Easy Mediterranean Home Cooking Part 1
Mediterranean cuisine is known for using fresh ingredients and has earned itself a respected reputation for its health benefits. For many people, Mediterranean food is reserved for special occasions when family and friends dine out. That’s fine, but why limit your access to this great food which has something for everyone – even the pickiest of eaters? There is no great mystery regarding cooking Mediterranean food at home – it's easy and requires no special cooking skills or utensils. Once you start, it will make a great menu option for your family and also when you entertain. Why just end a meal with Turkish delight when you can create a whole meal with easy Mediterranean recipes?
The Basic Principles of Mediterranean Cooking
The Mediterranean diet is based on moderation. That does not mean that people go hungry – far from it. It means that the food is light, healthy and filling so you leave the table feeling full, but not heavy. That’s the secret behind its health benefits.
Mediterranean food is defined by its appreciation for quality. Finding and choosing the best quality is part of the process of preparation – after all, you cannot live without food and the time you spend on it makes life better. You should start thinking like someone from the Mediterranean. High-quality food is looked upon as an investment in your long-term well-being. And for those who are budget-conscious, as far as Mediterranean food goes, great ingredients are not very expensive. All you need to do is plan your menu and know where to do your shopping.
The second part of this blog will cover the basic ingredients, but to get you started why not begin with a base for stews, soups and sauces? All the ingredients will be in your kitchen. It's called a battuto in Italian and sofrito in Spanish. Just chop up celery, carrots and onions and cook them in olive oil and add dried herbs and garlic. Keep tasting as it cooks and you will know what to adjust to make it taste the way you want. One more tip - soak beans (any type), which are a Mediterranean staple, overnight in salted water. The beans will be ready to cook in any form you prefer and the cooking time will be reduced, so it can be done quickly and stored till you need it.
Also Read: Turkish Appetizers Are Great with Any Meal
Now that you understand that cooking Mediterranean food at home is not difficult, there is no reason not to get started. The first step is to get hold of the right ingredients. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, that is simple. Just go to Aladdin Gourmet. It is a specialty Mediterranean grocery store and deli where you will find everything you need to prepare a Mediterranean meal that people will be talking about for many days. You also have the option of ordering online, if you’re not in the mood to go shopping. You can decide on how much you want to cook and what you prefer to pick up from the deli.
Eat slow, enjoy your meal and the company and make the lunch or dinner a special occasion, even if there is no reason behind it. Don’t worry about overdoing it and making the food boring. The universal appeal of this cuisine means that no meal will be dull, no matter how often the food is served. Remember, there is far more to Mediterranean cuisine than just the Turkish Delight.
- Oct 31, 2023