42 Moreish Mediterranean-inspired Meals
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We love the flavours of the Med, not to mention that following a Mediterranean diet is well-celebrated for its many health benefits. The food and flavour combinations are a perfect balance of sweet, salty and savoury. The addition of olive oil, chickpeas, aubergines, and other delicious ingredients really bring all these dishes to life.
Starters & Sides
TABBOULEH SALAD
Tabbouleh is not like any other ordinary side salad; it’s filled with parsley, onion and all that delicious Mediterranean goodness.
KATAÏFI-WRAPPED HALLOUMI
If you’ve never heard of kataïfi, you’ll be shocked at how delicious it is. The thin threads are light and crispy, making this pastry the perfect match for grilled halloumi.
Recipe for Kataïfi-wrapped Halloumi
CAPRESE-STYLE ROOSTERKOEK SANDWICH
A Mediterranean classic with a local spin; this sandwich is undeniably delicious!
Recipe for Caprese-style Roosterkoek Sandwich
PORK MEATBALLS WITH BOCCONCINI & SPICY ARRABBIATA SAUCE
These juicy meatballs are perfect for entertaining guests. The bocconcini and spicy red sauce take the meatballs to the next level.
Recipe for Pork Meatballs with Bocconcini & Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
Tomato & Calamari Salad with Herbed Vinaigrette
Swap out the fish ‘n tjips and pair your calamari with this herby salad.
Recipe for Tomato & Calamari Salad with Herbed Vinaigrette
Toasted Panzanella Salad with Burrata & Thyme Vinaigrette
It doesn’t get more delicious than this filling yet refreshing Toasted Panzanella Salad.
Recipe for Toasted Panzanella Salad with Burrata & Thyme Vinaigrette
Lemon, Origanum & Chilli Oil with Almond Dukkah
This zesty and spicy flavour combination will delightfully surprise your taste buds.
Recipe for Lemon, Origanum & Chilli Oil with Almond Dukkah
Prawn Tomato & Mozzarella Bruschetta
Simple yet incredibly flavourful – what’s not to love about Bruschetta?
Recipe for Prawn Tomato & Mozzarella Bruschetta
QUINOA SALAD WITH ROASTED CAULIFLOWER & CHICKPEAS
We love quinoa! This warm salad is topped with chickpeas that really adds an extra flavourful crunch, and the spicy citrus dressing is a game-changer.
Recipe for Quinoa Salad with Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpeas
BABY AUBERGINES WITH LENTILS, POMEGRANATE AND CHEVIN DRESSING
Aubergines are so wonderfully versatile and are the perfect meat-free alternative because of their texture; when grilled, it becomes so soft that it almost melts in your mouth. Topped with delicious lentils, every bite will transport you to the Mediterranean.
Recipe for Baby Aubergines with Lentils, Pomegranate & Chevin Dressing
Mediterranean-style Sardines
A traditional dish of stuffed sardines – the ideal tapas for a summery day.
Recipe for Mediterranean-style Sardines
Olive Oil & Herb Crusted Loaf with Chunky Olive & Feta Dip
There is nothing quite like the aroma and flavour of a freshly baked loaf of bread. This one is brushed with extra virgin olive oil and served with a chunky olive and feta dip.
Recipe for Olive Oil & Herb Crusted Loaf with Chunky Olive & Feta Dip
Mediterranean Dips & Tips
Muhammara Dip with Sesame Lavash Crackers
This Middle Eastern marvel is packed with spicy, smoky, sweet and savoury goodness. Enjoy with crunchy sesame lavash crackers and a glass of Vin de Joie Rosé.
Recipe for Muhammara Dip with Sesame Lavash Crackers
Lemon Labneh with Roasted Tomatoes, Pine Nuts & Toasted Pita
Lemon Labneh is so simple to whip up; the roasted tomatoes add a lovely sweetness to this dish, and toasted pita is perfect for scooping up all that creamy goodness.
Recipe for Lemon Labneh with Roasted Tomatoes, Pine Nuts & Toasted Pita
BEETROOT TZATZIKI
A twist on the classic cucumber tzatziki. The beetroot might be unexpected, but it adds a yummy, earthy flavour and beautiful pop of colour.
TARATOUR BI TAHINI
Tahini is popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The wonderful nutty flavour of tahini is unmatched, adding creamy texture and richness to any dish.
BABA GANOUSH WITH SESAME LAVASH
This delicious aubergine dip is a Mediterranean staple. Serve with lavash for dipping. Top with za’atar, olive oil, and pine nuts or pomegranate seeds – whatever you like.
Recipe for Baba Ganoush with Sesame Lavash
HEALTHY HOMEMADE HUMMUS
Ditch the store-bought hummus in favour of this homemade batch – it’s easier to make than you think and rivals most versions.
Recipe for Healthy Homemade Hummus
Marvellous Mains
Braaied Pork Souvlaki
Enjoy the best of Greek street food with this take on souvlaki. For a true taste of Mediterranean magic, savour with friends and ouzo.
Recipe for Braaied Pork Souvlaki
Greek-style Pork Chop Platter
Smothered with hummus and loaded with braaied pork chops, this Greek-style platter will have everyone smacking their lips!
