In our Mediterranean Pantry...
From the fresh, peppery taste of basil, parsley and mint leaves to the warm tones of nutmeg, cumin and allspice, Mediterranean cuisine is filled with exciting flavors!
However, if you are new to Mediterranean cooking, it can be overwhelming to determine where to start and what is needed to stock your kitchen and pantry. And where to buy the best extra virgin olive oil?!
To help you begin your culinary journey, we compiled a list of The Mediterranean Dish’s most frequently used herbs, spices, and other essential items.
Mediterranean Pantry Essentials
Our Spice Rack
Spices have long been an integral part of Mediterranean cooking. Beyond the ability to transform humble ingredients to a tasty little feast, their powerful plant-derived compounds offer disease-preventing and health-promoting properties.
Because we use spices regularly and liberally, quality is important to us. That's why, we only use all-natural and organic spices sourced from trusted suppliers. The same spices we use are now available to you here in our online shop.
SHOP MEDITERRANEAN SPICES
All spice
Dried bay leaves
Cardamom
Cayenne pepper
Cloves
Coriander
Cumin
Dill weed
Garlic powder
Nutmeg
Oregano
Ras Elhenoot (a Moroccan spice)
Rosemary
Sumac
Thyme
Turmeric
Za'atar
All spice
Dried bay leaves
Cardamom
Cayenne pepper
Cloves
Coriander
Cumin
Dill weed
Garlic powder
Nutmeg
Oregano
Ras Elhenoot (a Moroccan spice)
Rosemary
Sumac
Thyme
Turmeric
Za'atar
VISIT THE MEDITERRANEAN DISH SHOP
In Our Pantry
Tahini sauce (sesame based)
Extra virgin olive oil
Lentils (black, red and yellow)
Bulgur
Couscous
Maftoul (also called Israeli Cuscus)
Short-grain or Egyptian rice
Pasta (Orzo, spaghetti, elbow)
Raisins
Fava beans
Kidney beans
Chick peas
Tomato sauce
Canned diced tomatoes
Canned artichoke hearts
Canned tuna
White vinegar
Balsamic vinegar
Dry red and white wine
Nuts
keep in freezer in tightly closed containers
Pine nuts
Slivered almonds
Shelled pistachios
Shelled walnuts
Herbs, Leaves and Fresh Flavors
Mint
Flat leaf/Italian parsley
Cilantro
Basil
Chives
Arugula
Onions
Shallots
Fresh garlic cloves
Limes and lemons
Cheeses and other
Feta
Mozzarella
Grated Parmesan
Goat cheese
Black olives
Spicy green olives
Hi, I would love to have a printable "Pantry" list like you do for the shopping list. Is that possible? Cheers 🙂
Hi, Gillian. Thanks for that suggestions. I'll look into it. In the meantime, you'll notice that a lot of the items mentioned in this article are actually listed on the shopping list, so it can really be a go-to when stocking your pantry.
I had become allergic to seafood in last two years after eating all my life. Will only be able to have poultry, and lamb. Will this interfere with goal to loose weight? Love your site and excited.
Hi, Carol! I'm so sorry about your allergy. That is always a struggle. Since I have no medical or professional background to lend in the area of weight loss, it's hard for me to advise you here. If that is priority, a registered dietitian or someone with that kind of experience would be of better help.
I am switching to a Mediterrean Diet for personal and health reasons. Your recipes look so delicious and have inspired me to make the switch. One question, can limes be substituted for lemons in some of the recipes? I love limes but I am not a big fan of lemons. I will adapt if I must.
Hi, Machelle! Welcome to the Mediterranean Dish! Sure, limes can be substituted for lemon in many recipes if you prefer.
Hi there! I am on a very very strict heart diet due to having two stents now in my heart. My body does not process sugar or fat we have just discovered. I am working very hard to choose life now that we finally have answers.
I look forward to developing a relationship with you and the Mediterranean shop!
Many well wishes on your journey to better health, Carole! I hope you find many recipes here you enjoy!!
Hi Suzy
Just love this site. I use it every week for different recipes. I did have one question - is there any reason you use Kosher salt as opposed to other kinds?
Thanks Rose
Hi, Rose! Just a personal preference :).
Your recipes are so wholesome and delicious! Thank you so much for taking the time to create such a helpful, informative and AMAZING website. So grateful!
Thank you, Kristee! I'm so glad you're finding the blog helpful!!
I purchased the olive oil bundle and am wondering which oil I should use in what kind of recipe. Any advice?
I really use them interchangeably for many things. I tend to lean more towards the Early Harvest for salads, though. I hope you enjoy them!!
Ok I just decided to start the Mediterranean diet and stumbled across your website...I’m so excited! The food looks delicious! I can’t wait to watch your YouTube channel and learn how to cook , eat and live this way!
Wonderful! Welcome to The Mediterranean Dish, Crystal! We're so glad to have you here!
I’m in love with your YouTube channel. Can’t wait to be make these dishes. You’re awesome!! ?? Love, Giselle Gras
Awww! Thank you so much, Giselle!
Hi do you have any help with meal planning for the week? Thanks for the amazing information
Hi Lydia! We send out an e-mail with weekly dinner plans every Sunday morning. You can subscribe to our e-mail for free.
Hi Suzy,
I've just stumbled across your site and it's awesome - I'm completely inspired!
But I've looked hard - WHERE exactly can I sign up for these free weekly emails? All I've found is the page with the Real Meal subscription options.
Keep up the good work!
Hi, Mario! Welcome to The Mediterranean Dish! We're so glad you found us! You can subscribe to receive our weekly emails here: https://us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=85b0cffd5205a7bd454f28994&id=a5845beec1
When should I use the early harvest olive oil, and when should I use the private reserve?
I love olive oil but I do not like the meat of an olive. I've tried so hard to like them but I just can't acquire the taste for olives...green or black. What is the truth of the rumor that you can't use olive oil for high heat cooking?
Thank you for stopping in, Erin! I really can't speak to the science behind what happens when you heat olive oil. From what I read, there are conflicting arguments about that. But for the most part, olive oil gets high marks. To me, I choose to use olive oil for searing because I do enjoy it's taste very much. It does have a low smoking point, so I watch for that and I work fast. Now, olive oil is not cheap, so I don't use it for deep frying. And I don't use it for too many of my desserts (except olive oil cakes and such); for desserts, I prefer a more neutral taste.
I am so happy to have found your website. Looking forward to searching through your site. Thank you!
Hi Cynthia! Welcome to The Mediterranean Dish! Glad we've connected here.
what is Ras Elhenoot? can't find on amazon.
Hi, Cynthia! Ras El Hanout is a delicious spice blend. You can find it in our online shop: https://shop.themediterraneandish.com/product/ras-el-hanout/