Much of the Greek culture involves taking pride in what you do and what you cook. What makes Greek food so special is that cooking is one of the many ways that a Greek person can honor their heritage and is a great way of highlighing the many unique and diverse flavors associated with Greek history. Greek food is unique in it's flavor varieties and the fact that it uses lamb in most of it's savory meat dishes. Some of the most delicious and popular Greek dishes include:
Tzatziki Sauce:
One of the most common items in Greek cuisine would have to be this sauce made from sheep's milk or goat's milk yogurt with cucumbers, garlic, lemon, salt and often times fresh herbs. This sauce is can be served along with your favorite Greek meal or even spread on a pita or used as a dressing in your salad.
Greek Salad:
No meal is complete without the addition of a salad. A traditional Greek meal will always come with a salad loaded with tomatoes, onion, cucumbers, olives and sometimes even fresh herbs. Often times the salad is served with a yogurt-based sauce, like tzatziki.
Moussaka:
This dish is made with sliced "aubergine," or eggplant, with minced lamb, tomatoes, and spices layered in a casserole form. A white sauce is poured over the top and baked until it is fully cooked. A more non-traditional approach uses potatoes instead of eggplant and ground beef as a substitute for the lamb.
Souvlaki:
A very popular dish with the Greek culture would have to be this lamb and vegetable skewer. Small pieces of lamb are placed on a skewer and grilled to perfection. It can also be served in a pita form along with some tzatziki sauce.
Baklava:
This delicious pastry is a rich and delightful Greek treat. Layers upon layers of phyllo dough surround a nutty caramel mixture that plays a tasty symphony to your taste buds. The process of layering the phyllo can be a time-consuming endeavor, however the flaky result is well worth the time and effort put into it.
