Ask AI: FAMOUS RECIPES (5 RECIPES) in Mediterranean cuisine

1. Greek Salad (Horiatiki) Ingredients: - 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges - 1 cucumber, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 tbsp red wine vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 tsp dried oregano Instructions: 1. In a large salad bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and olives. 2. Sprinkle feta cheese on top of the vegetables. 3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Serve immediately. 2. Spanish Paella Ingredients: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup crushed tomatoes - 1 tsp paprika - 1/2 tsp saffron threads - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts - 1 lb chicken, shrimp, or both (optional) - 1/2 cup chopped parsley for garnish Instructions: 1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until softened. 2. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with oil. Cook for 2 minutes. 3. In a separate pot, heat the broth, crushed tomatoes, paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper. Once warmed, add to the skillet with the rice, stirring to mix. 4. Add peas, artichoke hearts, and protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, or both). Cook for 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked through and broth is absorbed. 5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve. 3. Italian Caprese Salad Ingredients: - 3 large tomatoes, sliced - 1 lb fresh mozzarella, sliced - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup olive oil - Balsamic glaze or reduction - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. On a serving platter, arrange alternating slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves, until all slices are used. 2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. 3. Season with salt and pepper and serve. 4. French Ratatouille Ingredients: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 eggplant, cut into cubes - 1 zucchini, cut into cubes - 1 bell pepper, cut into cubes - 2 cups crushed tomatoes - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil Instructions: 1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. 2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. 3. Stir in eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, cooking until softened. 4. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Stir in fresh basil and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature. 5. Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası) Ingredients: - 1 cup red lentils, rinsed - 4 cups water or vegetable broth - 1 onion, chopped - 1 carrot, chopped - 1 garlic clove, minced - 2 tbsp tomato paste - 1/2 tsp cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tbsp olive oil - Lemon wedges for serving - Chopped parsley for garnish Instructions: 1. In a large pot, combine lentils, water, onion, and carrot. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer. Cook until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. 2. Carefully blend the lentil mixture using an immersion blender, or transfer to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. 3. In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, salt, and pepper. 4. Pour the tomato paste mixture into the pot with the blended lentils and mix well. Heat the soup over low heat until hot. 5. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and garnish with chopped parsley.