ADVERTISEMENT
Hummus
Pita bread or flatbreads
Fresh cucumber, tomato, and lettuce (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and begins to come together. Add flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together without being too sticky.
Roll the falafel mixture into small balls or patties (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
Place the falafel on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve the falafel with hummus, pita, and fresh vegetables, and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired feast!
- Mediterranean Grilled Lamb Chops
Lamb is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and when grilled with a simple herb marinade, it becomes a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth delight. These Mediterranean grilled lamb chops are marinated in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon juice, which infuse them with vibrant, aromatic flavors. Serve with a side of couscous or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
8 lamb chops (or as many as you need)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more well-done.
Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with couscous, a Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a true Mediterranean experience.
- Baklava for Dessert
No Mediterranean feast would be complete without baklava, the sweet, flaky pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. It’s rich, decadent, and the perfect way to end any meal. Though it’s a bit more involved than the other recipes, it’s well worth the effort.
Ingredients:
1 package phyllo dough (thawed)
2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop the mixed nuts finely and combine them with the ground cinnamon.
- Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter and layer 10 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter before adding the next.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture on top of the phyllo dough.
- Continue layering phyllo sheets and nuts, repeating the process until all the ingredients are used.
- Cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces before baking.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Pour the hot syrup over the baked baklava and let it cool before serving.
Conclusion
Mediterranean cuisine offers an exciting mix of fresh, healthy ingredients, aromatic herbs, and bold flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re grilling juicy lamb chops, enjoying crispy falafel, or savoring a light quinoa salad, a burst of Mediterranean flavor is always a good idea. So, get ready to spice up your kitchen with these recipes and enjoy the delicious tastes of the Mediterranean, no passport required!
ADVERTISEMENT
