Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and abundant side dishes to serve alongside any meal to perfection. Whether one is dining out or planning an event, Manakish Oven & Grill offers an excellent selection of appetizers and sides that incorporate the finest of the classic recipes with a modern touch.
Based in Rossmoor, Pleasant Hill, and Concord, Manakish Oven & Grill is now one of Rossmoor, CA, best Mediterranean restaurants and first choice for Rossmoor Mediterranean food catering, and one of Pleasant Hill, CA, best Middle Eastern restaurants and first choice for Middle Eastern food catering in Concord, CA. Following are five side dishes and appetizers that every Mediterranean food lover needs to taste.
1. Tabbouleh – A Zesty and Refreshing Salad
Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur wheat, and a sprinkle of lemon juice and olive oil. Delicious and refreshing, it’s the perfect palate cleanser and excellent side dish to serve with grilled meats and falafel. Manakish Oven & Grill prepares tabbouleh fresh, a healthy and vibrant start to your meal.
2. Greek Salad – Crisp and Colorful
One of the foundations of Mediterranean cuisine, Greek salad is a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate. Made of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, and dressed with olive oil and oregano, this side dish is the epitome of tangy and savory.
3. Hummus – Creamy and Classic
No Mediterranean meal is complete without hummus. Creamy and made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, hummus is served with freshly baked pita bread at Manakish Oven & Grill. Smooth, scrumptious, and fulfilling, hummus is not only a healthy appetizer, but also a wonderful side dish that can be served with almost any item on the menu.
4. Moutabal – Smoky Eggplant Spread
Often compared to baba ghanoush, moutabal is a smoky eggplant dip with a creamy texture that is blended with garlic, tahini, and lemon juice. Delicious as a side to dip into, served spread on flatbreads, or as a side to grilled meat.
5. Baklava – Dessert Finale
Although technically a dessert, baklava frequently appears at the appetizer platter for gatherings and group feasts. Poured over any meal as a sweet indulgence, this crunchy pastry constructed with alternating layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup provides an excellent contrast to any meal. At Manakish, the in-house baklava is a favorite with customers, devoured for its ideal crunch and perfectly balanced sweetness. Dine in or order for a catered function, these side dishes and appetizers provide a great introduction to the depth and diversity of Mediterranean cuisine. With its dedication to quality and authenticity, it’s no wonder it’s included as one of the best Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants in Rossmoor, Pleasant Hill, and Concord. Ready to experience a world of big flavors? Visit Manakish Oven & Grill or hire them for your next function to experience the best of Mediterranean side dishes and appetizers.
