Traditional Dishes That You Must Eat In The Greek Islands

The gastronomy of the Greek islands is one of the best known in the world. It is characterized by being part of the healthy Mediterranean diet and by its great variety. Therefore, eating in the Greek islands not only delights the senses, but also benefits our body.

Culinary techniques, like ingredients in recipes, vary from place to place. However, all preparations share the same essence. Historically, there are dishes originating in Greece, while others share the influence of the cuisine of the Middle East , the Balkans or Italy.

Key ingredients to eat in the Greek islands

The ingredients used in the gastronomy of the Greek islands have a unique flavor, determined by climatic and geographical conditions. It is usual that olive oil , various vegetables and lamb meat are present in their dishes. This gives that food a particular stamp.

Dairy derivatives, especially yogurt and cheeses, are also characteristic of this region. These, along with various types of flour, mushrooms and seeds, delight diners.

Its  colorful and hearty cuisine also includes a long list of aromatic herbs and dressings. This cuisine has a thousand-year-old tradition that extends beyond borders. If your thing is healthy food and exquisite flavor, you should know what dishes to order to eat on the Greek islands.

Delights you must eat in the Greek islands

1. Gyros

It is one of the most popular dishes in Greek cuisine. It is roast lamb or pork on a pita bread tortilla. The meat is cut into pieces and marinated for 12 hours in a mixture of white and red onion, garlic, paprika, pepper, nutmeg, oregano and lemon juice.

Cooking should be slow and adding olive oil so that the meat remains juicy and does not dry out. It is complemented by a basic salad of onion, tomato, lettuce and striped feta cheese, which is combined with the meat on the pita bread tortilla.

Finally, it is accompanied with a tzatsiki sauce , which is made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, mint leaves and olive oil. It is like having Greece on a plate.

2. Fasolada

It is a typical soup from the Greek islands, characterized by its simplicity and delicious flavor. Its main ingredient is beans, although it also incorporates red onions, carrots, tomatoes, pepper, celery, olive oil and sea salt to taste. A true delight to eat on the Greek islands.

For its preparation, the beans must be soaked overnight and the vegetables are cut into small pieces. Subsequently, the mixture is put in a container and water is added to cover the ingredients. Cooking is done over low heat, stirring periodically and adding the water that evaporates until the beans are soft.

3. Horiatiki

It is a very healthy salad with green pepper, red onion, tomato, cucumber, black olives and feta cheese. Additionally, it has oregano, pepper, wine vinegar, salt and, of course, extra virgin olive oil.

For its preparation it is necessary to use fresh vegetables, which are cut into very thin slices. The feta cheese is divided into small cubes, salt, pepper, olive oil and wine vinegar are added to taste. The whole mixture is mixed and the oregano is sprinkled.

4. Pastitsio

It is a typical dish of Greek cuisine, whose recipe includes pasta, ground lamb meat and bechamel sauce. It also has tomato paste, finely chopped onion and butter, as well as olive oil, white wine, sweet pepper, oregano and sea salt.

For its preparation, the meat is prepared with the aforementioned ingredients until a sauce is obtained. The pasta is placed in boiling water for five minutes together with salt. This preparation is then arranged in layers of pasta with grated sheep’s hard cheese and meat sauce interspersed. Finally, the bechamel sauce is added and baked.

5. Oktapodi sta Karvuna

It is roasted or grilled octopus, delicious and easy to prepare. The recipe includes garlic, onion, oregano, bay leaf, parsley, green olives, white wine, pepper, salt, and olive oil. The octopus must be washed well and cut into large pieces, discarding the beak. Then it is boiled for 40 minutes in a container with water until it softens.

Later it is put on the grill seasoned with olive oil, pepper and salt to taste until golden brown. To serve it, add more olive oil and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and oregano. It is accompanied with green olives, toast and a glass of white wine. It is a dish that you cannot stop eating in the Greek islands.

6. Amygdalota

It is a very traditional dish that in the past was only served on special occasions. It is a gluten-free and almond-based cookie that incorporates egg white, sugar, orange zest and fine semolina. It is a delicious appetizer to eat in the Greek islands.

For its preparation, the almonds are peeled. Half is macerated until obtaining a paste that is mixed with the whole almonds. Then add sugar, fine semolina, orange zest and mix. In another container, beat egg whites without reaching the point of snow and mix everything. Make spherical portions and put them in the oven. They are accompanied by a good Greek coffee.