The greek
Greek cuisine is distinguished by its simple, unassuming and undeniable benefits of the products that are used in cooking. A variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, seductive olives, freshly caught fish cooked in high-quality olive oil - this is a rather simple, but no less valuable set of ingredients, due to which Greek cuisine is famous all over the world.
The most popular type of meat among the Greeks is lamb, a little less often - pork. Parts of the animal are commonly braised, boiled or barbecued, while a whole carcass on a spit, often baked, is cooked to mark the end of religious celebrations.
Most Greek recipes are based on the freshest foods: sweet juicy tomatoes, plump olives, sour lemons, fragrant greens, shiny zucchini, majestic eggplant, juicy melons and figs.
Very important in Greek cuisine and cheeses: for example, salted feta cheese is used mainly in salads, hallumi cheese is often grilled, and soft amari cheese, which resembles ricotta cheese, is consumed in spicy and sweet dishes.
It is impossible to imagine Greek cuisine and without the unusual aroma of various seasonings and spices, the most favorite of which are rosemary, basil, parsley, coriander, oregano and mint. The result is, although traditional, but full of freshness, lively and light cuisine, rich in Mediterranean notes.
The waters of Greece are crystal clear, thanks to which meals from various types of fish and seafood are constantly present on the table of local residents, which are usually baked on barbecues or prepared delicious goulash. By the way, it is walking on the recipes of Greek cuisine that turns out to be thick and rich, and seasonal products are added to them, the assortment of which directly depends on local customs.
Regarding baking and sweet dishes, the tastes of the Greeks vary depending on the preferences of each person, so a certain trend is not observed here. For example, many hostesses quite often prepare "Risoli" - cutlet pies, which include everything that tastes good - legumes and vegetables, meat, fish and seafood. Many people are familiar with Greek yogurt, thick and creamy - it gives piquancy and tenderness to desserts, sauces and soups. Often it is added to spreads and dips or served simply with honey.
Another product that is simply impossible not to say is Greek olives. Without them, it is unrealistic to imagine a single meal, and the Greeks simply cannot live without them. The table of olives according to the Greek "code of honor" is simply inappropriate, and the varieties of these diverse berries in Greece literally cannot be counted. By the way, what is interesting: in their homeland, all varieties of these berries are called olives. And in Russia, olives should be green, and black olives are already olives. . .
In any case, when getting acquainted with the traditions of Greek cuisine, one should not forget that for the indigenous people these very olives, bread and wine have been the main food for more than a century. Plus, it is worth noting that the quality of olive oil in Greece does not tolerate compromise. It is very highly valued and almost all dishes are flavored with this "liquid gold. "