Some classic dishes that are synonymous with Mediterranean cuisine include:
Greek Cuisine:
- Moussaka: A layered dish with eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce.
- Gyros: Grilled meat (often lamb or chicken) served in pita bread with tzatziki sauce.
- Souvlaki: Skewers of grilled meat, typically served with pita bread and salads.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and olive oil.
Italian Cuisine:
- Pasta dishes: Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Lasagna are popular choices.
- Pizza: Margherita pizza with tomato, mozzarella, and basil is a classic Italian favorite.
- Caprese Salad: A simple salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and olive oil.
- Risotto: Creamy rice dish cooked with broth, Parmesan cheese, and various ingredients like mushrooms or seafood.
Spanish Cuisine:
- Paella: A flavorful rice dish cooked with saffron, vegetables, meat, and seafood.
- Tortilla Española: A Spanish omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and onions.
- Gazpacho: A refreshing cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and garlic.
- Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce or aioli.
Moroccan Cuisine:
- Couscous: Steamed semolina served with a stew of meat and vegetables.
- Tagine: A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and dried fruits, typically flavored with Moroccan spices.
- Hummus: A dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, often served with pita bread.
- Baba Ghanoush: A smoky eggplant dip made with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.