Recipe for Greek-style Pork Chop Platter
Limoncello Mussel Pot
This seafood pot combines three favourites – limoncello, mussels and cooking with fire – to create a flavourful and seriously moreish dish.
Recipe for Limoncello Mussel Pot
Parmigiana di Melanzane
This hearty dish was made for sharing. Guests will savour the combination of basil pesto and saucy aubergine, and the crunchy chickpea topping is sensational!
Recipe for Parmigiana di Melanzane
Gnocchi in Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce
Bright and herby flavours come together in this comforting and classic dish.
Recipe for Gnocchi in Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce
Chilli Rocket Pesto Lamb Chops with Yoghurt
Give your regular lamb chops a makeover with this braai-friendly and Mediterranean flavour-filled recipe.
Recipe for Chilli Rocket Pesto Lamb Chops with Yoghurt
Zucchini & Ricotta Lasagne
A simple and tasty Mediterranean-inspired dish, with layers of beef mince, zucchini and ricotta – perfect for midweek family dinners.
Recipe for Zucchini & Ricotta Lasagne
Slow Cooked Lamb Ragù with Gnocchi & Salsa Verde
Ragù takes a bit of time to make, but this one is absolutely worth it. Instead of using pesto, we’ve added some salsa verde; enjoy with a glass of red for a sumptuous pairing.
Recipe for Slow-Cooked Lamb Ragù with Gnocchi & Salsa Verde
Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce Pasta
A marinara sauce is a basic staple in most Italian households. It’s extremely versatile and is delicious tossed through pasta.
Recipe for Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce Pasta
Green Olive, Caper & Herb Pasta with Crunchy Pangrattato
This bowl of pasta packs a punch in terms of flavour and texture. Pair up with a glass of your fave white wine and tuck in. Utterly divine!
Recipe for Green Olive, Caper & Herb Pasta with Crunchy Pangrattato
RICE SHAKSHUKA
Shakshuka is a staple in many homes across the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and for good reason. It’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. We’ve added rice to ours, but you can omit the rice for a more authentic version, and serve it with warm bread for dipping.
GREEK LAMB BURGER WITH GRILLED AUBERGINE, HUMMUS AND TZATZIKI
Upgrade your burger game with this Mediterranean-inspired lamb burger. We really went all out with this one; hummus, tzatziki, grilled aubergine – all the basic Greek elements to make a delicious meal.
Recipe for Greek Lamb Burger with Grilled Aubergine, Hummus & Tzatziki
Rosemary Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki
Fresh rosemary is used as skewers in this recipe – a great way to impart flavour into kebabs. Serve with homemade tzatziki for a delish Greek-inspired meal.
Recipe for Rosemary Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki
Roasted Red Pepper & Mussel Tagliatelle
This Roasted Red Pepper & Mussel Tagliatelle is a recipe for all seasons. Simple to prepare, this dish delivers big flavour and looks beautiful in a bowl.
Recipe for Roasted Red Pepper & Mussel Tagliatelle
‘GREEK STYLE’ ROAST LEG OF LAMB
“You don’t eat no meat? Oh, that’s okay. I make lamb.” If Aunt Voula can convince Ian to eat lamb, so can we. This roast dish is a fan favourite.
Recipe for ‘Greek Style’ Roast Leg of Lamb
LAMB MEATBALLS WITH HERBY YOGHURT, HUMMUS & TOASTED PITA
The Greeks sure do love their lamb! These Greek-inspired lamb meatballs are a perfect match for hummus & herby yoghurt.
GRILLED LAMB FILLET WITH BABA GANOUSH, CHICKPEAS & POMEGRANATE
A mouthwatering Syrian-inspired dish. Sumac is made from the berries, which are dried and coarsely ground.
Recipe for Grilled Lamb Fillet
‘CHICKEN’ STACK TOPPED WITH TZATZIKI & CHICKPEA SALAD
This vegan dish is not only a healthy and light meal, it’s also absolutely delicious.
Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake
A super easy, one-tray dinner that is packed with Mediterranean flavour.
Recipe for Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake
Mediterranean Orzo with Chicken Thighs
This dish combines all the flavours of the Med that we love. It’s also generous and hearty.
Recipe for Mediterranean Orzo with Chicken Thighs
Tasty Mediterranean Desserts
ROSEWATER & PISTACHIO TURKISH DELIGHT
Travel to Turkey with these traditional treats. They’re light, sweet, filled with pistachios and fragranced with rosewater. A perfect teatime or coffee treat.
Recipe for Rosewater & Pistachio Turkish Delight
PISTACHIO & ALMOND BAKLAVA WITH ELDERFLOWER SYRUP
Nothing screams ‘Mediterranean’ more than Baklava! Flaky phyllo, the perfect combination of nutty and sweet – these treats are rich and simply delicious!
Recipe for Pistachio & Almond Baklava
PASTELI GREEK ENERGY BARS
These Mediterranean-inspired treats are not only yummy, but will also keep you energised all day long.
Recipe for Pasteli Greek Energy Bars
GREEK ALMOND SHORTBREAD BISCUITS
Even though these Greek biscuits are traditionally served on Christmas, it doesn’t mean you can’t make them all year round. We know we do!
Recipe for Greek Almond Shortbread Biscuits
Stock the ultimate Mediterranean pantry with just 12 ingredients.
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