As part of the DELICIOUS project, the Fratelli Maristi Institute in Giugliano in Campania (Naples) organized an unprecedented culinary adventure. Approximately 85 primary school students had the opportunity to explore the gastronomic diversity of five countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Lebanon. Not only did they taste a variety of dishes, but they also took on the role of judges in this international taste competition!
Here is a closer look at the recipes that the students had the pleasure of tasting and evaluating:
Pasta al pesto (Italy)
A classic Italian delicacy, pasta al pesto enchanted the students with its mix of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. This dish was a triumph of Italian flavours, showcasing the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine.
Bacalhau com nata (Portugal)
This traditional Portuguese dish of cod in a creamy white sauce captured the tasters’ attention with its bold combination of ingredients. The rich and comforting flavours made it a true hymn to Lusitanian cuisine, offering a taste of Portugal’s culinary heritage.
Chicken rice with asparagus (Portugal)
Combining authentic flavours and freshness, this Portuguese dish delighted palates with its mixture of rice, succulent chicken, and crispy asparagus. It provided a gustatory journey to the heart of Portugal, highlighting the country’s love for combining simple yet flavourful ingredients.
Fideuà (Spain)
A delicacy of Spanish cuisine, fideuà surprised tasters with its similarity to the more famous paella. Prepared with thin noodles (fideuà), seafood, and a mixture of spices, this dish offered a unique and satisfying culinary experience, reflecting the rich maritime culture of Spain.
Ful Mudammas (Egypt)
A traditional, vegan Egyptian dish made with broad beans, ful mudammas is rich in protein and fiber. Served with a squeeze of lemon and a touch of olive oil, this dish offers a delicious and nutritious flavour that reflects Egypt’s culinary traditions and emphasizes healthy eating.
Namoura cake (Lebanon)
To end the tasting on a sweet note, the students enjoyed Namoura cake, a traditional Lebanese dessert made with semolina, yogurt, and sugar syrup. This dessert provided a mouthful of paradise, offering a sweet and fragrant conclusion to the tasting journey.
After tasting each dish carefully, the students went into action as judges, wearing their DELICIOUS bibs. With enthusiasm and sincerity, they shared their opinions on each dish, expressing their personal preferences and feelings experienced during the tasting. This active involvement made the experience even more meaningful, allowing them to feel part of the process and fully appreciate the richness of the culinary cultures of the countries involved.
We will update you on which dish our students enjoyed the most!
The DELICIOUS project is formed by a multicultural and multidisciplinary consortium with 10 partners from 5 Mediterranean countries. The objective is to promote the Mediterranean diet across Med countries, and this wouldn’t be possible without the support and funding of the PRIMA programme and the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Commission.
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