A Foodie’s Guide to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cooking with Ottolenghi Ingredients

Author: Noah Date Posted: 2 December 2024

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking is known for its vibrant spices, fresh herbs, and flavourful sauces that bring even the simplest ingredients to life. For food lovers looking to explore these cuisines, Ottolenghi’s Ingredients Range at The Gourmet Pantry offers a curated selection of sauces, pastes, and spices designed to make home cooking both exciting and accessible. From the smoky warmth of Aleppo & Other Chillies to the tangy brightness of Rose, Pomegranate & Lemon Harissa, these ingredients capture the essence of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern pantry.

Roasted Aubergine with Rosemary and Carob Molasses

Key Flavours of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine

The heart of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking lies in its spices and flavourful bases. Ingredients like cumin, nigella, and sumac add earthy, aromatic layers to dishes, while elements like olives, lemon, and pomegranate provide the signature balance of sweetness and acidity. With Sweet & Smokey Blend and Citrus & Spice Blend, Ottolenghi makes it easy to incorporate these flavours into everyday cooking.

Using Harissa in Mediterranean Dishes

Harissa is a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its depth and heat. Ottolenghi’s Rose, Pomegranate & Lemon Harissa offers a unique take on traditional harissa with floral and citrus notes that bring a fresh twist to marinades, sauces, and dips. Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or lamb, or mix it with yoghurt to create a creamy, spiced dip for vegetables and pita.

Incorporating Spices with the Aleppo & Other Chillies Blend

Carrot and Lemon Roasted Tomato and Barley Salad

The Aleppo & Other Chillies blend combines smoky, slightly fruity chilli flavours that enhance soups, stews, and grilled dishes. This versatile spice is ideal for adding a touch of warmth to dishes without overwhelming other flavours. Try it on grilled lamb or roasted vegetables for a subtle yet flavourful kick.

Cooking with Shawarma Marinade

The Shawarma Marinade is another essential in Ottolenghi’s range, bringing the classic Middle Eastern street-food flavour to your home cooking. Made with slow-cooked onions, cloves, and tomatoes, this marinade is perfect for meats like chicken, lamb, or even beef. Simply marinate your choice of protein, then grill, roast, or pan-fry for a deliciously spiced meal. Serve with fresh herbs, tahini sauce, and warm pita for an authentic shawarma experience.

With The Gourmet Pantry’s free Australia-wide shipping on orders over $100 and same-day delivery in Melbourne, you can easily bring Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours into your kitchen. Discover the full Ottolenghi Ingredients Range and experience the beauty of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking.

The Ottolenghi Ingredients Range

The Ottolenghi Ingredients Gourmet Gift Hampers Range

Images courtesy of Ottolenghi.co.uk

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The Gourmet Pantry - Who We Are:

Welcome to The Gourmet Pantry, the ultimate destination for extraordinary gourmet food and gourmet hampers in Australia. Proudly Australian, we have been delighting the palates of food lovers since our establishment in 2019.

We believe in the magic of fine food and its power to connect people and create unforgettable experiences. Our extensive range of gourmet delights, sourced from the best local and international producers, stands as a testament to our passion for food and commitment to quality.

Our team of dedicated food enthusiasts works tirelessly to bring you an exciting range of artisanal food products. From easy-to-prepare gourmet meals to our assortment of sweet and salty treats in our Liquorice category, we offer many choices for experienced connoisseurs and those eager to explore unique flavours.

We know the joy of snacking and entertaining, so we’ve filled our Crackers and Biscuits category with scrumptious options. In our Pantry, you will discover an array of culinary essentials that can elevate your dishes and satisfy your cravings. We encourage you to indulge in our Chocolate, Confectionery, and Snacking categories, where the temptation is too good to resist.

With an ethos centred on diversity and inclusion, we cater to different dietary needs by offering an extensive range of delicious gourmet food items tailored to specific requirements. Visit our Vegan Options and Gluten-Free Options to find a wide array of dishes designed just for you.

We have built strong relationships with esteemed brands such as Gingerbread Folk, Lakrids by Bülow, La Russolillo, Kangaroo Island Oats, and many more. These partnerships allow us to bring you gourmet meals, crackers, biscuits, condiments, chocolates, confectionery, snacking options, olive oils, vinegar, whole olives, truffle products, fruit pastes, pastry shells, jams, spreads, gift packs, pantry essentials, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, panko crumbs, panettone, gourmet popcorn, macarons, pasta, risotto, stuffing mix, fruit jellies, granola, muesli, and so much more.

