Food in the Mediterranean area puts an emphasis on fresh, clean flavors, simple food cooked well and the social atmosphere of a great meal. Variety and seasonal foods are the guiding principles of the Mediterranean diet.  The staple ingredients are pasta, rice, pita bread and that universal staple, olive oil. What’s added to these to create Mediterranean flavors are seafood, including many different types of fish, and other foods that are native to the region. Asparagus, artichokes, peppers, mushrooms, spinach and eggplant make frequent appearances and can be included in paella, soup, stew, pizza and salads. Hummus and babaganoush are simple dishes that are easy to make and are terrific choices for sharing with guests. Meats are used in the diet as a flavor in dishes and sometimes served as a main course, but portions are kept small and meals are savored. Eating this way can be a wonderful way to get healthy. Share your recipes for your favorite Mediterranean foods here.