Vibrant, Fresh, and Flavorful: Exploring Mediterranean Side Dishes and Appetizers
Mediterranean cuisine prides itself on its bold flavors and fresh, colorful ingredients. Central to dining in the Mediterranean is a rich tradition of side dishes and appetizers spanning the length and breadth of an enriching culinary path around the countries and their produce. From tangy dips to refreshing salads, these 5 Mediterranean side dishes and appetizer must-tries will take you on a journey of rich culture.
Tabbouleh: Tabbouleh is characterized as a flavorful salad with a distinctly Levant Mediterranean taste. It is a nutritional salad of finely chopped parsley together with mixed bulgur wheat, tomatoes, mint, onion, olive oil, and lemon juice, which is seasoned with pepper and salt.
Baba Ghanoush: This creamy dip of roasted eggplant is combined with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The roasted eggplant layers in a smoky flavor that, in combination with the nutty tahini and citrusy lemon juice, makes for a luscious and flavorful spread.
Hummus: Hummus is one of the most famous dips in the Mediterranean and one of the healthy eating favorites. It comprises mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Apart from being creamy, savory, and full of protein, hummus is also versatile in a way that it can be a smart alternative for a vegetable dip with bread or crackers and also a spread for making sandwiches.
Moutabal: While similar to baba ghanoush, moutabal is not exactly the same, since the recipe has some differences. Eggplant is first charred before being squashed and mixed with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It makes a very rich and savory dip to accompany pieces of pita bread.
Tzatziki: Tzatziki is an appetizer of the national Greek cuisine. It is made from yogurts, cucumbers, garlic, salt, and oil. It serves as a side to a wide range of appetizers. Tzatziki is also popular throughout Greece in the summertime since it is always served cold and refreshing.
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