Unique And Authentic Greek Cuisine

By Jessica Williams


Greeks are known to prepare some of the tastiest meals on the planet. It is also from Greece that you will get the widest variety for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, etc. Authentic Greek cuisine looks and tastes different from one season to the other. You are served with fish, all types of meat, bread, grains and a wide range of drinks to wash them down. Deserts include bread, pastry, nuts, honey and herbs, to mention just a few.

Appetizers and salads are served in their variety on an excellently beautiful plate. Mezedes is a common serving since it is easy to prepare and perfect for an impromptu guest. Other options include deep friend vegetables, fava, gavros and kalamata olives. The common Greek Salad is made of tomatoes that are finely shred and mixed with cucumber, cheese and red onion sprinkled with olive oil.

It is seasoning that differentiates vegetable soups. Most of the vegetables used are common. For instance, lentil soup requires the addition of vinegar and olive oil. Rice soup is prepared by adding meat balls. There is kakavia soup that is common because it can be made using any local fish species as long as the bones are removed. Flavoring of rice and chicken soup requires the addition of lemon.

Greek cuisine for vegetarians was also very healthy and nutritious. It also serves as a perfect meal for people who were fasting because it contains all nutrients required for optimal health. Common ingredients included potatoes, carrot dill, oven baked peas, onions and aromatic herbs. Greens also formed part of vegetarian light meals when boiled alongside beans and potatoes.

Greeks are heavy consumers of sea foods and meat. Lean pork, lobsters and beef are the common choices. Some are made into meat balls while others are cooked in soup. You may also find grilled meat that is seasoned with among other additions, pepper, herbs and lemon. Rabbit or hare stew also features often on the menu flavored with cinnamon and served with a glass of wine.

Quick fix meals allowed Greeks to save time and use locally available ingredients. These ingredients would mainly be fresh and affordable. Spaghetti and macaroni were the most common servings topped with soup and vegetables. Omelet also forms part of the foods prepared within the shortest time. A native dish called Hilopites required savory chicken in the shape of tiles with an addition of tomato sauce.

After the main meal, Greeks would serve you sweets and desert. A common inclusion is almond which is prepared into balls that are then coated or spiced with rose water and sugar. Other desert components include nuts. Christmas cookies that are coated with sugar powder are also common on the table. Yogurt enriched with walnuts and honey is also used as desert.

A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is available to wash down the meals. Coffee is another common serving with snacks or without. Tea with herbs such as chamomile and mint also makes a tasty selection. Greeks have a tradition of excellently brewed wines and beers. Local liquor is also available with wine and flavoring.




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