What’s not to love about Greek food? A mix of Mediterranean and Ottoman sensibilities, many classic dishes, such as and , lay claim to Arabic, Persian and Turkish roots. Built upon seasonal produce, simple cooking techniques and a healthy glug of olive oil, the cuisine is all about enhancing an ingredient’s true flavours, whether that’s through , or encasing spinach in pastry for the much-loved .
The Greeks do heartier fare masterfully, too. They’re big on , adding cheese – hello, – and stuffing just about everything, including , , and . In Greece, cheese comes in various forms – see pantry essentials, below – and weaves deftly between mains, like , and desserts, such as this . Filo pastry is also prevalent across the sweet-savoury board. It’s everything from to a .
Pantry essentials
To cook like a Greek you’ll need plenty of (fresh and canned), , good-quality , and (kept fresh in the fridge). Embrace your varieties – think Throumbes (sun-dried), Tsakistes (green) and kalamata, which vary from small to colossal. is also important. Try sheep or goat’s milk feta, hearty , kasseri (mild and soft), Kefalograviera (hard and salty), Kefalotyri (similar to pecorino), and Piperati, a creamy variety that’s perfect for salads. Finally, herb up with , , and the dried, oregano-like .
Fast five
Go green: Greek olive oil, often green in hue, packs a stronger flavour and aroma than Italian and Spanish varieties. It’s also said to contain ore antioxidants, too.
Baking secrets: Keep filo pastry in the fridge and bring it to room temp before using. Cover with a damp tea towel, when using, to ensure it doesn’t dry up or break.
The thicker, the better: If you like you yoghurt Greek-style, i.e. super thick and creamy, drain it through muslin and toss away the liquid.
Zesty business: When recipes call for lemon zest, choose under-ripe (green) fruits. The smell and taste is stronger than in ripe ones.
Brush hour: A pastry brush is a handy utensil. Use it to brush butter or oil onto filo pastry (for Greek sweets), as well as vegetables and meats.
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