Have you ever thought of cooking Mediterranean food at home but have been hesitant to venture into the unknown? If so, you need to know that there is nothing to be apprehensive about. No fancy or expensive cooking equipment is required, the ingredients are easily found and the recipes are simple to follow. For the recipes, all you need to do is search online and you will find everything from beginner recipes to how to make the ever-popular muhamara and dolmas. Ingredients, including halal meat, are available from Mediterranean groceries like Aladdin Gourmet in San Mateo, CA.

As for the cooking equipment, most kitchens already have all that is needed. The basic equipment consists of: 

• A Chopping Board: Ingredients are often cut into small bite-sized pieces so a chopping board is essential.
• A Chef’s Knife: This is an essential companion to the chopping board. A good knife makes it easy to chop, cut, slice and dice neatly and cleanly. Even cutting makes cooking easy and also adds to the visual appeal of the food.
• A Colander: Since pasta and noodles are a major part of the cuisine, this is an essential kitchen item. It's also handy for rinsing vegetables before cooking.
• A Baking Dish: This multipurpose utensil is used for baking gratins and pies. The all-purpose ones that can go directly from the oven to the table or refrigerator are the most useful – most leftover Mediterranean dishes can be refrigerated for a few days to eat later. 
• A Wok: This is not meant just for Chinese food. It’s great for the braising, stir-frying and steaming that are part of Mediterranean cooking. If you have an electric stovetop, use a flat-bottomed wok and if you cook with gas, use a round-bottomed one. 
• A Frying Pan: A large frying pan or skillet with a heavy bottom is ideal for searing fish and chicken as well as for poaching and sauteing. 

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Also Read: What You May Not Know About Mediterranean Food Part 2

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• Pots: A large pot is great for making soups and can also be used for cooking pasta. A medium-sized one is perfect for cooking rice, making sauces and boiling eggs, among many other uses. 
• Pans: A saucepan with a heavy base and tight-fitting lid allows food to simmer gently without getting burnt at the base. 
• A Turner: Flipping is an integral part of Mediterranean cooking and a good turner makes this easy. 
• A Small Mortar and Pestle: Ideal for crushing spices, nuts and herbs. 

The list could go on, but you most likely have to measure cups and spoons, a pastry brush, a pepper grinder, a grater, mixing bowls, a citrus zester, a garlic press and the rest in your kitchen, so there’s no need to make the list longer than it should be. 

Once you have the equipment in place, and you probably have most, if not all of it already, there is no reason to delay. Make a trip to a Mediterranean grocery and pick up want you need to make a truly unique and delicious meal. If you don’t have the time to cook a full meal, you can always supplement your efforts by going to a Mediterranean deli like the one that is part of Aladdin Gourmet where you can pick up muhamara, dolmas, hummus, kebabs and whatever else you want or need. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What basic cooking equipment do I need for Mediterranean cuisine? 

A chopping board, a chef’s knife, a colander, a baking dish, a wok, a frying pan, pots, pans, a turner, and a small mortar and pestle are essential. 

2. Where can I find ingredients for Mediterranean dishes? 

You can find ingredients, including halal meat, at Mediterranean groceries like Aladdin Gourmet in San Mateo, CA. 

3. What can I make with the basic kitchen equipment? 

You can prepare a variety of Mediterranean dishes, including muhamara, dolmas, hummus, and kebabs, using the basic kitchen equipment mentioned. 

4. Can I use regular kitchen tools for Mediterranean cooking? 

Yes, most kitchens already have the necessary tools for Mediterranean cooking. No fancy or expensive equipment is required. 

5. Where can I get ready-made Mediterranean dishes? 

You can supplement your cooking efforts by visiting a Mediterranean deli, like the one at Aladdin Gourmet, where you can find ready-made dishes such as muhamara, dolmas, hummus, and kebabs.

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