Our gourmet food delivery services stretch from the southern tip of Tasmania to the tropical north of Queensland, reaching every home in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. We cater to the unique palates of residents in regional centres as well, including Geelong, Townsville, Toowoomba, and Cairns, making gourmet food accessible to all Australians.

As a premier gourmet food retailer, we don’t just stop at delivering delicious meals. We understand the value of gifting and its power to strengthen relationships, spread joy, and show appreciation. That’s why we’ve developed a stunning range of gourmet hampers suitable for every occasion. Our collection of gourmet gift hampers and gourmet baskets is crafted with care, precision, and a whole lot of love. Each hamper is filled with a handpicked selection of fine food and drink from around the world, designed to cater to all tastes.

Our gourmet hampers are a perfect gift choice for various occasions, be it the festive season with Christmas hampers, the joyous Easter celebrations, showing appreciation on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, or simply to say thank you. From celebrating birthdays and anniversaries to acknowledging a job well done with our corporate offerings, we aim to make every moment memorable.

Our Christmas hampers are particularly popular, offering a unique blend of traditional and exotic gourmet treats. From premium wines to delectable chocolates and festive nibbles to decadent sweets, our hampers capture the spirit of Christmas in every box.

Corporate gifting is just another area where we excel. Our Corporate Gourmet Hampers are an excellent choice to appreciate your team, celebrate milestones, welcome new hires, or show gratitude to your clients. With delivery extending to all corners of Australia, including Darwin, Gold Coast, Canberra, Sunshine Coast, Ballarat, Bendigo, Albury, Wagga Wagga, and Wollongong, we ensure no business misses the opportunity to express appreciation.

The dedication to our craft is visible in our selection process. Our team carefully handpicks every product at The Gourmet Pantry. This meticulous approach ensures that we only stock items that meet our high standards of taste and quality.

Our ordering process is straightforward and customer-friendly. We offer FREE standard delivery Australia-wide on orders over $100, and we also have express delivery options available for those last-minute gifts. We believe gourmet food should be accessible to everyone, and we strive to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy our gourmet offerings, no matter where you are in Australia.

From a humble start as a small gourmet food provider in 2019, we have grown into a beloved destination for food lovers nationwide. Our journey is a testament to our commitment to providing the finest food, superior service, and customer satisfaction.

The future for The Gourmet Pantry is a culinary journey that knows no bounds. As we look ahead, we’re excited to expand our offerings and reach even more cities across Australia. We continue to explore the world’s best food producers, bringing back the flavours and experiences for our customers.

Whether you’re seeking gourmet hampers for Christmas, Easter, birthdays, or corporate events, we’re your one-stop gourmet shop. Our Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, anniversaries, and thank you hampers are designed to make every occasion special.

At The Gourmet Pantry, every food experience is gourmet. Come and join us on this extraordinary culinary adventure. Relish in the exquisite tastes and flavours we have to offer and find out why we are the go-to destination for gourmet food lovers across Australia. Let us bring the world’s best gourmet experiences to your doorstep, making every occasion and every meal a celebration of life’s finest flavours. Welcome to The Gourmet Pantry - where every food experience is a gourmet adventure!

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Frequently Asked Questions +

What types of food are included in The Gourmet Pantry's food hampers?
Our food hampers are brimming with a wide array of gourmet delights. From succulent fruit pastes, artisan crackers, delectable chocolates, premium olive oils and vinegar to gourmet popcorn and macarons, there's a treat for every palate in our food hampers.

What brands can I expect to find in your gift hampers?
Our gift hampers feature premium products from a wide range of renowned brands like Gingerbread Folk, Lakrids by Bülow, La Russolillo, KI Oats and many more. We continually explore and introduce new brands to ensure our customers have the best of the gourmet world.

Do you offer vegan and gluten-free gift hampers?
Yes, at The Gourmet Pantry, we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy our gourmet delights. We offer a range of vegan and gluten-free options that are carefully selected to ensure taste and quality are not compromised.

Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?
We offer next-day delivery to most metropolitan areas in Australia. Please refer to our delivery information page for more detailed information.

What if the recipient is not home at the time of delivery?
If the recipient is not at home during the delivery, our courier will leave the hamper in a safe place at the delivery address. If a safe place is not available, a pickup card will be left with instructions on how to collect the hamper, or an SMS will be sent to the recipient if they have set up the Australia Post app.

Can I include a personal message with my gift hamper?
Yes, you can include a personal message with your hamper during the checkout process. We will print your message on a complimentary gift card and include it in your gift hamper.

How should the products in the gift hamper be stored?
Most of our products should be stored in a cool, dry place. Some items, like chocolates and certain types of cheese, may require refrigeration. Please refer to the individual product's packaging for specific storage instructions.

