage from Spain that is also popular in Portugal and Latin America. It may be served fried or fresh and is made of pork, garlic, and paprika. The crimson hue of the sausage is attributable to the use of paprika powder during the manufacturing process. Chorizo is often served with eggs for breakfast or lunch, and it is sometimes served with toast as part of an appetiser plate or tapas dish. Tahini is a sesame seed paste that is ground. It is widely found in hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva and is utilised in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. You can create your own tahini at home by crushing hulled sesame seeds (also known as unhulled white sesame seeds) in a food processor or blender on a dry setting until creamy and smooth. If you don't have time to prepare it yourself, it's also available in jars at most grocery shops. The cuisine of the Ottoman Empire and its continuance in the cuisines of Turkey, Greece, Albania, the Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and the Republic of Cyprus is known as Ottoman cuisine. It combines Central Asian Mughal Persian and Balkan Slavic flavours. In reality, there are several parallels with Mediterranean cuisine (see below). The Ottomans brought back from their conquests in Italy and Spain several exotic fruits, including oranges, which they introduced to Europe. The olive tree is a fruit tree endemic to the Mediterranean area. Although the olive tree may be found as far north as southern France and southeast England, it is more abundant in hot and dry desert regions such as those found in Morocco and Algeria (source).

Fried Chicken and Paprika Gravy Rotisserie

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many Mediterranean foods that are healthy and nutritious. Olives, olive oil, and nuts are staples of Mediterranean cuisine, and are excellent sources of nutrients. Other Mediterranean foods that are healthy include beans, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fava beans are also known as broad beans, garden peas, or horse beans. Fava beans are native to the Mediterranean region, but are now also cultivated in other parts of the world. They are important food sources in many cultures, and are a staple in the Mediterranean region.