Are you a fan of Greek food? Does the thought of olives, tzatziki, and gyro make your mouth water? So, do you like the famous Kleftiko and moussaka? Greek food is divine, and the Mediterranean are well known for their healthy lifestyles and amazing cooking skills. So, if you want to eat like the Greeks do (and let’s face it, who wouldn’t?), read on for some helpful tips…
Embrace the condiment
Greeks love a good dip! There is nothing better than starting off your meal with Pitta bread and a selection of dips. Tzatziki is probably the most famous and universally adored. This is a dip that is made from Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, cucumber, and mint. To make your own from scratch, a Greek yogurt maker will come in very handy. Hummus is another popular option, and this dip is made from chickpeas. If you are a fan of fish, taramasalata is a must. This is made from the salted and cured roe of the cod, and it’s a lovely bright pink color!
Add oregano and lemon to everything
Well, you probably won’t want to add oregano to your dessert, but almost everything! Oregano is added to salad dressings, marinades, sauces, bread, potatoes, salads, and meat. Not only does it taste amazing, but it is great for your health too, as it is an excellent source of antioxidants. And, what about lemon? Well, if you go to a Greek restaurant, you will see that virtually every dish is accompanied by a lemon. Greek people add it to everything; they squeeze it over their main course no matter what they are eating. Don’t knock it until you have tried it!
Eat dessert on its own
If you went to Greece thirty years ago; you would never see someone eating dessert after a meal. Typically, fruit is served after a meal, and dessert is simply enjoyed on its own. It may be offered as a sweet treat when visiting someone’s house, or it may be enjoyed during the holidays.
Don’t be afraid of olive oil
If you don’t have olive oil in your cupboards, you definitely won’t be cooking or eating like a Greek! Greek people LOVE olive oil. They cook everything in it. You should not be afraid of using olive oil in your food. It is an excellent source of monounsaturated fat and it has lots of antioxidants in it. In fact, most experts advise that you use olive oil as your main source of fat. Did you know that Greeks are the largest consumers of olive oil in the world? The average Greek uses about 23 liters per year!
So there you have it, stock up on your olive oil and embrace the variety of delicious dips on offer, and you are good to go. Greek food and cooking is not complicated, and that is exactly what makes it so brilliant and so tasty. Enjoy!