Greek cuisine: Hellenic traditions in the modern world

Greek cuisine Solar Greece has long been famous delicious dishes, which are also still very healthy. This is not to say that Greek cuisine too intricate: dishes are fairly simple, but fresh food, fragrant herbs and virgin olive oil turns every dish into a masterpiece.

Healthy food

The Greeks have always been famous for longevity, and it is no coincidence: in fact the Mediterranean diet recognized by doctors around the world as the most correct and healthy eating patterns. The abundance of fruits, the freshest fish and seafood, fresh fruits, natural grape wine and, of course, the famous olive oil made Greek cuisine is not only amazingly tasty, but extremely useful. Residents of this ancient country almost unknown to cardiovascular disease, old age, they thrive and maintain good spirits.

Despite the fact that in Greece love to eat, even the most hearty meal do not spoil the shape. Greek dinners are usually warm and friendly atmosphere, consumers enjoy the leisurely variety of dishes and enjoy talking to each other.

Features kitchen

Greek cuisine Even in antiquity the Greeks were great sailors, and in his travels gladly borrowed from other peoples of different culinary secrets. Overall, therefore, Greek cuisine has much in common with Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Arabic. All these dishes Greeks adapted to suit your tastes, and as a result receive new dishes with the national "character." Tradition Greek cuisine has a long history: the first cookbook in the world was written by a Greek Arhistratom even in 330 BC. It should be noted that many of the recipes of Greek dishes since then have not changed.

In Greece, very fond of vegetables, both fresh and heat-treated. Eggplant, squash, beans, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, onions, cabbage, lentils, artichokes ... a list of popular vegetables is endless. I am pleased to use for cooking and potatoes. Almost every dish is added golden olive oil, meaty olives in kind or stuffed too very widespread.

Greek cuisine Noteworthy are dairy products - the gentle brine feta cheese and the famous Greek yogurt, thick and velvety. Soft cheese Amari often used for desserts. Also popular semi-hard cheese Kefalotyri. Cheese consumption per capita Greece ranks first in Europe, and this is not surprising: local cheeses are very diverse and tasty.

The fish taverns prepared wonderfully delicious freshly caught fish and fresh seafood, such as octopus or shrimp. Fish are also smoked, pickling, vyalyat and Marina, creating delightful in its simplicity, but they are not less tasty dishes.

Meat a little less common, but also the Greeks eat it with pleasure. Preference is given to lamb and pork. Salt and pepper eating moderately, but actively use herbs such as basil, oregano, mint, parsley, coriander, rosemary. In addition, a rare meal complete without the addition of garlic.

From drinks in Greece prefer the natural grape wine and coffee. Coffee brewed in Turkish, but the Greeks themselves prefer to call this method of preparation "in Greek." In hot weather, drink whipped coffee frappe ice. In addition to drink a lot of coffee fruit juice and food washed down with wine generally. Especially popular dry wine flavored with pine resin.

Popular dishes

Greek cuisine Greek dishes are usually quite simple composition: the secret of their amazing taste lies primarily in the careful selection of ingredients and not in a complicated processing. Therefore unlikely to re-create at home luxury Hellenic dishes, if not reserved by suitable products - fragrant tomatoes, olives quality, real feta cheese and, of course, olive oil first cold pressed.

Greek salad is known far beyond the borders of his homeland. It is interesting that in Greece the dish is called a village salad. Cook it very simple: tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers and olives with olive oil and decorated with slices of fresh cheese.

Another famous dish - moussaka. This delicious casserole Casseroles. The variety and economy made from eggplant, potatoes and ground beef packed in the form of layers. Juiciness savory meat attached to thick and rich bechamel sauce. This sauce can also fill pasta with meat. Such a baked fragrant dish called pastitsio.

Greek cuisine Minced meat wrapped in grape leaves, called dolmados. Name consonant Caucasian dish dolma, which is prepared in a similar manner. Beef or rabbit with onions in Greece prepare a spicy stew in sweet and sour sauce - stifado. Baked lamb grilled with herbs - this dish is called Arnie.

Big Fish is usually served roasted on coals or on the grill with mandatory sauce of olive oil and lemon juice. Small fish, such as sardines, usually served fried.

Tzatziki (or tzatziki) - known for savory snacks Low calorie snacks Which is made of thick yogurt, chopped cucumber, herbs and garlic. Melidzano-salad - olive oil salad of eggplant with garlic and lemon.

Greek desserts are oriental roots. They often contain a variety of nuts and honey. Semolina halva prepared fragrant. Simple and at the same time surprisingly tasty treat - Greek yogurt and honey The benefits of honey: tasty recovery . Honey is commonly used thyme, fragrant and delicious. Also for dessert fresh fruit and sweet cakes or puff pastry.