Greek cookery is not only about satisfying one’s stomach. But most importantly, it aims to please the palate of people from all walks of life. The cuisine offers morsels that are both flavorful and nutritious. Usual food preparations normally make use of fresh vegetables and meats, such as, chicken, lamb and pork. This is why, in general, the Greeks are said to live longer than other nationalities because of their healthy gastronomic practices. The taste of Greek cooking is very unique, which can mostly be credited to their generous use of herbs, spices and other ingredients that heighten the taste of food, such as, lemon, olives and garlic. These elements are also commonly used in nearly all traditional dishes and family recipes. Food is also a great part of social and family traditions. Known for their warm family ties and great get-togethers, the Greeks often celebrate with food and comforting fares are always served during special events or religious festivals, wherein fresh, savory and scrumptious foods paired with good wine are expected and greatly enjoyed by many.
In Greek culture, food also plays a significant role in religion. The people of Greece prepare for the Easter holidays by cleaning their bodies on the first day of Lent, also known as ‘Clean Monday.’ There are restrictions in the Greek diet during Lent. Only foods labeled as ‘nistisma’ are eaten, which further signifies that the food is not prohibited. During Lent, traditional recipes are prepared, such as the Tsoureki and Greek Easter cookies. The Tsoureki is a type of sweet-tasting Easter bread, while the Easter cookies are baked and are meant to be shared with visitors and loved ones. Easter Sunday is a well celebrated day during which Easter soup called Mayerista is enjoyed, made with lamb organs and elegant seasoning. Greeks are also known for their sweet tooth and Easter and Christmas are perfect occasions to make sweet treats, like the Melomakarona, which is a delightful cookie dribbled with a bit of honey and sprinkled with some walnuts.
Ingredients used in Greek gastronomy that give the cuisine a unique and luscious appeal are from recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. One such element is the filo dough, which is a thin and flaky pastry used in making many types of appetizers or snacks. This is a familiar part of Greek food and it is normally often used in baking delicacies like the Spanakopita or spinach pie and Baklava, which is a rich cake stuffed with honey and nuts. The pita bread is also another all-round ingredient as it can be used for Greek-inspired sandwiches or it can be eaten as a side for main courses. Pita breads are commonly used with dips such as yoghurt and cucumber or olive oil and lemon juice and due to their versatility; they can be used as part of a main meal or a quick snack. Lemons and olives are commonly used in Greek cooking. But olive oil is the most popular ingredient, as it is used in most dishes from simple salads to main courses, and even in marinades and dips. The regular use of lemons in Greek cuisine lends that extra zesty refreshing taste to dishes.
Most Greeks prefer lamb meat, which is often spit-roasted. Lamb can also be incorporated in several dishes, from casseroles to Greek sandwiches and wraps. Another popular Greek foodstuff that is usually served at home or in restaurants is the Souvlaki, which mostly resembles the kebab, a kind of skewered food. When preparing Souvlaki, one can bring together different types of meat, like: chicken, pork, beef and fish. This is then cooked with a variety of fresh vegetables. Greek main meals incorporate a chosen meat with a wide range of fresh vegetables, such as Moussaka which is a popular casserole style dish consisting of eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, onions and in some cases, a type of meat although it can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian meal. Greek meals are often accompanied by refreshing vegetable dishes or salads, but preparations vary according to the availability of fresh vegetables. During summer, for instance, favorite Greek fares come with scrumptious fresh salads, like the well-liked Greek salad. It is a combination of olives, feta cheese and tomatoes, seasoned and dribbled with generous amounts of olive oil. Nuts and other types of garnish can be incorporated in salads, too.
Greek foods are distinct because of its wonderful flavors and aroma, and most especially its benefits to health and wellbeing.
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