Touching upon several different countries with widely
different cultures, peoples, and cuisines, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the
most romanticized regions of the world. Blessed by the bounties of the sea Greece
is just one of the countries along with ancient ruins, majestic islands, and
some of the best food in the world. Whether you are of Greek heritage or not, Food
and wine are among the most beloved aspects of Greek culture. As you are bound
to find an excellent Greek restaurant in just about every major city, the
influence of Greek cuisine can be witnessed the world over.
Some of the major ingredients of Greek food are equally
ubiquitous: lamb, olive oil, potatoes, and seafood all feature prominently in
Greek dishes. To the variety of spices, meats, and vegetables you are likely to
find, the fresh and bold flavors of Greek meals can be attributed. The cuisine
is also strongly rooted in health practices though undoubtedly rooted in the
indigenous plants and animals of Greece. For example, especially in ancient
times, many Greek people believed that certain foods cured various illnesses. To
accelerate healing from colds or even to prevent illness, a popular soup made
from lemon juice, chicken broth, eggs, and rice known as Avgolemono is known to
be effective. Yet for most of us, the attraction to Greek cuisine can simply be
attributed to taste.
Baklava and Loukoumades are popular desserts in Greece.
Baklava is a Greek favorite that incorporates the popular Greek phyllo dough,
nuts, cinnamon, and honey. Similarly, Loukoumades are basically Greek donuts
made of deep fried dough that has been soaked in honey and cinnamon and often
sprinkled with sesame seeds. However, when it comes to Greek food, the
popularity of their desserts is easily surpassed by savoury dishes such as
Moussaka, Souvlaki, or Dolmades.
Any attempt to describe the entirety of Greek cuisine including
the Greek meze
would be far too exhaustive to be contained within a few paragraphs. Greek
food is diverse and flavorsome and benefits from the passionate nature the
Greek have about their food. Greek food combines hearty vegetables, delicate
spices, and various meets to create a delicious cuisine that is often imitated
but never replicated.
