The Ultimate Revelation of Greek Food

Greece, a beautiful country with a sumptuous history lies in the southeastern parts of Europe. One of the most decorated countries in the history also has the best cuisine for grab. Greek food is the ultimate treat for travelers all around the world. Greek cuisine is the typical Mediterranean cuisine which has some characteristics of Italy and the Balkans. It makes use of vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, wine, and meat. Other important ingredients include olives, cheese, eggplant, zucchini, lemon juice, vegetables, herbs, bread and yoghurt.

Now let us take a look at things that Greek cuisine basically comprises –

Grain foods: Bread being the most favored food in the whole of Greece, the main compound of bread that is the wheat is cultivated in and around Greece. The cultivation dates back to thousands of years and till today wheat is a staple of Greek’s cuisine. Another important grain food in the Greek diet is rice, which is used in pilafs and bakes, served with stews or wrapped in grape leaves to make dolmades.

Olive and Olive Oil: Olives have been cultivated in Greece since ancient times. The golden green oil extracted from the first cold pressing of olives is called extra virgin olive oil, and it is used in some form in most traditional Greek dishes. As well as being used for their richly flavored oil, olives are also eaten whole.

Fish, shellfish and poultry: Greece being surrounded by sea is no surprise that fish and shellfish are eaten regularly. The most popular types of fish and shellfish include tuna, mullet, bass, halibut, swordfish, anchovies, sardines, shrimp (prawns), octopus, squid and mussels. Poultry is also one of the famous choices other than fish and shellfish.

Meat and Diary: Meat is not one of the popular options of Greek people and it does not play a prominent role in Greek cuisine. It is usually reserved for festivals and special occasions or used in small amounts as a flavor enhancer. Meat of sheep or goat is mostly preferred one along with milk. Because it is warm it is used to make cheese or yoghurt.

Legumes and Nuts: Legumes such as chickpeas, lima beans, split peas and lentils are widely used in traditional Greek cooking. They are eaten either whole in stews, bakes, pilafs, soups and salads, or pureed and used as a dip or spread such as hummus.

So, if you are on for trying Greek cuisine then these are the ones that you really need to have. Along with the magnanimous food desserts and beverages are also consumed on regular basis along with wine being an important part of the consumption of the Greek people.