The popularity of Mediterranean cuisine is on the rise, and for good reason. Renowned for its intricate flavors, health benefits, and vibrant ingredients, Mediterranean dishes offer a fresh and exciting way to diversify your menu. Whether you’re looking to introduce new dishes or expand your current offerings, we have the high-quality ingredients and expert support to help you succeed.
Popular Mediterranean Dishes
Mediterranean cuisine is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors, and our selection of ingredients ensures that you can bring these authentic dishes to life in your kitchen.
- Gyros: A staple of Greek cuisine, gyros feature tender, flavorful meat traditionally cooked on a vertical spit and served with fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce. Our selection of gyro meats and accompaniments will help you recreate this classic dish with ease.
- Spanakopita Pie: This rich and savory pie is packed with earthy greens and tangy feta cheese, all wrapped in crispy phyllo dough. It’s a versatile dish that can serve as an appetizer or a main course.
- Ouzo Snapper with Fennel and Tomatoes: Elevate your seafood offerings with this Greek-inspired dish. The mild, flaky snapper is infused with the licorice scent of ouzo and roasted alongside sweet fennel and tomatoes for a delightful balance of flavors.
- Lamb Shish Kebabs: Perfectly seasoned and grilled, lamb shish kebabs are a crowd-pleaser. Simple spices like paprika, salt, and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the lamb, making it a delicious option for any menu.
- Tzatziki: This versatile yogurt dip, made with cucumbers and fresh dill, is a must-have in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s perfect as an appetizer with pita bread or as a sauce for grilled meats.
Here are some Recipes for you to try out
1. Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless leg of lamb, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions
- Tzatziki sauce (recipe below)
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the Lamb: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the lamb slices, coating them well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Lamb: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the lamb slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads, place lamb slices on each, and top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Fold and serve.
2. Seafood and Chicken Paella with Chorizo
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 1/2 lb chorizo, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 1/2 lb cockles, cleaned
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken and Chorizo: Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in the pan, skin-side down, for about 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the chorizo and cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sofrito: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the arborio rice, smoked paprika, and saffron with its soaking water. Cook for 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine. Stir well, then add the browned chicken and chorizo back into the pan. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the Seafood: Nestle the shrimp, mussels, and cockles into the rice mixture. Cook for another 10 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender. Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Read more recipes from Food&Wine’s website.
Explore our Mediterranean product line today and discover how Pohl Food Service can help you create mouthwatering dishes that keep your customers coming back for more.