Nestled in the heart of , the bursting market of is not just one of the biggest open-air markets in Europe. It is a vibrant hub where peoples, stories, cultures, languages, goods and flavours meet and intertwine.
As you walk through the main square and explore the nearby alleys, you can feel the rich multicultural vibes that have animated the neighbourhood since the 1960s, when historic migrations from “il Mezzogiorno”, the South of Italy, set the stage for a blend of traditions, which quickly expanded to encompass influences from all around the world.
Amidst this vibrant cultural tapestry, the Mediterranean pulse stands out, particularly through its rich array of culinary products.
This piece highlights five essential ingredients from the South-Eastern Mediterranean that bring the region's rich culinary heritage to life. From aromatic spices to savoury sauces, the central open-air market and its surrounding shops offer a treasure trove of flavours to be .
Dates
Not all dates are the same: ranging from small, dry varieties to larger, juicy ones, such as the renowned Medjool date, each variety . At the Porta Palazzo market, several stalls sell different kinds of dates, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences.
Culinary insight: Dates’ natural sweetness pairs perfectly with both savoury and sweet dishes. Dates can enhance meals like couscous but are also a key ingredient for delicious desserts. A standout treat is the Syrian ma’amoul pastry, a delightful kind of cookie typically filled with dates and commonly prepared for special occasions and feasts across the MENA region. Date paste packs can also be found in many of the surrounding markets, making it easier to .
Tip: Dates can be stuffed with almonds, walnuts or soft cheese for an original appetizer or after-meal treat. Alternatively, dip the dates in your favourite melted chocolate, roll them in sesame seeds or just enjoy them naturally with a cup of coffee for a recharging break.
Spices
Alongside herbs, a variety of spices enhances Mediterranean dishes with . At the market and all around the neighbourhood of Porta Palazzo, an abundance of spices at affordable prices are available, from individual flavours like cumin and cinnamon to blends like the “seven spices” baharat mix, a cornerstone of South-Eastern Mediterranean cooking.
Culinary Insight: Notably, cumin is an essential spice in Mediterranean kitchens, adding its warm and earthy flavour to many dishes like koshari, Egypt’s national dish. This simple, yet , composed of rice, pasta, chickpeas and lentils, is seasoned with spices including cumin to enhance its flavour, finished with tomato sauce and fried onions and topped with a mix of sauces.
Tip: Toasting spices in a dry pan before their use can enhance their aroma and flavour.
Pomegranate molasses
Walking past the open-air market, you can find countless food shops offering unique products from the Mediterranean. Among others, pomegranate molasses, with its dark, syrupy consistency and sweet-bitter notes, is a distinctive ingredient in Levantine cuisine, particularly in Lebanon and Syria.
Culinary Insight: Pomegranate molasses can be the elevating touch for , such as the notorious Lebanese fattoush salad. This popular dish combines fresh chopped vegetables with crispy fried bread. Its dressing can be enriched with a drizzle of molasses sauce, adding a distinctive bold flavour.
Tip: Pomegranate molasses can be used creatively in a variety of other dishes, particularly meat and chicken recipes, transforming them with a unique sweet and sour taste.
[Veronica Merlo]
Tahini
Characterised by a creamy texture and nutty flavour, tahini has gained widespread popularity across the Mediterranean region and beyond. It is used as a dip, a topping or a key ingredient to complement both savoury and sweet culinary creations.
Culinary Insight: While tahini is often associated with the world-renowned hummus, it is equally essential in another distinguished dip: mutabal. Much like hummus, this creamy, smoky eggplant-based dip can be made in different variants to suit each taste. It is often garnished with creative toppings, including pomegranate seeds, to .
Tip: For a simple, homemade tahini dressing to accompany vegetables, salads and meat dishes, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, a pinch of garlic and salt.
Harissa
Browsing through many of Porta Palazzo’s market shelves, you can find amidst an array of sauces harissa, a distinguished chilli paste widely used across North Africa, particularly Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Made with roasted red peppers, garlic, spices, and olive oil, harissa adds a distinctive bold and smoky heat to any dish.
Culinary insights: Harissa is a versatile addition to traditional North African dishes like couscous, tagines and soups, with each country and region adapting it to its culinary style. For a milder, more nuanced taste, it can be blended with yoghurt to create a creamy sauce, perfect for accompanying grilled meats or vegetables.
Tip: You can use ready-made harissa paste or , blending ground chili peppers with other spices, tailoring the spice level to your taste.
Final general tip: When shopping around Porta Palazzo, do not hesitate to ask vendors or fellow shoppers for culinary advice and recipes. This vibrant area is not just about exchanging goods, but it is also -and especially- a space for sharing words and tips, with everyone enjoying contributing their knowledge.
Born in Italy and educated in France and Egypt, Veronica Merlo has gained extensive experience in journalism, media, and communications, collaborating with a diverse range of media outlets, international organisations, and NGOs across Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and France. She is also the author of the book
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