Γεια σας και καλώς ήρθατε!
Hello and welcome!
Greece: the land of pristine coastlines, the Ancient Olympics, the Parthenon, a major economic crisis, and of course, delicious Mediterranean cuisine!
Greek food is typical of the Mediterranean region - lashings of olive oil, bread and grains, various meats, vegetables and herbs, fresh seafood, and olives a plenty. And it is because of the emphasis on fresh and natural ingredients that Greek food is considered one of the healthier cuisines.
However, there are still many trappings that can trip you up - specifically in the realm of desserts. Think baklava, loukoumades, diples and karidopitas. Greeks definitely put the sweet in sweets! Cheeses are also something you need to be cautious of. Of course you can sample the delicious array of cheese on offer - feta, graviera, kasseri, but enjoy them sparingly and if possible, ask to have it served on the side.
It can be difficult to eat healthily on holidays so to make it a bit easier for you, make sure to include the following dishes in your many food adventures as you make your way through the beautiful Hellenic Republic!
AVGOLEMONO (Αυγολέμονο)
At first glance, this iconic Greek soup may appear as an unhealthy cream-based soup but looks are deceiving. Avgolmenono is actually made from egg, lemon, broth, rice/pasta and meat - typically chicken, but can be substituted for vegetables.
DOLMADES (Ντολμάς)
Delicate parcels of rice, toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs and seasoning wrapped beautifully in grape leaves (also known as vine leaves). Some versions have minced meat but traditionally, Greek dolmades are meatless.
BRIAM (Μπριάμ)
In Greece, vegetables do not play the supporting role. They grab the spotlight and rightly so. Briam, similar to a French ratatouille, is a vibrantly coloured medley of vegetables - potatoes, zucchini (courgette), aubergine (eggplant), tomatoes and peppers (capsicum), baked in a tomato-based sauce.
SEAFOOD (Θαλασσινά)
With endless stretches of pristine coastline, Greece is the place to go for fresh seafood. In contrast to Western countries, meat features less prominently in the traditional Greek diet than fish and other seafood. Fish and seafood are enjoyed in many different ways: grilled and seasoned with garlic and lemon juice, baked with yogurt and herbs, cooked in rich tomato sauce, added to soups, or served cold as a side dish.
GREEK SALAD (Χωριάτικη σαλάτα)
The classic Greek salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal or can suffice as a light lunch. However to avoid unwanted calories, make sure to take it easy on the feta and olives and ask to have dressing served separately.
STIFATHO (Στιφάδο)
A hearty stew made with equal parts meat (can also be seafood or vegetables) and onion - usually whole small boiler or pearl onions. The tenderness of the stew is achieved by slow cooking the two main ingredients in a tomato based sauce with wine/vinegar and a selection of herbs and spices.
SOUVLAKI (Σουβλάκι)
Grilled skewers of meat (pork, beef, lamb, chicken) served with salad, tzatziki and lemon. Some version of souvlaki have everything wrapped up in pita and others simply have pita served on the side (as above).
Extra tips:
Καλή όρεξη!
Eat well!
Next stop, we head to.......JAPAN!
JW
Hello and welcome!
Greece: the land of pristine coastlines, the Ancient Olympics, the Parthenon, a major economic crisis, and of course, delicious Mediterranean cuisine!
Greek food is typical of the Mediterranean region - lashings of olive oil, bread and grains, various meats, vegetables and herbs, fresh seafood, and olives a plenty. And it is because of the emphasis on fresh and natural ingredients that Greek food is considered one of the healthier cuisines.
However, there are still many trappings that can trip you up - specifically in the realm of desserts. Think baklava, loukoumades, diples and karidopitas. Greeks definitely put the sweet in sweets! Cheeses are also something you need to be cautious of. Of course you can sample the delicious array of cheese on offer - feta, graviera, kasseri, but enjoy them sparingly and if possible, ask to have it served on the side.
It can be difficult to eat healthily on holidays so to make it a bit easier for you, make sure to include the following dishes in your many food adventures as you make your way through the beautiful Hellenic Republic!
AVGOLEMONO (Αυγολέμονο)
At first glance, this iconic Greek soup may appear as an unhealthy cream-based soup but looks are deceiving. Avgolmenono is actually made from egg, lemon, broth, rice/pasta and meat - typically chicken, but can be substituted for vegetables.
DOLMADES (Ντολμάς)
Delicate parcels of rice, toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs and seasoning wrapped beautifully in grape leaves (also known as vine leaves). Some versions have minced meat but traditionally, Greek dolmades are meatless.
BRIAM (Μπριάμ)
In Greece, vegetables do not play the supporting role. They grab the spotlight and rightly so. Briam, similar to a French ratatouille, is a vibrantly coloured medley of vegetables - potatoes, zucchini (courgette), aubergine (eggplant), tomatoes and peppers (capsicum), baked in a tomato-based sauce.
SEAFOOD (Θαλασσινά)
With endless stretches of pristine coastline, Greece is the place to go for fresh seafood. In contrast to Western countries, meat features less prominently in the traditional Greek diet than fish and other seafood. Fish and seafood are enjoyed in many different ways: grilled and seasoned with garlic and lemon juice, baked with yogurt and herbs, cooked in rich tomato sauce, added to soups, or served cold as a side dish.
GREEK SALAD (Χωριάτικη σαλάτα)
The classic Greek salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal or can suffice as a light lunch. However to avoid unwanted calories, make sure to take it easy on the feta and olives and ask to have dressing served separately.
STIFATHO (Στιφάδο)
A hearty stew made with equal parts meat (can also be seafood or vegetables) and onion - usually whole small boiler or pearl onions. The tenderness of the stew is achieved by slow cooking the two main ingredients in a tomato based sauce with wine/vinegar and a selection of herbs and spices.
SOUVLAKI (Σουβλάκι)
Grilled skewers of meat (pork, beef, lamb, chicken) served with salad, tzatziki and lemon. Some version of souvlaki have everything wrapped up in pita and others simply have pita served on the side (as above).
Extra tips:
- sharing is caring
- ask for dressings, cheeses, etc to be served on the side
- enjoy your food and eat slowly - means you are less likely to overeat
- mezze (tapas) plates are deceiving - small portions do NOT necessarily equate to less calories
- and most importantly, make sure to stay active!!!
Καλή όρεξη!
Eat well!
Next stop, we head to.......JAPAN!
JW
