Food & Travel: The flavours of the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet has been touted as one of the healthiest diets in the world, and for good reason. Rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, this cuisine is a staple of many cultures around the Mediterranean Sea.

From the sun-kissed hills of Greece to the coastal cities of Italy, each country has its own unique twist on Mediterranean cuisine.

In this article, we will take a culinary journey through the flavours and dishes of the Mediterranean, highlighting some of the most iconic recipes and ingredients.

Greece: Birthplace of olive oil

Greece is famous for its olive oil, which is used liberally in many traditional dishes. In fact, Greece is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world, with over 300 million litres produced annually.

In Greece, olive oil is not just a condiment, but a staple ingredient that adds depth and richness to many dishes.

One of the most iconic Greek dishes is Giouvetsi, a hearty beef stew cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served with crusty bread. Here is a recipe to try:

Giouvetsi (Greek beef stew)

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• Food & Travel: The flavours of the Mediterranean

Ingredients:

1 pound beef stew meat

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup tomato puree

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

4 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

4 slices crusty bread

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add tomato puree, beef broth, and oregano. Stir to combine.
5. Cover pot and transfer to oven. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
6. Serve with crumbled feta cheese and crusty bread.

Italy: Land of pasta and pizza

Italy is famous for its pasta dishes, which are often served with rich sauces and topped with melted cheese.

But Italy is also home to some of the world's best pizza, with Naples being the birthplace of this beloved dish.

One of the most iconic Italian pasta dishes is "Spaghetti Carbonara", a rich and creamy sauce made with eggs, bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Here is a recipe to try:

Spaghetti carbonara

Ingredients:

12 ounces spaghetti

4 slices pancetta or bacon, diced

2 large eggs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then reserve.
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until combined.
6. Add cooked spaghetti to bowl and toss until coated.
7. Add cooked pancetta or bacon to bowl and toss until combined.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

The crossroads of East and West

Turkey is a country that straddles Europe and Asia, making it a fascinating blend of cultures and cuisines. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the sun-kissed beaches of Antalya, Turkey has a rich culinary heritage that reflects its strategic location. One of the most iconic Turkish dishes is Doner Kebab, a juicy meat sandwich made with layers of lamb or beef cooked on a vertical spit.

Here is a recipe to try:

Doner kebab sandwich

Ingredients:

1 pound lamb or beef, thinly sliced

1 onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 pita breads

Salt and pepper to taste

Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickled red onion (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread lamb or beef onto skewers or onto a metal plate.
3. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast pita breads by grilling or baking.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing meat on pita breads with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickled red onion (if using).
6. Serve immediately.

Spain: The land of tapas

Spain is famous for its tapas culture, where small plates of food are shared with friends and family over drinks at bars and restaurants. From the spicy sausages of Andalusia to the rich seafood stews of Galicia, Spain has a rich culinary heritage that reflects its diverse regions. One of the most iconic Spanish dishes is Paella, a classic rice dish made with seafood and saffron-infused broth. Here's a recipe to try:

Paella Valenciana

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked rice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams)

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup water

2 tablespoons saffron threads

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large paella pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mixed seafood and cook until pink and cooked through.
4. Add rice and stir to combine.
5. Add chicken broth, water, saffron threads, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked.

In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet is a rich tapestry of flavours and ingredients that reflects the cultural heritage of each country around the Mediterranean Sea. From Greece's olive oil to Italy's pasta dishes,

Turkey's kebabs to Spain's paella, each country has its own unique twist on Mediterranean cuisine. By exploring these iconic recipes and ingredients, you will be able to recreate the flavours of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen – no matter where you are in the world!

• Muzamhindo is a young chef with seven years’ experience in a professional kitchen and has enjoyed the concept of food since the tender age of two. She studied at the South African Chefs Academy in Cape Town and the Culinary Arts Academy in Zimbabwe to become a level three advanced chef. Her specialties range from indigenous ingredients to fine dining, gourmet food, food health and safety and food research and development. — [email protected].

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