The Greek diet is bursting with fresh flavors and great nutrition. With a cuisine based on fresh vegetables, a wide variety of meats such as lamb, chicken and pork, the Greek diet is known to be one of the healthiest in the world. The fantastic use of herbs and spices give Greek food distinctive flavors, which are intensified by the generous use of olives, lemons and garlic, which are frequently used in many traditional and family recipes. Renowned for being fond of family celebrations, food is a big part of any special occasion and religious holiday where bright, aromatic meals and delicious, flowing wine are welcomed and enjoyed by all.

Within Greek culture, the Easter festival begins on the first day of Lent, which is when the Greek community prepares for the resurrection of Christ by cleansing their bodies. Foods eaten during this time include the word ‘nistisma’ to symbolize that it does not contain any restricted foods. Traditional foods eaten during this religious holiday are tsoureki, the traditional Easter bread that has a slightly sweet taste, and Greek Easter cookies that are prepared to share with loved ones and visitors within the home. Easter Sunday is a very famous day in which the paschal soup called mayerista, made with lamb organs and elegant seasoning, is enjoyed. Desserts and sweets are greatly enjoyed in Greek cuisine, and along with Easter, Christmas heavily involves a variety of Greek cookies such as Melomakarona, which are cookies covered in honey and nuts.

Greek recipes will frequently include some of their most beloved ingredients that not only adhere to the ancient recipes, but also help create the delicious flavors associated with Greek food. Phyllo dough is commonly used in baking and is a common ingredient in many Greek dishes. Used for recipes like Spanakopita (spinach pie) and the sweet dessert Baklava, phyllo dough is an ultra-thin puff pastry that is also used in many appetizers and garnishes. Pita bread is also used in many Greek meals as it is so versatile, being used for a variety of Greek-style sandwiches and as a side to many main meals. Pita breads are commonly used with dips like yogurt and cucumber or olive oil and lemon juice and because of their versatility; they can be used as part of a main meal or as a quick snack. The vast majority of Greek meals incorporate lemons and olives, with olive oil being a main ingredient in dishes from salads to main courses to dipping sauces. The frequent use of lemons in dishes helps create the fresh and spicy flavor common to Greek dishes.

The meat of choice in many Greek homes is lamb, which is typically spit-roasted and used for a multitude of meals, from stews to Greek-style sandwiches and wraps. A common meal in many Greek homes and restaurants is Souvlaki, which combines chicken, pork, beef, or fish with a mix of vegetables and is compared to the skewered meat kebab recognized in other cultures. Greek main courses incorporate a choice meat with a wide range of fresh vegetables, such as Moussaka, which is a popular casserole dish made up of aubergines, tomatoes, peppers, onions and in some cases, a type of meat, although it can also be enjoy as a vegetarian meal. Greek meals combine various vegetables, but depending on which vegetables are in season will determine which ones are used in each recipe. In summer, many of the favorite Greek dishes will be accompanied by delicious fresh salads, such as the infamous Greek Salad. This dish combines olives, tomatoes, and feta with plenty of olive oil and seasonings, although some Greek salads may also include walnuts as a garnish.

Greek food is not only healthy and nutritious, but also tasty, fun, bright and aromatic. Combining the fundamentals of what makes a great meal and adding elegant touches of spices, herbs and care, Greek cuisine is not only a way to celebrate the food itself, but also a way in which we can understand more about the culture. Greek and how The food porridge we know and love is derived from the Greeks themselves.