Summer is the perfect season to fire up the grill, invite friends over, and enjoy delicious meals outdoors. While burgers and hot dogs might be the go-to choices for many, Mediterranean cuisine offers a flavorful, healthy, and unique twist on grilling. From marinated meats to vibrant vegetables, a trip to your local Mediterranean grocery can elevate your summer cookout.
A Mediterranean market in Rockville, MD, is a great place to discover a variety of grilling essentials. These markets often carry authentic ingredients that are hard to find in big-box stores, making it easier to prepare meals that feel both special and satisfying. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting to explore Mediterranean flavors, shopping at these stores can open up a world of culinary possibilities.
Marinated Meats and Seafood
One of the biggest highlights of any Mediterranean cookout is the wide selection of marinated meats. Look for pre-seasoned lamb kebabs, chicken shawarma skewers, or beef kofta, each packed with spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and paprika. If you prefer to marinate your own meat, pick up some olive oil, lemon juice, and a spice blend like za’atar or ras el hanout. These ingredients infuse the meat with flavor and help it stay juicy on the grill.
Many Mediterranean markets in Rockville also offer fresh or frozen seafood options. Grilled sardines, shrimp, or whole branzino seasoned with herbs and citrus are traditional choices. Just a quick splash of olive oil and a dusting of sea salt can transform these into show-stopping entrees.
Fresh Vegetables for the Grill
Vegetables play a central role in Mediterranean cooking, and they also grill beautifully. Visit the produce section and pick up eggplants, zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. These vegetables can be sliced, brushed with olive oil, and grilled until tender and slightly charred. Skewer them for a colorful presentation or serve them alongside grilled meats as a hearty side dish. In Rockville’s Mediterranean markets, you may also find specialty produce like purslane, okra, or long hot peppers, which add variety and regional authenticity to your summer spread.
Bread and Flatbreads
No Mediterranean meal in Rockville is complete without fresh bread. For grilling, seek out pita, lavash, or manakeesh. These flatbreads can be lightly oiled and grilled until just crisp, then used to scoop up dips or wrap grilled meats and vegetables. Some stores may carry house-made flatbreads or imported options that are perfect for heating over an open flame. Grilled flatbreads also make excellent appetizers when topped with olive tapenade, labneh, or roasted garlic spread.
Sauces, Spreads, and Condiments
The right sauces and dips can bring grilled dishes to life. Pick up classics like hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki to serve as side dishes or sandwich spreads. Spicy condiments like harissa or zhug can be brushed on meats before or after grilling for an extra kick. Look for jars of preserved lemons, pickled vegetables, or olives, which make excellent accompaniments. These tangy, salty flavors complement smoky grilled foods and add layers of taste and texture to your summer meals in Rockville.
Specialty Cheeses and Grilling Add-Ons
Mediterranean cheeses such as halloumi, feta, and kasseri are excellent for grilling. A good Mediterranean market in Rockville, MD, often carries these specialty cheeses, giving home cooks access to authentic options. Halloumi, in particular, has a high melting point and can be seared directly on the grill. It develops a crispy crust while staying soft inside, making it a standout dish all on its own or as part of a vegetable skewer.
Shopping at a Mediterranean market is an adventure in itself, offering a sensory experience that transports you to the sun-kissed shores. Rockville’s diverse food scene is a gateway to international flavors, and summer grilling is the perfect excuse to explore it further. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, your next backyard cookout could be your most memorable yet. You might even discover new favorite dishes that become a staple at your future gatherings.
