Mediterranean food is a healthy all-encompassing meal that showcases the culture and individuality of various regions in the Mediterranean basin.
There’s so much to love about this food, especially when you learn what it contains and how it can benefit you and your loved ones.
If you’re new to Mediterranean dishes, this guide will help you catch up on all that you may have missed out on.
Conversely, if Mediterranean food is one of your favorite dishes, you’re about to find out even more about this traditional and exciting meal.
Read on to learn more.
What is Mediterranean food?
Mediterranean food also known as the Mediterranean diet is a combination of healthy vegetables, seafood, nuts, and whole grains that are commonly found in the Mediterranean area or region.
This meal has also helped to preserve and uphold the culture and unique nature of the Mediterranean.
Origin of Mediterranean food
We can trace the origin of Mediterranean food to the Mediterranean basin, and to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, and Morocco, among others.
The cuisine of these regions is characterized by the abundant use of fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, legumes, fish, herbs, and spices.
Mediterranean cuisine has evolved over centuries, influenced by various cultures and civilizations that have inhabited the region.
Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians have all left their mark on the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.
One of the key factors in shaping Mediterranean cuisine is the region’s climate and geography.
The Mediterranean climate with its long, hot summers and mild winters supports the growth of a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Olive trees, grapevines, citrus fruits, tomatoes, eggplants, and various herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme are abundant in the region.
The introduction of new ingredients and cooking techniques has also contributed to the diversity of Mediterranean cuisine.
Today, Mediterranean cuisine is popular worldwide, and its influence can be seen in various culinary traditions.
The combination of fresh ingredients, simple preparation methods, and bold flavors has made Mediterranean food a favorite among many people seeking healthy and delicious meals.
What does Mediterranean food taste like?
The taste depends on the flavor.
The Mediterranean diet is replete with a wide range of flavors that are sure to tingle your taste bud.
Some flavors give off a nice smoky taste, while others are best described as sweet and minty, especially when herbs and spices are included in the meal.
If you’ve never tasted a Mediterranean dish before, try to imagine the aroma of Greek olives mixed with Italian sauces, French herbs, and the sizzling smell of spices, veggies, and fruits carefully combined to make a decent meal.
The combination is heavenly and highly nutritious.
Is Mediterranean food Greek?
Not all Mediterranean foods are Greek.
To make this easier to understand, Greek food is Mediterranean, and it is a popular cuisine in Greece and its diaspora.
The meal is often characterized by wine, wheat, and olive oil and it’s a major part of Mediterranean cuisine.
However, Greek food is only one out of many Mediterranean foods. And that’s why we say not all Mediterranean foods are Greek.
Is garlic a Mediterranean food?
Yes, it is. Garlic is an essential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and makes up a part of the diet.
It’s often paired alongside fish, olive oils, and vegetables to give the food a unique aroma and edge.
In fact, Mediterranean food relies heavily on Garlic as it’s a super-ingredient and one of nature’s cure-alls.
What are the top 10 foods on a Mediterranean diet?
There are various foods on the Mediterranean diet but these right here are the all-time top ten in taste and nutritional value.
- Extra virgin oil
- Red wine
- Greek yogurt
- Nuts and seeds
- Berries
- Whitefish
- Leafy greens
- Fruits and veggies
- Whole grains e.g
- Legumes
What foods are not allowed on the Mediterranean diet
One of the ways to easily identify a Mediterranean meal is that it’s high in plant-based foods, especially vegetables and the foods we listed earlier.
But what you wouldn’t find in Mediterranean food include the following:
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Candy
- White bread and pasta
- Alcohol
- Vegetable oil
- Sugary dessert
- Soybean oil
- Processed cheese
- Butter
Mediterranean food recipe
Here’s a recipe for a classic Mediterranean dish called “Mediterranean Chicken with Lemon and Herbs”:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, thyme, olive oil, and the juice of one lemon. Mix well.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and season them with salt and pepper. Pour the herb and lemon mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each breast evenly.
- Cut the second lemon into slices and arrange them on top of the chicken breasts.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so make sure to check for doneness.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the Mediterranean chicken with lemon and herbs with your choice of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean chicken with lemon and herbs.
How to find Mediterranean food near you
Although Mediterranean food is more common in countries such as Greece, Spain, France, Morocco, Lebanon, and Italy, you can still enjoy this meal in other parts of the world.
One of the best ways to find Mediterranean food near you is to search on platforms like Uber Eats, Trip Advisor, and other food and travel apps and networks.
There you’ll be able to read real-time updates and reviews of various restaurants till you find one that works best for you.
More related questions
What are examples of Mediterranean dishes?
Moussaka, Greek salad, and black-eyed peas salad. You can also try out the Mediterranean food recipe we included in this guide.
What country is Mediterranean food from?
Countries within the Mediterranean basin. They include Morocco, Greece, Italy, Spain, Lebanon, and so on.
Is rice a Mediterranean food?
Yes, brown rice is a Mediterranean dish. Conversely, white rice is not Mediterranean food.
What culture is Mediterranean food?
Italian, Spanish, Ottoman, Egyptian, and Maghrebi. These are just a few as there are several others.
Conclusion
Mediterranean food has a long, rich history that is still being kept alive today because of its nutritional secrets.
While there are specific countries that are attributed to the cuisine, this food is spreading across other cultures far and wide.
If you’ve not had Mediterranean food in a while, here’s a good time to treat yourself to one and enjoy its nutritional benefits.
Thanks for reading.
