A Mediterranean Platter: Meze, Tapas & More to Celebrate Mediterranean Diet Month & Beyond

A Mediterranean diet centers around traditional food that people ate in countries around the Mediterranean Sea way back in the sixties. Research led to the discovery that following the healthy way of eating can help prevent heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. A Mediterranean diet isn’t restrictive. It includes eating lots of fresh fruit, veggies, fish, whole grains, bread, nuts, seeds, herbs, and healthy fats. Better yet, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and poultry aren’t off the menu either. Instead, they are eaten in moderation, while red meat features on special occasions. Throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East, small plates of food are shared as a light meal. They are a great way to introduce yourself to a whole new world of tastes! May is Mediterranean Diet Month, so what better opportunity is there than to enjoy a relaxing wholesome meal with the family and friends? From Spanish Chorizo and Tomato Stew, Greek Taramosolata, Italian Arancini, Lebanese Baba Ghanoush to Cypriot Halloumi Fritters, find out how to create a mouth-watering Mediterranean platter for Mediterranean Diet Month and beyond. Introduction Mediterranean Platter Dishes Albondigas Baba Ghanoush Calamari a la Plancha Cretan Rusks Topped with Sardines, Raisins, and Toasted Pine nuts. Dolmades Drunken Pork Stew Feta Stuffed Dates Fried Feta with Thyme Black Pepper Honey Gambas Pil Pil Greek Style Green Beans Halloumi Fritters with Peaches and Prosciutto Herb-Roasted Almonds Hot Pepper Dip Hummus Italian Sautéed Clams Italian Stuffed Artichokes Jeweled Mint Couscous Lamb Koftas Make-Ahead Falafel Orzo with Shrimp, Feta, and Ouzo Pan-Fried Rice Balls Stuffed with Mozzarella Parma Ham Wrapped Baked Figs with Gorgonzola Patatas Bravas with Garlic Aioli Roasted Garlic and Goat Cheese Garlic Bread Rosemary Focaccia Bread Santorini-Style Tomato Fritters Sigara Borek Spanish Chorizo and Potato Stew Spanish Style Mussels Spicy Feta Cheese Dip Tapenade Taramosalata Tomato and Butter Bean Dip Tortilla de Patata Tricolore Salad Turkish Eggplant Salad Tuscan-Style Truffles Tzatziki Venetian Oven-Roasted Sardines Walnut Dip Author's Afterthoughts About the Author