Why you should try Mediterranean cuisine

Regions adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, including Italy, Spain, Greece, France and Morocco, produce some of the world’s best foods due to their fantastic location and geology. The likes of olives and tomatoes prosper in the sunny climes, while the waters bring incredible seafood and the fertile lands cultivate herbs and grains.

Just some of the reasons that you should incorporate Mediterranean dishes into your diet are listed below, alongside some fantastic recipes you should try.

It’s healthy

The Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for being healthy and nutritious, since it is characterised by an abundance of fresh vegetables, notably tomatoes, courgette and peppers; lean poultry and seafood in favour of fattier red meats; pure olive oil that can be good for the heart in moderation; and healthy, complex carbohydrates such as quinoa which help you feel fuller and energised for longer.

As a result, the Mediterranean cuisine has been linked to a lower risk of health problems like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Adopting a diet focused on these dishes is possibly the tastiest way to make your diet healthy, balanced and nutritious.

It’s perfect year-round

The flavours of Mediterranean dishes perfectly encapsulate the experience of being by the coast, basking in the sunshine and listening to the crash of the waves.

Just one bite of a Mediterranean dish can transport you to these stunning locations, conjuring images of the lush landscapes and pleasant climate. It is therefore the ideal accompaniment to a summer’s day, especially when eating al fresco.

However, the foods also translate well into the winter, with the more eastern regional influences contributing fantastically filling and warming stews, soups and meat dishes to the mix. The tasty Mediterranean flavours are certainly not sacrificed.

While the vegetables of the summer are fresh, cold and raw, they are roasted or stewed and flavoured with spices in the winter. There is a larger focus too on lamb when the cold weather sets in, as well as beans and pulses.

Dishes to try                                     

For a light breakfast, try a natural or Greek yoghurt flavoured with a fruit compote or honey. For something a little more filling, try an omelette loaded with vegetables. Avoid using butter and margarine in your recipe.

In the summer, Mediterranean cuisine perhaps lends itself best to lunch, offering plenty of healthy and light dishes which keep you satisfied until dinner and help give you a midday pick-me-up.

Try this delicious recipe of quinoa with peppers and feta, which derives freshness from the basil pesto and vegetables, depth of flavour from the tomato, a taste boost from Greece’s best cheese, and nutritious and delicious hunger-fighting properties from chicken and quinoa.

You should also try out a gazpacho or other form of cold soup, as this is a fantastic way to enjoy the freshness of fantastic Mediterranean ingredients. Serve with a rosemary focaccia or a toasted ciabatta drizzled with high-quality olive oil.

For those cold winter nights, a Moroccan lamb stew is a must. Trim the fat from lamb shoulder and marinade in spices before stewing with vegetables like butternut squash and carrot – slow cook it for hours to get tender meat and rich flavours.

Mediterranean cuisine is by and large healthy, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid dessert. Just remember to focus on the region’s fresh and delicious fruits, light pastries, nuts and honey for the best and most faithful results.

Baklava, a Turkish export, is one of the most famous desserts, and it’s no surprise. These indulgent treats combine filo pastry with chopped nuts and sweet syrup – usually served at room temperature, they can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Although you can get inspiration for your dishes by trying out the top eateries in the likes of France and Italy, the best way to get an insight into the flavours and cooking methods of this region is to take a food tour and sample recipes from the different cultures. Take a look at Mediterranean cruises for a convenient and luxurious way to eat in the coastal countries.