Daydreaming about flying off to the Mediterranean this summer? Even though international jet setting isn’t in the cards for us wanderers this summer, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your travel goals to life through food. Grilling season has only just begun and it’s so much more than corn on the cob and a rack of ribs. Bring your Mediterranean travel plans to life with the power of your imagination, a little elbow grease and menu planning.
In addition to being pretty healthy, the Mediterranean diet is all about creating big flavours by using simple ingredients the right way. Countries like Greece, Israel, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Tunisia, and Morocco all have their own twists on Mediterranean foods and each type of cuisine is delicious in its own right.
See also: Super-Easy Marinade Recipes From Around The World
Want to get in the Mediterranean frame of mind when doing your summer grilling? Follow our tips below for how to take your grilling to the next level with tips from The Med.
A Little Citrus Goes A Long Way
While lemons are traditional, a squeeze of any citrus you have on hand takes a simple salad from zero to 100 in a flash. Add extra oomph by adding both zest and juice but beware when juicing your citrus on the grill. Wait until your meat or fish is off the grill to squeeze the juice. If you juice your citrus directly on the grill, your protein could start to burn a little due to the sugars in the juice. Plus, adding juice onto your meat off the grill will help stop it from drying out before serving.
Drizzle On Some Olive Oil
If you’re someone who typically stays away from added oils and fats in your food, then allow me to change your whole world. Olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cooking and it’s a healthy fat that will help you stay fuller for longer. In fact, many believe the wide use of olive oil throughout the Mediterranean explains much of the region’s low heart disease rates.
Toast Your Pita
Pita bread is another widely popular Mediterranean food and it’s used in lots of different ways. Toast it on the grill to have alongside kebabs, toss it in a Greek salad, or use it to dip into your fave spreads. Take it an extra step further by slathering it in olive oil to help it stay pliable and moist.
Get fishy
Sure we all love grilled salmon or shrimp in the summertime but get into a Mediterranean frame of mind this weekend by grilling up some whole sardines instead. Sardines are super easy to prepare and when grilled, they get a whole different flavour profile. The smokiness from the BBQ is so delicious and it pairs perfectly with the delicate flaked fish. Plus, because the skin has a high oil content, they’re less prone to stick to the grates of the grill so clean-up is a breeze!