Can I return or exchange a gift hamper?
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns or exchanges. However, if there's an issue with your order, don't hesitate to contact us; we'll do our best to make it right.

Are your hampers suitable for corporate gifting?
Absolutely. Our gourmet hampers make excellent corporate gifts. We offer a range of corporate gifting options and can accommodate customisations, making your gift truly unique and reflective of your brand.

Can I track my order?
Yes. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can use this number to track your order and know exactly when it will arrive.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit and debit cards. We also accept PayPal, Afterpay, and ZipPay.

Are there any delivery fees?
Standard delivery is FREE Australia-wide on orders over $100. For orders under $100 or express delivery, please refer to our delivery information page for the relevant fees.

Do your hampers come with a warranty or guarantee?
While our hampers don't come with a standard warranty, we stand by the quality of our products. If you're not satisfied with your hamper, contact us immediately, and we'll do our best to resolve the issue.

What are your customer service hours?
Our customer service team is available from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Can I cancel or modify my order?
Be sure to contact us immediately if you wish to cancel or modify your order. We can accommodate changes if the order has not yet been dispatched.

Do you deliver outside of Australia?
At present, we only deliver within Australia.

Is it possible to place an order over the phone?
Yes, of course! We would love to hear from you. You can place your order over the phone by calling our customer service team on 1300 936 406.

What if my hamper arrives damaged?
If your hamper arrives damaged, be sure to contact us immediately. We will arrange for a replacement to be sent out directly.

Can I add multiple delivery addresses in one order?
Yes, you can specify multiple delivery addresses when placing an order for multiple products.

Are your gift hampers suitable for all occasions?
Our gourmet gift hampers are perfect for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and corporate events.

How often do you introduce new hampers or products?
We continuously explore and add new gourmet delights to our range. Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social media.

Do your hampers come in a reusable container?
Yes, our hampers come in high-quality, reusable boxes that can be repurposed after enjoying the goodies inside.

What measures do you take to ensure quality?
All our products are handpicked by our team. We work directly with producers and artisans, ensuring that the products we offer are of the highest quality and meet our stringent standards.

How long can I keep the products in the hamper?
Each product in our hampers comes with a best-before date. We recommend consuming the products before this date for the best experience.

What's the best way to contact you if I have any questions or issues?
You can contact our customer service team via email at suspport@thegourmetpantry.com.au or by phone at 1300 936 406. You can also use the contact form on our website. We strive to respond to all queries as quickly as possible.

What are the essentials for a gourmet food hamper?
A gourmet food hamper should include various high-quality items that complement each other. This could include artisan cheeses, gourmet chocolates, premium olive oil, a bottle of wine, handmade biscuits, and other such delicacies.

How can I personalise a gift hamper?
Personalising a gift hamper can be done by tailoring the contents to the likes and preferences of the recipient. This could involve including their favourite brands, foods or colours, or items that are relevant to their hobbies or interests. You could also add a personalised message or card to add a personal touch. The Gourmet Pantry has over 60 hamper options to choose from, so we are confident that you will find the perfect gift!

What are some ideas for a Christmas gift hamper?
Our Christmas gift hampers include festive items like mince pies, Christmas pudding, gourmet nuts, chocolates, a bottle of sparkling wine, and much more.

Is it cheaper to make a food hamper or buy one?
Ordering a hamper online from a specialised hamper company is often cheaper than making one yourself. Our gourmet gift hampers are designed in a way that the gift box is packed full of gourmet treats so that nothing moves in shipping, and each product perfectly complements the others. Pre-made hampers often benefit from bulk discounts that suppliers offer to businesses, and the cost of these can be lower than if you were to buy each item individually.

What is the etiquette for sending a gift hamper?
When sending a gift hamper, it's essential to consider the preferences and lifestyle of the recipient. Make sure the items included are suitable for them and fit the occasion. Including a personal note or message with the hamper is also a great idea.

How do I choose the right gift hamper?
Choosing the right gift hamper involves considering the occasion, the recipient's tastes and preferences, and your budget. Look for a hamper that has a good selection of items that you know the recipient will enjoy, and that is presented beautifully.

Can I send a gift hamper anonymously?
Yes, you can send a gift hamper anonymously. However, it's a good idea to let the recipient know that a surprise is on the way, to ensure they're home to receive it. You can choose to keep your identity a secret in the card or note included with the hamper.

How far in advance should I order a gift hamper?
If you're ordering a gift hamper online, ordering at least a week in advance is best to account for delivery times. During busy periods like Christmas, ordering even further in advance is advisable.

How do I choose a hamper for a corporate gift?
When choosing a hamper for a corporate gift, consider the message you want to convey and the recipient's tastes. A hamper with a selection of high-quality gourmet items is often a safe choice. Ensure the presentation is professional, and includes a message of appreciation.

