Mediterranean Flavors: 5 Mediterranean Inspired Dishes with a Touch of Chocolate

Introduction to the Use of Chocolate Chips in Mediterranean Cooking

Chocolate chips, those pieces of sweetened chocolate have long been associated with cookies and desserts in cuisine. However, their versatility extends beyond that. They have found a place in Mediterranean recipes as well. Mediterranean cuisine is known for its focus on fresh ingredients, vibrant spices and a diverse range of flavors. It also appreciates the sweetness and richness that chocolate chips can add to both savory and sweet dishes. In this region, chocolate is not a treat; it's an ingredient that weaves together history, trade and cultural exchange resulting in a culinary tradition where chocolate finds its way into various delightful dishes.

Recipes 1: Chocolate Chip and Orange Biscotti

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• Zest from one orange
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
• Start by mixing the sugar and butter in a bowl until it becomes light and fluffy. Then add the eggs and orange zest, beat them well.
• Gradually, incorporate the ingredients into the mixture until they are just combined and then gently fold in the chocolate chips.
• Shape the dough into a log, on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 30 minutes then remove from the oven. Let it cool for 10 minutes and cut into slices. Bake again for 10 minutes on each side.

Tip:

• Elevate this recipe by dipping the biscotti in melted chocolate and sprinkling it with sea salt or crushed nuts to add a layer of flavor.

Recipe 2: Mediterranean Chocolate Chip Olive Oil Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ¾ cup virgin olive oil
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a greased and floured 9-inch cake pan.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl.
• In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, olive oil and eggs until you achieve a smooth consistency.
• Combine the dry ingredients with milk, alternating between them. Mix in the chocolate chips.
• Transfer the batter into the pan. Bake for approximately 50 minutes.

Tips:

• To complement the flavors of olive oil and chocolate, serve this cake alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.

Recipe 3: Phyllo Cups with Chocolate Chips and Almonds

Ingredients:

• 6 sheets of phyllo dough
• ½ cup of butter
• 1 cup of chocolate chips
• ½ cup of sliced almonds
• Honey for drizzling

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place a sheet of dough on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this step with the remaining sheets, stacking them on top of each other.
• Cut the stacked sheets into squares. Press them into muffin tins.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips and sliced almonds into each cup.
• Bake for around 10 to 12 minutes until they turn brown. Before serving add a drizzle of honey.

Tips:

• For a spiced twist you can enhance these cups by adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the chocolate and almond filling.

Recipe 4: Chocolate Chip Scones with a Mediterranean Twist

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ⅓ cup of sugar
• ½ cup of unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ¾ cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
• Add the butter to the mixture and blend until it resembles crumbs.
• Pour in the cream, gently mix until just combined. Then fold in the chocolate chips.
• Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a disc. Cut it into wedges for that scone shape.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Until they turn golden brown.

Tips:

• For a crispy top, brush some cream on the scones before baking them and sprinkle with raw sugar.

Recipe 5: Delicious Chocolate Chip and Fig Tart

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made tart shell
• 1 cup of chopped dried figs
• ¾ cup of chocolate chips
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ¼ cup of sugar

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the chopped figs and chocolate chips at the base of the shell.
• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream and sugar. Then pour this mixture over the figs and chocolate.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it sets.

Tips:

• To make this tart more delicious, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a dollop of mascarpone cheese on top.

In conclusion

By adding chocolate chips to Mediterranean inspired dishes, you can bring a delightful twist to flavors. These recipes showcase how versatile chocolate chips can be going beyond their role in desserts and expanding into culinary contexts. Each dish offers a combination of ingredients and flavors that invites you to explore both savory and sweet aspects of Mediterranean cuisine. Let these recipes inspire your adventure as they capture the essence of Mediterranean flavors, in every bite. Whether, you're enjoying sweet biscotti or indulging in creamy tartness, chocolate chips have the power to transform ordinary dishes into something extraordinary – proving that when it comes to flavors, there are endless possibilities waiting to be explored.