Spicy and very tasty, this is Greek gastronomy

The Mediterranean diet is synonymous with a healthy and balanced diet that provides various benefits for the health of those who practice it. On many occasions we associate this famous diet with the Spanish one, but we must bear in mind that there are other neighboring gastronomies that also fall within this type of cuisine. For example, Italian or Greek food, which has a great variety of flavors where vegetables and fruits play a fundamental role.

In case you are familiar with Greek food, it will not be necessary for us to tell you all its benefits but if not, we recommend that you continue reading because this gastronomy is so delicious that you will wonder why you did not try it before. Do not miss it!

What should you know about Greek cuisine?

As we said before, Greek cuisine presents all the characteristics of the Mediterranean diet. Olive oil has a great presence, as do vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines or peppers. However, Greeks also enjoy meat and fish, especially lamb, pork, beef, and salmon.

Another of its star products is feta cheese, also known as Greek cheese. Its origins date back to Classical Antiquity and it is normally made with sheep's milk. It is a cheese without rind, soft but with a solid consistency.

As for the drink, the most popular wine is Retsina, white in color, although its taste has nothing to do with ours. In addition, as a curiosity, the Greeks before starting with a feast and together with the aperitifs usually take with or without ice a liquor type brandy known as Ouzo. Delicious!

Influence of Greek cuisine

In the same way that in Spanish gastronomy the influence of American or Arabic cuisine is perceived, in Greece we find the influence of Turkish cuisine due to the years of occupation in the country. In fact, many names of the dishes have Turkish origin (such as mezzedes that are appetizers or dolmades that are stuffed vegetables) and even share the way of preparing meats and seasoning them.

Greek cuisine dishes

Probably the recipes that sound the most to you are musaka and hummus but the truth is that the Greek recipe book contains many more delicacies that we will present to you below. Nothing better than starting a banquet tasting some appetizers, so we will begin this section by talking about mezzedes.

Greek appetizers

Also known as mezzedes, it is made up of a selection of delicious Greek snacks created to whet your appetite. They precede the main dishes and are placed in the center of the table so that all diners nibble on the same plate accompanied by a glass of Ouzo liqueur, which we have already talked about previously.

Tzatziki

Without a doubt, one of the most typical dishes of Greek food made with cucumber, a touch of garlic, aromatic herbs and cucumber. It is eaten spread on toast bread as a starter and its flavor is fresh and smooth. The truth is that it is delicious and is a great way to start eating.

Greek burger

Another of the typical appetizers that we can find in any Greek restaurant is the Greek burger. It is made with lamb meat to which tzatziki sauce is usually added and does not contain other ingredients such as bacon, tomato sauce or cheese.

hummus

One of the most typical mezze of Greek cuisine that has spread worldwide for its delicious taste and its health benefits. It is a paste of chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini and olive oil that is consumed with pita bread or falafel. If you have not eaten it yet, it should be one of the first dishes you should take because its flavor is absolutely delicious. Everybody likes it.

Melitzanosalata

Melitzanosalata is a salad made with eggplant, one of the most prominent vegetables in Greek food, which can also be served with almonds, olive oil, garlic and feta cheese. In many Greek taverns it is served as a pate but you can find it in several ways.

Main courses

Moussaka

Probably the most famous dish in Greek cuisine in the world. It is made with bechamel, aubergine, potato and minced meat and, due to the presentation of the dish, it is often compared to Italian lasagna. The moussaka is so good that it will leave you with an excellent taste in your mouth.

Fasolated

Many say that it is the Greek version of Asturian fabada because it is made with beans and vegetables but the truth is that each one has its own characteristics. As is often the case with popular dishes, there are several versions depending on the region where it is cooked. No fasolada is more Greek than another, so we advise you to try as many as you can to decide for yourself which one is the best.

Gemista

Another essential dish in any Greek tavern. Gemistá is made with ripe green peppers or tomatoes stuffed with a mixture of parsley, feta cheese, rice, minced meat, crushed tomato and fried onion.

dolmades

This dish of Turkish origin has a curious presentation: grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, minced meat and onion, all seasoned with lemon and spices.

Souvlaki

In this case, we are dealing with skewers of pork or beef with spices that are very tasty. It is eaten with the hands, inside a pita bread or with the skewer on a plate with chips or pilaf.

Desserts

In the world of sweets is where we can find more recipes brought from Turkish gastronomy. Baklava and Greek yogurt stand out.

Baklava

It is a vanilla and almond puff pastry dipped in honey. It's very, very sweet, but it's not cloying. In fact, it is delicious.

Greek yogurt

For all those who do not know it, it is a very smooth and creamy yogurt that taken can only be accompanied by honey and can contain nuts. As an ingredient it can be used in many recipes.

As a curiosity, the Greeks take desserts especially at snack time instead of after a copious banquet.