Following a Mediterranean diet has been proven to be a smart choice for people who are looking to reduce their risk of chronic diseases that result from poor diet. The Mediterranean diet is heavy in plant-based foods, which include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Along with these plant-based foods, the diet also encourages the consumption of healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocado. Switching to a plant-based Mediterranean diet has numerous benefits, such as lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease, and aiding weight loss. In addition to the health benefits, incorporating plant-based Mediterranean options into catering menus is a smart move for many reasons. Not only do plant-based options cater to a larger group of people, but they’re also much more sustainable and environmentally responsible. The Mediterranean cuisine has a vast selection of delicious and nutritious plant-based options such as falafel, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, tabbouleh, and roasted eggplant. These dishes can make a great addition to any catering menu, whether it’s for a wedding, corporate event, or a simple gathering of friends.
Plant-Based Mediterranean Catering Options
If you’re looking for a catering option that combines the health benefits of a plant-based diet with the delicious flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, you’re in luck! There are plenty of options available that offer both.
Catering Mediterranean food is known for its reliance on fresh ingredients like vegetables, grains, and legumes, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of plant-based options to choose from. Think hearty salads filled with roasted eggplant, bright cherry tomatoes, and tangy olives, or creamy hummus served alongside warm pita bread.
When it comes to catering, many providers offer customizable menus that can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. You might opt for a spread of mezze platters featuring an array of dips, spreads, and small bites, or go all-in on a big, family-style feast complete with roasted vegetables, grain salads, and plenty of flavorful sauces.
No matter what kind of event you’re planning, whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue or a more formal occasion, there are plenty of catering options out there that can provide delicious, healthy Mediterranean-inspired food that’s sure to satisfy all of your guests.
Falafel
Falafel is a versatile and delicious dish that originated from the Middle East. It is made from either chickpeas or fava beans that are blended with herbs and spices before being shaped into small balls and fried. The result is a crispy and flavorful hot appetizer that is often served with pita bread and a variety of toppings and sauces.
Since falafel is primarily made from plant-based ingredients, it is a great option for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. It is also a healthy alternative to meat-based appetizers, as it is lower in fat and calories but still contains protein and fiber.
There are many ways to enjoy falafel, and it can be served as a main dish or a side. It is also perfect for catering events, as it can be easily made in bulk and served as bite-sized appetizers. Some popular toppings and sauces include tzatziki, hummus, tahini sauce, and pickled vegetables.
Stuffed Grape Leaves
Stuffed grape leaves, also known as dolmades, are a popular and delicious traditional Mediterranean dish. They are typically made by cooking rice and minced vegetables, such as onion, tomato, and parsley, then rolling the mixture in grape leaves before serving them cold. Stuffed grape leaves are the perfect addition to any Mediterranean catering menu as they are healthy, flavorful, and vegan-friendly.
To make these delectable treats, you will need grape leaves, rice, onions, tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. To prepare the grape leaves, you will need to remove the leaves from the jar and rinse them thoroughly. For the filling, cook the rice in a pot and add the minced onions, tomatoes, parsley, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix all of the ingredients together and let the mixture cool.
Once the mixture has cooled down, take a grape leaf and place about a tablespoon of rice mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the leaf towards the center, and then roll the leaf tightly to form a cylinder shape. Repeat the process until all of the grape leaves have been used. You can serve the stuffed grape leaves cold with a side of hummus or yogurt sauce.
Overall, stuffed grape leaves are a healthy and delicious option that your guests will love. They are easy to prepare, and can be made ahead of time, which makes catering for events a breeze. With their unique flavors and vegan-friendly ingredients, stuffed grape leaves are the perfect way to add a twist to traditional catering options.
Hummus
Humus, pişmiş nohut, tahin, zeytinyağı, limon suyu ve sarımsak karışımından oluşan bir dip ya da yayma malzemesidir. Genellikle pita ekmeği veya sebzelerle birlikte servis edilir. Humusun ana bileşeni olan nohut, yüksek miktarda lif, protein, vitamin ve mineral içerir. Tahin, zengin besin içeriğiyle birlikte sağlıklı yağlar, protein ve mineraller içerir. Zeytinyağı, kalp sağlığını destekleyen tekli doymamış yağlar bakımından zengindir ve limon suyu C vitamini kaynağıdır. Sarımsak ise antioksidan ve antibakteriyel özellikleri ile bilinir. Humus, sağlıklı bir atıştırmalık veya yemek alternatifi olarak tüketilebilir ve sağlıklı bir catering seçeneği olabilir.
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a popular salad in Mediterranean cuisine that is not only delicious, but also healthy. It is made from a mixture of chopped parsley, mint, and tomato, all mixed together with bulgur wheat and seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice. The salad is full of fresh flavors and textures, and provides a healthy dose of fiber and nutrients.
Tabbouleh is typically served as a side dish or as a component of a mezze platter, with pita bread or other dips and spreads. It is also a great addition to any catering menu as a healthy and refreshing option for guests. To make it even more visually appealing, it can be served in small cups or shot glasses for a fun and unique presentation.
Roasted Eggplant
If you’re looking for a delicious and versatile dish to add to your catering menu, roasted eggplant is a great option. Not only is it delicious on its own, but it can also be used as a topping or ingredient in other dishes.
To prepare roasted eggplant, start by cutting the eggplant into slices or cubes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until tender and slightly crispy on the outside.
Roasted eggplant can be served as a side dish, topped with feta cheese and fresh herbs, or used as an ingredient in dishes like eggplant parmesan or moussaka. It’s also a great addition to salads or sandwiches.
Eggplant is a nutritious and low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and rich in antioxidants. By incorporating roasted eggplant into your catering menu, you can offer your guests a healthy and satisfying option that is sure to delight their taste buds.
The Future of Catering: Plant-Based and Sustainable
As the demand for healthier and eco-friendly food options continues to grow, the catering industry is moving towards more plant-based and sustainable options. Incorporating Mediterranean plant-based options into catering menus is a great way to offer delicious and nutritious food to guests while also promoting sustainable practices. Plant-based options not only provide nutritional benefits but also help reduce the carbon footprint of the event. By incorporating more plant-based options, caterers can also promote local and organic produce, reducing the environmental impact of transportation and farming practices. Additionally, using compostable or reusable packaging and utensils can further contribute to reducing waste. Overall, incorporating plant-based and sustainable options into catering menus is a trend that is here to stay and can have a positive impact on both the health of individuals and the health of the planet.