The ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine are specific and highly valued, yet this doesn’t limit creativity or diminish its charm. In fact, the careful selection of fresh products, such as vegetables, fish, and olive oil, allows chefs to create dishes full of flavor and balance. The best cooks know how to combine these elements in a unique way, exploring textures and reinterpreting traditional dishes.
Here’s a list of the main ingredients and dishes in Mediterranean cuisine to better understand this culinary experience.
Vegetables and Greens
Fresh leaf salads are one of the most typical elements of Mediterranean cuisine. In addition, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, and eggplants stand out in dishes such as the famous ratatouille. These ingredients, when combined, bring freshness and color to the table, making them perfect for both starters and main courses.
Fish and Seafood
Fish such as cod and various types of seafood, including mussels, oysters, and shellfish, play a key role in this cuisine. Near the sea, it’s common to find dishes where fish are marinated in special seasonings, enhancing the natural flavor of fresh ingredients even more.
Grains, Nuts, and Legumes
Wheat is essential, but chickpeas and lentils also stand out as key ingredients. Chestnuts, almonds, soybeans, and corn are common in various Mediterranean recipes, contributing to nutritious and flavorful dishes.
Yogurts and Cheeses
Greek yogurt and feta cheese are indispensable. Yogurt is often used in salad dressings, while cubes of feta cheese add a salty and creamy touch to salads and other dishes, complementing the freshness of the vegetables and herbs.
Aromatic Herbs and Spices
Mediterranean dishes rely heavily on the use of seasonings. Garlic, natural salts, lemon, and aromatic herbs such as basil and rosemary are essential ingredients. In addition, olives and olive oil are signature elements, used to enrich nearly every dish, giving it a robust and unmistakable flavor.
These ingredients are at the heart of Mediterranean cuisine, providing an experience of freshness and authenticity. At Mediterrâneo’s, we invite you to savor the best this cuisine has to offer. Visit us in Oeiras and let yourself be surprised by the variety and richness of Mediterranean flavors in a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere.
