When in Greece, eat as the Greeks do

Tanushree Podder

Mediterranean diet is counted among the healthiest diets on earth and Greeks are no exception. Hippocrates said to have said — let food be thy medicine and the Greeks follow his advice seriously.

Greek cuisine is a blend of flavours that came from diverse influences for more than a thousand years, and they have managed to retain them. The food culture, there, began way back in 350BC when a Greek called Archestrolus penned the first cookery book.

It is said Poseidon and Athena contested for the patronage of the Greek capital. Poseidon struck his trident into the ground, and a spring appeared but the water was salty. Athena, however, planted an olive branch, which grew into an olive tree and was chosen as the patron goddess of Athens. Today Greece prides itself on the best olives and olive oil in the world. It is this ingredient that makes Greek cuisine healthy.

Some of the dishes like dolmades have not changed over the centuries. The delectable dish made of vegetables, meat and rice stuffed grape leaves is still made the way it was made during the ancient times.

What made the dishes healthier was the basic nature of them. For instance, bread was eaten dipped in olive oil and the bread was made from barley, rye, millet or wheat. Bread, olives and wine were the basic food. All very healthy and nutritious. Most of the protein came from fresh fish with meat being used rarely. Besides, ancient Greeks used honey instead of sugar (which was unknown to them) to sweeten food. Later, figs and cheese made their way to the Greek tables.

Here’s a look at a few popular and traditional Greek dishes.

Horiatiki salata: The Greek Salad is a perennial favourite. What began as a peasant salad in ancient Greece with very few ingredients like tomato, olives, onion, cucumber and feta cheese, is now a much embellished version containing radish, anchovies and pickled peppers. Feta cheese is one of tastiest and lightest cheeses and is lower in fat content, which makes the salad a filling and healthy option.

Horta vrasta: The words mean boiled greens and it is just that. The dish is served in most Greek homes. Whether it is mustard green, amaranth, spinach, scallion or dandelion, boiled and dressed with a sprinkling of olive oil and lemon makes it a healthy dish.

Moussaka: This is a familiar name for most foodies and a very popular dish, too. While traditionally it was made with eggplant and meat, recent innovations include a layer of potatoes, lettuce and zucchini topped with béchamel sauce. It is a complete meal by itself.

Souvalakia/Giros: This street food so popular with the tourists is not a traditional dish. It is clearly a Turkish influence which might have arrived with the Turk invaders. Served with the delilcious tzatziki — a yogurt and cucumber sauce, the grilled meat is rolled in a pita with fresh vegetables and tzatziki, a cucumber-dill yogurt sauce. It is delicious, pocket friendly and filling

Arni kleftiko (klevo means stealing): This meat dish owes its invention to Greek rebels who were fighting against the Ottoman occupiers. Hiding in the mountains, they stole the ingredients, sealed them in clay pot and buried it in a pit with hot coals. simple and delicious, it is perhaps the healthiest way to cook meat.

Fried calamari and maridaki: Fish has played an important role in Greek cuisine and these two dishes are superlative in taste and popularity.