More on the recipes, ingredients and cuisine of Greek food!

Greek food is a perfect blend of oriental food and European cuisine. Traditional Greek cuisine has Mediterranean touches. It is highly influenced by Italian cuisine. The Greek food takes rich flavors from Middle East and Anatolia. Cooking in Greek is rich in meats like pork, rabbit, lamb and fish. Also, the cuisine makes extensive use of olives, cheese, yogurt, olive oils, wine and eggs.

Olive oil is an essential element in Greek food. Olive trees are found in abundance over here. Tomato, honey from eggplant and onions also form the basis of Greek food. Bigarrade, the bitter oranges, are used with honey. Masitc, are fragrant raisins, used in Greek deserts. Greeks are fond of spicy food. They make use of numerous spices and herbs like cinnamon, thyme, basil, fennel, persillade and cloves. Greek cuisine has a great Mediterranean and French influence. Garlic and onions, unlike many other cuisines, are loved in Greek cuisine. Beef, is not supported in Greek cuisine. Sea food is adored in all forms. Greek cuisine has more than ten cheese types and some of them include Mizithra, Feta, Kasseri, Anthotyros, Manouri and Kefalotyri. Modern day Greek food is more inclined towards fast food. Some typical ingredients in Greek cuisines include skordalia (thick tomato puree with almonds and walnuts), tzatzili (yogurt with garlic and cucumber) and avogotaraho (cured fish).

Some famous Greek recipes include stuffed vineleaves with rice( aromatic dish), cabbage rice, Spinach pie with cheese, Greek salad( made with fresh tomatoes), Meat and macaroni pie, stuffed beans and tomato sauce, Stuffed eggplants, marinated little fish, honey and cheese patties, Chicken pea coup, courgette salad and stuffed squid. Greek food is easy to make. Yogurt dip is one of the most loved Greek dips. This is a festive recipe in Greek. Greek food makes use of seasonal vegetables and spices. Meat and macaroni pie is one of the favorite traditional Greek dishes. Stuffed vineleaves with rice is a national recipe in Greece. This dish requires skill and effort. It is made of rice wrapped in vegetable leaves and steamed in water. Flavor of oil and lemon juice make it typically Greek. Moussaka is a traditional recipe of Greek. It is made of minced lamb and cheese sauce. Greek Baklava is a traditional Greek dish. It is made of layers of filo fough and chopped nuts like raisins and nuts. The dish is properly buttered and oiled before cooking.

Coffee is an essential beverage in Greek. Greek coffee is served boiling hot and black. Sugared almonds are a traditional recipe in Greece. Garlic sauce is a primary side dish served with Greek meals. This sauce is served cold. Greek cuisine emphasizes on sauces and side dishes like egg salads, tomato, and vinegar and garlic pastes.