The best thing about Mediterranean food, besides its taste and health benefits, is that it is so easy to make. If you are a fan of this cuisine and want to reduce your restaurant expenditure, think about preparing Mediterranean dishes at home. All you need to get started are recipes and a properly stocked pantry. Some popular recipes have already been given in these blogs and it's easy to find many more online. As for the ingredients, that is also easy – much of what you need will usually be available in a supermarket. If you have a Mediterranean grocery near you, everything you need will be available there.

Stocking the Pantry

• Processed foods are not normally used in Mediterranean cuisine. Focus on whole foods like oats, bulgar, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish and olive oil.
• Make vegetables and fruits part of the meal. While in the Mediterranean, people typically consume 7 to 8 servings of vegetables and fruits a day, even 3 to 5 servings will add to a heart-healthy diet. Adding vegetables to a meal is not difficult and when it comes to snacks, eat fruits instead of cookies.
• For meat lovers, there is no need to worry. Focus more on fish and poultry instead of red meat. When you do have the red meat urge, go in for lean cuts of lamb and beef. Making the best kebabs is not hard.
• Always keep olive oil handy. It’s an essential part of the cuisine since is full of heart-healthy fats.

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Also Read: Falafel Is More Versatile Than You Think

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• Dairy is an important part of the diet. Cheese is used, but not in the quantities that other cuisines require. In Mediterranean food, smaller amounts of strongly flavored cheeses like parmesan and feta provide all the flavor that is needed. Avoid processed cheeses that are not healthy and do not have the required flavor profile. Yogurt is important in Mediterranean food, but the focus is on plain, Greek and fermented yogurts. Flavored yogurts which are sugar-rich have no place here.
• Whole grains are a mainstay of the cuisine so your pantry needs to have farro, barley and bulgar.
• Beans and legumes are a part of many recipes and hence are essential for your pantry.
• You need nuts in your pantry. They do have fats, but they are healthy ones. You can add nuts to many dishes or even just snack on them. Add them to salads like the traditional tabbouleh for that extra crunch.
• You do need sugar in the pantry, but not too much. Mediterranean food gets most of its sweetness from honey and fruits like dates and figs which are healthy.

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Also Read: Falafel FAQs – Understanding the Basics

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These are just the basics you need to start your Mediterranean food adventure. You will soon know what you can add to your shopping list to expand your menu options. Once again, this is where shopping at a Mediterranean grocery is a huge advantage. Everything you need will be available there. A store like Aladdin Gourmet in San Mateo, CA offers a wide variety of imported groceries, fresh and local produce, gourmet bakery products, Mediterranean food, Middle-Eastern desserts and gourmet food. There is even an online deli for when you don’t feel like cooking.

 

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