MEDITERRANEAN FEAST

 

Virtual Mediterranean Feast 

We really love the freshness and flavor of the Dishes in this cuisine. Since I am vegetarian, I often do vegetarian ones in this cuisine. Before we go for the recipe here is the small introduction about the Mediterranean cuisine.  This post is really big one hope you all will enjoy for sure.

The Mediterranean can be crudely divided into three culinary regions: North African(especially Morocco), Eastern Mediterranean(Egypt, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey),and southern European(Italy, France, Spain). Wine and herbs are central to southern European cuisine, while spice intricately and boldly flavor North African foods.

Onions, garlic, and Tomatoes, surrounded by olive oil begin many dishes. Eggplants abound, as do squashes, peppers, mushrooms, cucumbers, artichokes, okra, and various greens and lettuces. Legumes like lentil, chickpeas, fava beans are widely used. Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, cilantro, parsley, mint,dill, fennel and oregano are also included in their cooking. Fish dishes and grilled meats are also common.

It is widely believed that Mediterranean cuisine is particularly healthful. Pita bread, Hummus, and Falafel, Baba Ghanouj are very popular forms of the eastern type of the cuisines.

So I am posting the recipe for these :

1. Hummus - It is basically made of cooked Chick peas(Channa) ground with garlic, Tahini paste (Pure sesame seed paste) and spice powder with the touch of lemon and Olive oil. Used as spreads and Dips. There are various flavour in this and I am posting basic one. Will post different flavours later.

2. Falafel - This is Chickpeas ground with herbs, spice and deep fried to crispy balls. You can have this with pita. Can use as Pattie for the Burgers too.

3. Baba Ghanouj - This is made with Smoked eggplant ground with spices. Used in pitas and also Dips.

4. Tabbouleh salad- Bulgur wheat with more herbs with the hint of lemon and olive oil make this salad so healthy and fresh.

HUMMUS

Ingredients :

Chick peas - 1 1/4 cup

Garlic - 4 cloves

Lemon - 2 to 3 tbsp according to your liking

Tahini Paste - 2 tbsp  (You can also add another 2 tbsp if you want smooth and rich Hummus )

Chili Powder - As required

Salt

Water and Olive oil for Topping.

Method :

1. Soak the chick pea over night, cook in the pressure cooker.

2. Grind with above ingredients to fine paste and just drizzle olive oil and chilli powder on the Top.

3. I generally prefer chunky rather making very fine smooth paste. Do according to your taste.

FALAFEL

Ingredients :

Chick peas - 1 1/4 cup(Soaked Overnight)

Onion - 1 chopped finely

Garlic -1 clove

Parsley - 3 tbsp (washed and finely chopped)

Coriander leaves - 4 tbsp (washed and finely chopped)

Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp 
Coriander powder - 1/4 tsp
Pepper - 1/2 tsp 

Flour - 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp

Salt, Chili powder - 1/2 tsp or as required

Baking powder - 1/2 tsp

Baking soda - a pinch 
Sesame seeds for coating (optional)

Method :

1. Grind the soaked chick peas with garlic and add chopped herbs, flour , baking powder, chili powder and other powders along with salt.

2. Make balls to your desired shape sprinkle the balls with sesame seeds and deep fry in hot oil. Fry till deep brown and crispy.

BABA GHANOUJ

Ingredients :

Egg plant - 1 (Broiled in the oven or direct flame)

Lemon - 2 tbsp

Tahini paste - 2 tbsp

Garlic - 2

Salt

Pepper or chili powder

Roasted cumin powder - just to sprinkle

Olive oil - to drizzle

Method :

1. Just apply oil in the eggplant and grill, or broil in the oven. I do it in the direct flame.

2. Once the skin blackened and soft to touch just keep covered in the container using cling wrap.

3. Peel the skin and grind the flesh with all other ingredients to smooth paste or chunkier as you like.

4. Drizzle with olive oil, chili powder and cumin powder. Adjust the lemon juice according to your sourness.

TABBOULEH SALAD

Ingredients :

Bulgur wheat - 3/4 cup

Hot water - 1 cup

Parsley - 4 tbsp finely chopped

Mint - 4 tbsp

Scallions - 1/4 cup

Tomato - 1 deseeded and finely chopped

Olive oil , Lemon juice , salt and pepper for Dressing

Method :

1. Soak the wheat in hot water for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

2. Add the chopped herbs and dress it with olive oil, salt, pepper and required amount of lemon juice.

3. Refrigerate it and serve chilled with pita.

What you need for arranging the pita :

1. Lettuce

2. Falafel

3. Hummus

4. Baba Ghanouj

5. Salad

6. Sour cream( I usually mix chopped cucumber and tomato with little salt with sour cream)

Method :

Stuff all the ingredients into the pita pocket according to your taste and amount. Enjoy eating !!!!

Note :

For healthier version I use whole wheat pitas too. For small pita just top with all the above items and enjoy.