Greek cuisine makes use of vegetables, olive oil, fish, grains, and more ingredients that are native to the Greek islands. The local cheeses and olives make up a large portion of the diet, as well as Greek yogurt and plenty of herbs. Are you planning on visiting Greece any time soon? If so, make sure you try these critical dishes of Greece. If you aren’t visiting Greece, try these at Krasi in Boston, MA!
Koulouri Bread
Koulouri bread can be found all over Athens and is the equivalent of the New York bagel. Unlike bagels, they typically are eaten before going to work, on lunch break, or even as a treat after work. As with most Greek dishes, there are a variety of different versions of this delectable dish. In its simplest form, the bread is covered with sesame seeds, and it is accompanied by a cup of frappe. Koulouri came to Athens by way of Thessaloniki, and the word itself signifies the round bread served to the slaves.
Horiatiki
Horiatiki is a classic Greek salad and is well known all over the world. Did you know this dish originated in Athens’ Plaka neighborhood back in the 60s and 70s? During this time, prices were set by the government and in order to charge tourists more, owners would add a slab of feta. Nowadays, this dish typically consists of tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta, olive oil, and a sprinkle of oregano. It can be ordered as part of a shared meal of mezes, or you can add it as a side dish with a meat or seafood dish.
Moussaka
The bottom layer of Moussaka consists of sliced eggplant sautéed in fresh Greek olive oil. The middle layer consists of ground meat, typically lamb or beef, and it is cooked with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices. The dish is finished off with a simple béchamel sauce. This dish is served warm and there are plenty of lent versions containing potatoes and mushrooms. Moussaka is cooked over the Levant, the Middle East, and even the Balkans. Each region has a different variety.
Last but not least, Tzatziki
Did you know that more garlic is used to make tzatziki than any other Greek dish?
Tzatziki came to life during the Ottoman Empire, and it was mandatory to give Turkish names to every dish. Tzatziki is in fact Greek, and it’s the dish that has made local Greek yogurt famous. This classic yogurt dip can pair well with any shareable meze dish. The thick dip containing yogurt and grated cucumbers comes together with garlic, salt, mint, wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and a bit of oregano.
Before You Visit Greece, Visit Krasi in Boston, MA!
For many, visiting Greece is a bit out of reach. Especially with travel limited due to the pandemic, you can’t always get Greek food in Greece! At Krasi in Boston, MA, we have plenty of authentic Greek cuisine so that you can get a taste of Greece right on the Boston waterfront. Make reservations or order online today!
