If you love a good bowl of fresh vegetables and pasta, Mediterranean recipes are a must-try. These meals are low in calories and high in nutrients.
They also rely on healthy fats, like olive oil. That’s why nutritionists recommend the Mediterranean diet for heart health and weight loss.
Popular Mediterranean Food
Mediterranean dishes are delicious, healthy, and easy to make. They are made with a variety of ingredients including olive oil, fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, spices, bread and legumes. They are also high in fiber, protein and vitamin E.
The key to eating a healthy Mediterranean diet is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. They are low in saturated fat and have been shown to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. They are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the heart.
One of the most popular dishes in the Mediterranean is a refreshing salad known as tabbouleh. It is a staple of Lebanese, Syrian, Israeli and Jordanian cuisines. It is made of finely chopped parsley, bulgur wheat, and vegetables tossed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Another popular Mediterranean dish is falafel, which is a mixture of ground chickpeas with spices and herbs. These tasty patties are often served between slices of pita bread.
These tasty little treats are classic Mediterranean street food. They are a great source of protein and fiber, which will keep you full for a long time.
They are also a good source of calcium and magnesium, which help strengthen bones. You can find a variety of different kinds of falafel, some of which are gluten-free.
Another savory, yet healthy, dish is Chicken Cacciatore. This Italian pasta dish features chicken that’s braised in a tomato-based sauce. The sauce is seasoned with oregano and basil, which adds flavor to the dish.
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a Greek spinach pie with layers of phyllo dough that get crisp and crunchy after baking. It’s a favorite appetizer and meal around the world, and it’s easy to make at home.
The filling of this dish is made from steamed and drained spinach, sauteed onions, feta cheese, eggs and seasonings, wrapped in a layer of phyllo dough that forms the flaky pastry’s exterior. It’s then cut into triangles and brushed with butter, and baked until golden brown.
Feta is the traditional cheese used in this recipe, but you can use any soft-white cheese you like. You can also replace feta with ricotta if you prefer a softer filling.
Before you start assembling the filling, be sure to let the feta and cream cheese come to room temperature. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy in the spinach.
When you’re ready to assemble the filling, layer it on top of the phyllo dough. Brush each layer with melted butter to keep the sheets separated and help create the signature flaky crust of this classic Mediterranean dish.
If you have any tears in the phyllo, don’t worry — you can patch them up with melted butter to bond them together. The butter will also help to keep the phyllo dough from drying out.
Serve these savory squares with your favorite dips, including tzatziki sauce. They’re perfect for appetizers or light lunches. You can even store leftovers in the fridge for 2 – 3 days. Then, warm them in the oven when you’re ready to eat them!
Chicken Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular street food consisting of thin slices of meat stacked into a cone and roasted on a vertical rotisserie. Traditionally, the dish is made from lamb, but it can be cooked with other meats, such as beef and chicken.
The flavor of shawarma is unique and tangy. It is seasoned with a blend of spices from the Middle East and is typically served in pita bread with garlic sauce and pickles.
Homemade shawarma is an easy meal that can be made in a matter of minutes. It also comes out incredibly delicious and is sure to please your family and friends.
You can make the chicken in a slow cooker, on the stovetop or by grilling it on the barbecue. If you don’t have a barbecue, you can bake the chicken in the oven instead. Preheat the oven to 425 F, then place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until it is browned and crisp at the edges.
You can serve the shawarma with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and creamy yogurt Tzatziki to create an authentic Mediterranean meal. You can also add fried eggplant, olives, rice and feta to create a hearty and filling meal.
Falafel
Falafel is a classic dish that can be found across North Africa and the Mediterranean region. It is made with mashed chickpeas, herbs, and spices, rolled into small patties, deep-fried, and then served as a snack or part of a larger meal.
A healthy Mediterranean Diet recipe, falafel is a delicious vegan option and is perfect for those who are vegetarian or on a gluten-free diet. This savory, crispy dish is loaded with flavors and will have you coming back for more.
In addition to being a popular Mediterranean dish, falafel is also one of the most versatile vegetarian foods you can make at home. You can use them in salads, sandwiches, or wraps as a filling.
Another great thing about falafel is that it is easy to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. You can even make them ahead of time and refrigerate them or freeze until you are ready to eat them.
This Mediterranean Diet recipe is easy to prepare and is a simple way to add more healthy ingredients to your meals. It is perfect for those who are looking to incorporate more fish, whole grains, and olive oil into their routine.
The Mediterranean diet is the top overall diet of 2018. It has been proven to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. It is a centuries-old lifestyle that isn’t a fad diet like other trendy trends, but rather a long-term approach to health and wellness.
Hummus
Hummus is a delicious dip or spread that’s great on its own or as part of a larger meze. Made from mashed chickpeas and tahini, it’s an incredibly healthy addition to any diet.
Depending on what you add to it, it can have a variety of flavors. Some popular flavors include chili peppers, paprika, cumin, and parsley. You can also experiment with different types of beans to make a unique flavor.
The main ingredient is chickpeas, which are known for their protein and fiber. They are a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which is known to be good for your health.
To get the most flavor out of hummus, it’s important to choose high-quality ingredients. To do this, use tahini that’s fresh and hasn’t been sitting in the fridge too long. Ideally, it should be soft enough to mix easily with the other ingredients but firm enough to hold its shape.
For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a little garlic to your hummus. Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help lower blood pressure and decrease your risk of heart disease.
You can also make your hummus spicier by adding chili peppers or paprika. For a more traditional taste, stick to the classics: tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.
If you want to keep your hummus fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Avoid storing it at room temperature, which can cause it to spoil.
Try dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet
Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet is a great place to try delicious dishes from the region. The all-you-can-eat buffet features a wide range of food, including salads, grains, beans, hummus, baba ganoush, and more.
There are also plenty of vegetarian options. For example, you can order stuffed grape leaves and falafel.
The buffet is open Mon-Thu, Fri and Sat, and it also offers delivery. It’s a great option for diners looking to save time on their busy schedules.
This restaurant’s ambiance is one of the most inviting in town. Its cosy design makes guests feel comfortable, while the staff is friendly and courteous.
Dimassi’s also has a good selection of wine and cocktails, as well as a dessert bar that includes baklava and asida. It’s a nice option for those who want to unwind after a long day at work.
A large portion of the buffet is vegetarian, and a few of the dishes are vegan. However, you’ll still need to check the ingredients before ordering.
Overall, it’s an excellent option for anyone seeking a tasty meal with an impressive price tag. Fortunately, it’s also very convenient to get to from anywhere in Houston.
This is a great restaurant to visit for lunch or dinner with the family. It’s easy to find and has ample parking. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the dining experience.
