The flavors of the Mediterranean include olives and olive oil, lamb, meat stews, and of course, bread and wine. It’s a wide geographical area that includes a variety of cultures with pretty distinct cuisines. Italy, Greece, Southern France, North Africa, Spain, the Levant … all can be included in the Mediterranean basket, but they produce such different recipes.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes with Mediterranean flavors for you to try.
1. Chestnut Hummus
Traditional hummus is a healthful and delicious dish, but replace standard chickpeas with chestnuts for a richer, creamier paste while upping the health ante too. Chestnuts are packed vitamin C, potassium, copper and magnesium, amino acids, antioxidants, and have high levels of essential fatty acids. Eat up!
2. Crispy Mushroom Triangles
Sweet honey tempers spicy harissa and pungent garlic in this easy grilled chicken wing recipe. Serve with chilled yogurt dipping sauce and your favorite cold beer.
4. Merguez Sausage with Harissa Sauce
Lamb merguez sausage, the spicy sausage from North Africa, is a popular street food in France, where vendors grill the links until crisp and lightly charred and serve them with mustard. We also like them with this cooling yogurt dip spiked with harissa, the smoky Tunisian chile sauce.
5. Shawarma Spiced Lamb Loin
Try this easy recipe for tender lamb loin with a warm Middle Eastern-style spice rub. Serve thinly sliced over basmati rice pilaf, with a simple salad, or in warm pita with tabbouleh, fattoush, tahini, and pickled vegetables.
6. Rabbit Stew with Nicoise Olives and Rosemary
Very typical of Tuscany, this stew is cooked stove top and makes a vibrant, colorful main. With the bite of olives and the herbaceous rosemary, it features very Mediterranean flavors.
7. Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Melting Tomatoes & Onions
It doesn’t get more authentic than tagine cooking. This recipe is found in Paula Wolfert’s excellent book, Mediterranean Clay Pot Cooking. Smoky and fragrant, this convivial dish should be served with torn flat bread (and if you like, cold beer).
What are your favorite Mediterranean dishes? Which have you perfected at home? Tell us more on social media. Tag @dartagnanfoods on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to get the conversation started.