Specialties Of Mediterranean Cuisine
The Mediterranean diet is becoming increasingly popular
, due to its delicious flavors, simple ingredients and numerous health benefits. But far more than just olive oil and red wine, the Mediterranean diet is made up of the foods and traditions of 21 different countries on three continents. This is what gives this style of cooking such a variety of delicious and healthy choices. Here are a few simple Mediterranean culinary favorites youre sure to enjoy!
Hummus
Named for the Arabic word for chickpea, hummus is a culinary staple in the Mediterranean. Traditional hummus consists simply of cooked and mashed chickpeas (garbanzo beans), sesame tahini (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Other flavors are often added to hummus such as sun-dried tomato, roasted red peppers, or artichoke.
Hummus is generally served as an appetizer with fresh pita bread or veggies, but it also makes an excellent spread for sandwiches. Hummus is a delicious dish that is healthy and easy to make.
Tabbouleh
This traditional salad, which contains no lettuce, is a light and healthy start to a meal. Tabbouleh is considered the national dish of Lebanon and cooks take great pride in preparing the labor-intensive dish. The significant amount of parsley used in a serving of tabbouleh is all hand chopped so to not bruise the leaves. Fresh ingredients such as bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice and olive oil come together to form this simple dish.
Falafel
Falafel is a ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans and then deep-fried. They are eaten alone or in a portable pita with vegetables and sauces. Falafel is high in protein and fiber, and low in fat and salt. Even though it is deep-fried, falafel is a healthy part of any diet and of course delicious!
Dolmades
Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a variety of healthy ingredients, including rice, tomatoes, onions and parsley, that are cooked in olive oil and lemon juice. Dolmades have high nutritional value, and are a healthy source of carbohydrates, vitamins and polyphenols a powerful antioxidant that helps to keep your body healthy. Dolmades are also quite low in calories and fat, making them a great choice for a low-calorie, low-fat diet.
Baba Ganoosh
Baba ganoosh is a broiled eggplant puree mixed with tahini, yogurt, fresh garlic and lemon juice. Eggplant is an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and B-complex vitamins, including B-1, B-6 and B-12. This Mediterranean staple is the perfect addition to any hearty-healthy diet.
Try these and other Mediterranean dishes at Pita Jungle a healthy eating restaurant in Phoenix and Southern California. Visit http://www.pitajungle.com to learn more about the restaurant or to find a location near you. Pita Jungle is committed to helping people eat better and feel healthier.
by: Sylvia J. Patterson
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