Everyone who cooks, either out of necessity or because they love it, wants to produce the kind of food that people will love and talk about long after the meal is over. For many cooks, the fear of complicated recipes, exotic and difficult-to-obtain ingredients, and long cooking times is more than enough reason to stick with old recipes and avoid trying something new. But not all great-tasting, healthy, and universally appealing food is difficult to prepare. Take, for example, Mediterranean food. Everyone knows that it is healthy and tastes great. What is often not so well known is how easy it is to prepare. If you know the basics of Mediterranean cooking and the hacks that can make cooking much easier, it's easy to make healthy, flavorful, easy-to-prepare, and economical Mediterranean cuisine a part of your daily life. From grilled seafood and meat to homemade pies, there are hacks to make everything easier.

• Find the right grocery store: Locating a specialized Mediterranean grocery to do your shopping will save you a lot of time and effort. And if it's one like Aladdin Gourmet in San Mateo CA, you know you will be getting the best quality freshest ingredients at the best price. This is probably the most important hack of all and once you have this done, everything else becomes so much easier.

• Buy Fresh: Produce is often seasonal. While items may be available all year round, check the origin, date of packing, and expiry. The fresher the better is a rule you need to follow.
• Canned and frozen foods: Some foods may only be available canned or frozen. If that is the only choice, go ahead. Look for products with no added salt and those without any type of sauce. Making your sauce is always better.
• Olive Oil: This is the universal cooking medium for just about all Mediterranean food. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is healthy, flavorful and long-lasting. Various brands may have the same quality but taste may vary. Shop around till you find the ones that suit you best and stick with them.
• Stock up on nuts: Nuts are an essential component in many recipes and where they are not critical, adding them to a dish can often give it a special spin. Do not be afraid to experiment. Nuts are also a satisfying and healthy snack.

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Also Read: New to Mediterranean Deli?

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• Navigate the seafood section: Seafood is a major part of Mediterranean food. While buying frozen is fine, if possible buy fresh and use it ASAP. Canned tuna packed in EVOO is a great standby and having a few cans in your pantry can be a lifesaver in emergencies. Cooked shrimp adds another dimension to salads. If you like grilling, grilled seafood is a major part of Mediterranean food.

• Diary and dairy alternatives: Dairy is a major ingredient in many dishes. Cheese and yogurt are part of most meals. Make sure you always have enough on hand. If you find yourself running short of food when unexpected guests arrive, cheese and dairy are a great quick way to supplement a meal. If dairy doesn’t work for you, dairy alternatives are fine.
• Use your freezer: While Mediterranean food is focused on freshness, that does not mean freezing is a no-no. Things like Greek pies filled with vegetables or meat can be made in advance and frozen. These homemade pies make a quick and tasty meal for when time is short or you are just too tired to cook.
• Making choices: If the wide variety of ingredient choices is confusing, the guidance of the knowledgeable sales staff at the specialized Mediterranean grocery is a great resource you can call on to help you make the right choices.
• You will find lots of cooking hacks online. Spend a little time searching and once you know the ones that work for you, your kitchen will be running like a well (olive) oiled machine from where you will be able to turn out stunning food in the minimum time with the least hassle or effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the essential ingredients for Mediterranean cooking?

Fresh produce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), nuts, seafood, cheese, and yogurt are key ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine.

2. Where can I find Mediterranean ingredients easily?

Shop at a specialized Mediterranean grocery store like Aladdin Gourmet in San Mateo, CA, for fresh, high-quality ingredients.

3. Can I use canned or frozen foods in Mediterranean cooking?

Yes, you can use canned or frozen foods, but opt for those with no added salt or sauces. Fresh is best, but these are good alternatives.

4. How can I make Mediterranean food quickly?

Use hacks like prepping in advance, freezing homemade pies, and keeping pantry staples like canned tuna and nuts on hand.

5. Is it okay to freeze Mediterranean dishes?

Yes, certain dishes like Greek pies can be made in advance and frozen for a quick and easy meal later.

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