Common Ingredients for Common Ingredients for Mediterranean CuisineMediterranean Cuisine

•Dr. Henri Duyzend was the owner and dentist at his own private practice in Washington state for over 25 years, where he administered dental care to patients. A fan of great food, Dr. Henri Duyzend enjoys the meals that his wife cooks for dinner every night. Although he enjoys most cuisines, Mediterranean food is his favorite.

•Mediterranean cuisine is often considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. Bringing richly flavored ingredients and spices together, the diet promotes low blood pressure and low cholesterol without sacrificing flavor. Mediterranean dishes commonly use chickpeas, eggplant, couscous, and olive oil. Chickpeas are eaten almost daily, while eggplant provides a meaty satisfaction that works well with sauces.

•Fresh fish, shrimp, and other seafood are also common in Mediterranean cooking, especially for meals coming from areas close to the sea. Fresh vegetables, specifically tomatoes and peppers, are another common staple. Vegetables can be cooked until just tender and dressed with olive oil and lemon, or they can be roasted, dried, or made into a paste for sauces. Further, Mediterranean dishes use fresh herbs and spices extensively. Basil, chervil, cilantro, cumin, garlic, and fennel provide flavor to a variety of meals.