What are some ideas for a vegan gift hamper?
Our vegan gift hamper includes a range of plant-based goodies, such as vegan chocolates, nuts and seeds, vegan wine, and other vegan treats. Subject to change to availability, so browse the currently available range here.

What are some ideas for a gluten-free gift hamper?
Our gluten-free hamper includes a range of treats like chocolates, sweets, snacks, and other gluten-free goodies. Subject to change to availability, so browse the currently available range here.

The Gourmet Pantry acknowledges the people of the Wadawurrung language group, upon whose lands our office rests. We acknowledge their continued connection and contribution to land, water and community, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We would also like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which you are visiting our site from. Sovereignty was never ceded; this always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

t 1300 936 406 The Gourmet Pantry

By using this website, you agree to the terms outlined in our Company Policies, including but not limited to our Shipping Policy and Privacy Policy. Please note that in rare instances, we may be out of stock of individual components within a hamper. In such cases, we will substitute any missing product with one of equal or higher value. We will endeavor to maintain the category of the product, such that any substitution will most likely be a different flavor or variety of the same product. *Additionally, hampers and other items cannot be shipped together due to the meticulous packing process required to ensure that hampers remain intact during transit. As a result, separate delivery charges will apply when additional items are purchased alongside a hamper, and similarly, each hamper under $100 will incur separate shipping charges. All delivery timeframes are subject to Australia Post's delivery times, as updated on their website here. While we will make every reasonable effort to notify users of changes to Australia Post's estimated delivery timeframes, it is ultimately the customer’s responsibility to review Australia Post’s website at the time of placing an order. ^ Please be aware that same-day dispatch is available for orders placed before 1 pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays. During extreme peak times, such as Christmas, or in cases of specific closures, the dispatch timeframe may be extended. Any such delays will typically be communicated via a notice at checkout; however, consumers are expected to use their reasonable judgment.

Wadawurrung Country,
27-30 Success Court, Corio 3214,
Victoria, Australia.

t 1300 936 406 The Gourmet Pantry

Need a hand? Give us a call!

Our support team is available
during business hours, Mon-Fri

1300 936 406

The Gourmet Pantry acknowledges the people of the Wadawurrung language group, the owners of the land we opperate upon.

We acknowledge their continued connection and contribution to; land, water and community, and pay our respects to Elders; past, present, and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded; this always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

The Gourmet Pantry Liquor License

WARNING Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 it is an offence:

To supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $17,000)
For a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor. (Penalty exceeds $700)

Licence No.: 36303074

By using this website, you agree to the terms outlined in our Company Policies, including but not limited to our Shipping Policy and Privacy Policy.

Please note that in rare instances, we may be out of stock of individual components within a hamper. In such cases, we will substitute any missing product with one of equal or higher value. We will endeavor to maintain the category of the product, such that any substitution will most likely be a different flavor or variety of the same product.

*Additionally, hampers and other items cannot be shipped together due to the meticulous packing process required to ensure that hampers remain intact during transit. As a result, separate delivery charges will apply when additional items are purchased alongside a hamper, and similarly, each hamper under $100 will incur separate shipping charges.

All delivery timeframes are subject to Australia Post's delivery times, as updated on their website here. While we will make every reasonable effort to notify users of changes to Australia Post's estimated delivery timeframes, it is ultimately the customer’s responsibility to review Australia Post’s website at the time of placing an order.

^ Please be aware that same-day dispatch is available for orders placed before 1 pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays. During extreme peak times, such as Christmas, or in cases of specific closures, the dispatch timeframe may be extended. Any such delays will typically be communicated via a notice at checkout; however, consumers are expected to use their reasonable judgment. For example, an order placed at 12:00 pm during the peak of the Christmas season may not be dispatched on the same day due to reasonable delays in fulfillment.

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A Foodie’s Guide to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cooking with Ottolenghi Ingredients

Key Flavours of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine

Using Harissa in Mediterranean Dishes

Incorporating Spices with the Aleppo & Other Chillies Blend

Cooking with Shawarma Marinade

The Ottolenghi Ingredients Range

The Ottolenghi Ingredients Gourmet Gift Hampers Range

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A Foodie’s Guide to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cooking with Ottolenghi Ingredients

Key Flavours of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine

Using Harissa in Mediterranean Dishes

Incorporating Spices with the Aleppo & Other Chillies Blend

Cooking with Shawarma Marinade

The Ottolenghi Ingredients Range

The Ottolenghi Ingredients Gourmet Gift Hampers Range

Leave a comment

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