Know The Origin Of Mediterranean Cuisine And Dishes

The Mediterranean shores are the origin of some the worlds healthiest, best tasting and most popular foods. Mediterranean cuisine often brings to mind foods like the pita, hummus, Falafel, and baguette. The delicious cuisine originates from the ancient Egypt. Between the third and fourth centuries A.D. But the actual concept of Mediterranean Cuisine dates back to 1950. These foods are delicious as well as healthy.

Mediterranean foods have been part of the American diet since the first immigrants from the Mediterranean region landed on the U.S shores. But with innovative flavors new dishes came out making varieties in the list of Mediterranean diets.

What is a Mediterranean Cuisine?

A typical Mediterranean diet includes a lot of vegetables, cereal products, moderate amount of fish, meat and dairy products. The concept of Mediterranean cuisine has its roots near the Mediterranean Sea. The place grows an Olive tree in abundance. Here, the most recognized and popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine Olive oil is produced, distributed and exported worldwide. The three core ingredients that make up Mediterranean cuisine are Olives, wheat and grapes.

French and Italian foods are so well known in America that we no longer take them as Mediterranean. Though French and Italian foods also to a lesser extent Greek foods have carved out its ways of Mediterranean cuisines, Tunisian, Lebanese, Egyptian and Spanish cuisine are all Mediterranean cuisines.

Vegetables dominate the Mediterranean cuisine

The characteristics of Mediterranean cuisine are specified by the climate and geography of the region. The sunny, and mild climate influences the growth of fresh vegetables that dominates the foods of this region. As said earlier Olive Oil is the universally used and a prevalent ingredient. It is used to make nearly every Mediterranean dish.

Mediterranean cuisine is also dominated by fresh vegetables. Eggplant, artichokes, squash, tomatoes, legumes, onions, mushrooms, okra, cucumbers and lettuces are commonly used. The vegetables are eaten in a variety of forms. For example: baked, roasted, sautéed grilled, and pureed. They are even served fresh as salads.

Fish and Meat the lean protein

Fish is the main source of animal protein included in the Mediterranean diet. Serving of fish is included two times a week. Fishes like salmon, halibut, sardines, and trout contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 promotes heart and brain health.

Meat is generally used sparingly in the Mediterranean cuisine. In most of the Mediterranean it tends to be grilled. Meat of Herding animals like the goats, sheep and pigs and chicken are consumed. Milk of Goat and sheep are used in a variety of dishes like the yoghurt and cheese.

Fresh Herbs characterize Mediterranean cuisine

The climate and geography of the region is naturally suited for growing herbaceous plants. The culinary tradition of the Mediterranean use basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, mint, garlic, fennel, cilantro and saffron.

Few Mediterranean foods for Introduction

Shawarma – Shwarma is made by alternately stacking strips of fat and meat on a vertical spit. An onion, or tomato is used for decoration. The meat is roasted slowly on all sides to make a perfect shawarma. This food is eaten as a fast food. Made up into a sandwich wrap with a pita or lavash together with vegetables and dressing.

Falafel - Falafel is a common Mediterranean food that is made from chickpeas. They are scrumptious, round golden brown croquettes. Falafels are crispy and crunchy on the outside and moist inside. This dish is made using high quality fava beans, chick peas, chia seeds, onions and garlic with a special blend of spices. Like the cumin, coriander, fennel, mint and cinnamon. This food is full of vegetarian protein.

Baba ghanoush - Baba ghanoush is a Levantine dish of cooked eggplant. Mixed with tahini, olive oil and various seasonings it gives the best taste. The preparation method is first the eggplant is baked or broiled over an open flame before peeling, so that the pulp remains soft and consists of a smoky taste. Baba ganoush is a typical meze or a starter, often eaten as a dip with pita.

Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet

Research on the traditional Mediterranean diet has shown that consuming them may reduce risk of developing poor health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol. These are the risk factors for heart diseases. Researchers have also found out that people regularly following a Mediterranean diet may live longer and are unlikely to put on weight.

Thus we see that, the Mediterranean Cuisine is balanced and encourages control of portion sizes. It is a good choice for people having diabetes, those who want to lose weight, or want to start eating healthy food.