Standing out among the world cuisines, Mediterranean cuisine has become the center of attention with its unique structure. Light and nutritious meals are preferred in the Mediterranean, which has a vegetable and fruit-based diet. Preferring products suitable for the climatic conditions and vegetation of the region allows the emergence of exquisite flavors.
Mediterranean Cuisine
The Mediterranean Region is one of the prominent regions with its local dishes. Mediterranean cuisine, which has gained worldwide fame with its climatic conditions and the diversity of foods grown, has emerged by interacting with various cultures over hundreds of years.
Mediterranean cuisine, divided into Eastern and Western categories, combines similar flavors with local spices and specialties. Eastern Mediterranean cuisine includes Greece, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon and Syria. Western Mediterranean cuisine includes France, Italy and Spain.
As the Ottoman Empire established sovereignty in various regions, many flavors of Mediterranean cuisine were brought to Turkey. These dishes, which influenced the formation of the country's local flavors, have become indispensable in Turkish cuisine over time.
Mediterranean Cuisine Features
Mediterranean dishes have certain characteristics. The most common products used in local delicacies are olives, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, milk, dairy products, wine, fish and spices. Vegetables are usually used in dishes prepared mainly with olive oil.
Fish is the most frequently consumed meat product in Mediterranean cuisine. Seafood is given great importance in the regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Seafood attracts attention with its healthy and delicious taste and has gained a big place in Mediterranean cuisine.
Many different types of spices grow in the special vegetation of the Mediterranean. The use of spices in cooking adds unique touches to local flavors.
The light dietary characteristics of Mediterranean cuisine can contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes and cancer. By integrating Mediterranean-style nutrition into your life, you can eat delicious meals and protect your health.
Mediterranean Cuisine Dishes
The Mediterranean Region attracts attention with many different types of food, especially Mediterranean Region soups, dishes, appetizers and salads. These dishes, consisting of light flavors, are not limited to the Mediterranean Region and have managed to spread worldwide.
In a modern world where healthy eating is gaining importance, Mediterranean dishes have become the key to a healthy and balanced diet.
Piyaz with Tahini
Piyaz, which is made with different recipes in various regions of Turkey, is sometimes consumed as a meal and sometimes as an appetizer. Piyaz with tahini, one of the local flavors of the Mediterranean, becomes the center of attention with its unique and light structure.
Piyaz with tahini is a unique combination of dried beans, onion, parsley, tomato, egg, tahini, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and cumin. You can enjoy piyaz with tahini for a light meal during the summer months or as an appetizer.
Fellah Köfte (Bulgur Meatballs)
Mediterranean home-cooked meals such as Bulgur Meatballs, consumed in all seasons, carry the characteristics of Mediterranean cuisine. A light and filling dish, meatballs are quite remarkable for being meatless. This special Mediterranean meatball can be consumed cold or hot.
The ingredients used to make Bulgur Meatballs are fine bulgur, hot water, egg, flour, tomato paste, cumin, black pepper, oil, grated tomato, pepper paste, garlic and parsley.
Kabune Pilavı (Kabune Pilaf)
Kabune Pilaf, a rice unique to Isparta in the Mediterranean, has been registered and geographically marked by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. Kabune Pilaf, specially made at weddings, adapts to every taste with its dense and satisfying content.
Kabune Pilaf contains onion, beef neck, baldo rice, black pepper, red pepper powder, chickpeas, broth, salt and water. Kabune Pilaf, which is a pot dish, is cooked in crowded organizations as well as at home.
İçli Köfte (Stuffed Meatballs)
Stuffed Meatballs, which is made in different regions of Turkey, is also known as 'oruk' or 'kibbe'. It is made using different production and cooking techniques. Çiğ Köfte, which is made in Adana, Mersin, Hatay, Kilis, Osmaniye, Mardin, Gaziantep, Elazığ and Adana, has the local characteristics of the region where it is cooked.
The most important feature of Mediterranean-style kibbe is that minced meat is not used in the outer dough. Preferred boiled as a cooking method, kibbe becomes a light and delicious flavor. Bulgur, flour, egg, salt, water, minced meat, onion, parsley, oil, walnut kernels and black pepper are used to make kibbe served with ayran.
Babagannuş (Baba Ghanoush)
The most popular dish in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is Baba Ghanoush. Also known as "Abugannuş", the dish is prepared with various recipes in different countries. Served as a cold appetizer, Baba Ghanoush includes eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, pomegranate syrup, garlic and olive oil.
Sıkma Bulgur Köftesi (Hand-Rolled Bulgur Dumplings)
Hand-rolled Bulgur Dumplings, a practical and delicious dish of the winter months, are served with yogurt. Hand-rolled bulgur Dumplings, which is quite easy to make, contain fine bulgur, pepper paste, egg, flour, salt, black pepper, cumin and hot water.
Butter and red pepper flakes are used for the sauce. Served with garlic yogurt and butter sauce, meatballs are also appreciated for being satisfying.
Grilled Sea Bass
In addition to its unique flavor, fish helps to maintain physical health and promote development. The oven cooking method preserves the nutritional value and flavor of the fish. Grilled sea bass, one of the most popular dishes of the Mediterranean, stands out among the local delicacies.
You can use potatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, eggplant, garlic, dill, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes and strained yogurt for baked sea bass that you can consume fresh, especially in April and May.
Mediterranean Salad
Salad varieties, which are very popular among Mediterranean-type nutrition dishes, are the first choice of those who want to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Mediterranean salad, consumed in all seasons, becomes a pleasant meal with the vitamins and minerals it contains.
The preparation of Mediterranean salad may vary according to taste. Seasonal greens should be used in the making of the salad, usually lolorosso, navel lettuce, leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, sliced green olives and sliced black olives.
Taş Kadayıf (Shredded Wheat Dessert)
Popular in every region of Turkey, desserts with sherbet are known all over the world for their unique taste. Taş Kadayıf, special to the Mediterranean, is often preferred for its practical production process and flavor. Taş Kadayıf contains warm milk, water, sugar, lemon juice, dry yeast, walnuts, salt, cinnamon, flour and oil.
Experience Mediterranean Cuisine at The Garden À La Carte Restaurant
You can choose restaurants in Mediterranean cities to taste the local flavors of the Mediterranean. Calista Luxury Resort serves in Antalya with The Garden À La Carte Restaurant, which has a completely Mediterranean concept and stands out among A la Carte Restaurants. You can try all the local flavors you want in the restaurant, which has become the center of attention with its local cuisine as well as its spacious decoration special to the Mediterranean.
The Garden À La Carte Restaurant offers a wide range of options with soups, main courses, salads, desserts and appetizers, allowing you to meet the light and exquisite flavors of the Mediterranean.
