2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Mediterranean cuisine is delicious, healthy and tempting. But it would not be the same without the few that are most characteristic of it Mediterranean spices.
If we talk about Italian cuisine, perhaps the first and most iconic spice you can think of is fragrant basil. It is used in various recipes for pizza, pasta, vegetable dishes, etc.
Their neighbors in Spain rely mostly on chili, smoked paprika, cardamom and various combinations of green spices to create memorable specialties of Spanish cuisine.
If we think about French cuisine, we will most likely smell of sage or noble tarragon, which uniquely complements the taste of chicken, fish, even legumes.
Our southern neighbors and the world-famous Greek cuisine often rely on fresh oregano and anise, dill, which is an integral part of the favorite tzatziki.
Let's delve into the tastes of the most used Mediterranean spices and see what exactly is their contribution to the dishes? We are in a hurry to reveal you immediately.
Rosemary
You can see it growing on small shrubs all over the Mediterranean. Its aroma is strong and pleasant. You can feel it quite strongly by rubbing its sharp leaves slightly between your fingers or even just by touch. Used fresh and dried. A very small amount of rosemary is enough to give a unique flavor to dishes. It is suitable for cooking potatoes, fish, lamb, beef, chicken, some salads, pasta and soups.
Basil
When we mention basil, we immediately think of Italy and Greece and their richly flavored basil dishes. It exists in many varieties - from small-leaved to large-leaved, as well as with different intensities and "shades" aromas. Fresh basil has a much stronger taste and smell, so it is preferred in the preparation of salads and pesto. It is also used for pizzas, pasta, soups, pasta, potatoes, vegetables. Its strength is great as a main component for making marinades, as well as for creating the famous balsamic vinegar.
Regan
The wonderful aroma of oregano can stimulate the appetite of the most evil person in the world. The abundant addition of this spice in many Mediterranean dishes is quite justified. Fresh or dried, it always gives a unique taste to food. It can also be frozen in the freezer, where its valuable properties of spice and herb are also preserved. Its application in Mediterranean cuisine is most common in the preparation of tomato sauce, any other sauces, pasta, pizza, potatoes, soups, salads, legumes, vegetables, fish, meat. You see - almost everywhere.
Thyme
Another wonderful spice with a wonderful aroma. It is known and used a lot in our country, but more in the form of tea than as an addition to dishes. In Mediterranean cuisine, different types of thyme are used, but all cause the same effect - a real charm for consumers of dishes. This spice is absolutely indispensable in the preparation of lamb. It also tastes great game meat, fish, egg dishes, beans, lentils, potatoes, marinades, breads, and, of course, pizza.
See also Mediterranean recipes with shrimp or Mediterranean recipes with rice.
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