From the coasts of Italy to the mountains of Turkey, taste the Med with these mouthwatering dishes

<p>From the French mountains to the Spanish shores, the Italian lemon groves to the olive trees of Turkey and Morocco, some of the finest food in the world can be found in the beautiful Mediterranean.</p><p>And it's no surprise with all the stunning landscapes and perfecting growing conditions on their doorstep. With plenty of sunshine, everything from aubergines to olives are in their prime here, as well as the stunning native seafood and meat on offer.</p><p>And that's not even touching on the various cuisines and fermentation and preservation methods that these countries have finessed. Who do we have to thank for chorizo and prosciutto? Cheeses and olive oil? Wine and prosecco? That's right, you've got it…</p><p>Scroll on to discover some of our favourite recipes and foods that we've got the fabulous Mediterranean to thank for.</p><h2>Seafood and cured meats</h2><p>From mountains to vineyards and the sea, the Mediterranean has many different terrains and territories - and many of them are prime locations for the best meat and fish.</p><p>Make the most of both Italian cured meats and fresh prawns (often caught off just off the Med&rsquo;s coastlines) with <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/garlic-prawn-pancetta-skewers" target="_blank">these delicious Italian-inspired garlic prawn and pancetta skewers</a>. Serve with aioli (or garlic mayo) to complete the Mediterranean vibe.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="prawn-pancetta-skewers__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/prawn-pancetta-skewers__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Fresh VEGGIES</h2><p>Fruit and veg like aubergines, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes all flourish in the Greek sunshine. That's why you'll find all of these tasty nightshades most often served fresh and crisp when eating Greek food - just look at the classic Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumber, onions and olives dressed in olive oil and lemon with plenty of fresh oregano.</p><p>A crisp Greek salad is the perfect accompaniment to <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/jackfruit-gyros-greek-salad" target="_blank">these hot and fresh Greek-inspired gyros</a>. Pronounced 'gee-ros', these flatbreads are usually stuffed with marinated then chargrilled meat, but we've used jackfruit here for a delicious vegetarian alternative that doesn't sacrifice on flavour.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="jackfruit-gyros__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/jackfruit-gyros__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Olives</h2><p>If you cant get enough of juicy, salty Mediterranean-style olives, why not <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/marinated-olives" target="_blank">try marinating your own batch at home?</a></p><p>Simply drain jars of plain olives, then pop into sterilised jars with your choice of coriander seeds, garlic, chilli, lemon zest and fresh herbs, cover with olive oil and seal. These tasty appetisers make fantastic presents.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="imageRecipeMarinatedOlives-2x__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/imageRecipeMarinatedOlives-2x__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Mezze</h2><p>You could serve your home-marinated olives as part of a delicious Mediterranean-themed mezze. Mezze is a popular way of dining across many Mediterranean countries including Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, Cyprus, the Balkans and Israel, and often includes lots of little sharing plates of pickled veg, cured meats and other tasty bites.</p><p>These <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/aubergine-rolls-ricotta-mediterranean-veg-stuffing" target="_blank">ricotta and vegetable-stuffed aubergine rolls</a> are perfect for mezze-style dinners, too. Thinly-sliced aubergines are filled with fresh ricotta and roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a flavour-packed, juicy bite.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="aubergine-rolls-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/aubergine-rolls-web__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>houmous</h2><p>What would a mezze spread be without a delicious bowl of creamy houmous? Perfect for light snacking or as part of a full dinner spread, this tasty dip made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon is eaten all over the Middle East and Mediterranean. <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/jewelled-butternut-squash-houmous-griddled-crudites" target="_blank">This cheat&rsquo;s version</a> may not be traditional, but the butternut squash adds sweetness and a light, mousse-like texture.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="loaded_houmous__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/loaded_houmous__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Couscous and halloumi</h2><p>As well as spanning southern Europe and the Middle East, Mediterranean food also dips into the north-west African coastline - also known as Maghreb. Maghrebi influences on Mediterranean cuisine include fluffy couscous, sweet dates, spicy harissa and halloumi.</p><p>We love <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/couscous-and-halloumi-stuffed-pointed-peppers" target="_blank">this colourful recipe for couscous and halloumi-stuffed pointed peppers</a> that shows off Maghrebi influences on Mediterranean food at their finest and make a brilliant vegetarian starter or brunch dish.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="stuffedpeppers-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/stuffedpeppers-web__square_GL?scl=1">  </p><h2>Dessert</h2><p>Fancy something sweet? <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/hairy-bikers-orange-almond-cake" target="_blank">This orange and almond cake</a> is a real sunshine recipe, featuring the best of the area&rsquo;s oranges and almonds. Whole oranges are boiled until tender then blitzed down to a paste which is folded into the cake for ultimate citrus flavour. It also happens to be totally gluten-free!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="orange-and-almond-cake-hairy-bikers__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/orange-and-almond-cake-hairy-bikers__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>Have our sunshine recipes got you craving a taste of the Med? Make sure to stock up on everything you need <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/" target="_blank">online</a> or <a href="https://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">pop into your local store.</a></em></p>

Adventure to the Mediterranean with these sunny recipes

By ASDA Admin,26th August 2019

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