Greek Cuisine is the Theme!
The Mediterranean is home to a variety of cultures, each with its own unique cuisine. We sometimes hear the term “Mediterranean cuisine” to lump them all together, likely because many dishes feature one or more of the regional core ingredients of wheat, olive oil and grapes (more specifically – wine).
But don’t be duped. While the geography of the area and influence of the Mediterranean Sea results in different cultures using many regionally abundant ingredients, the region’s food is as diverse as its cultures.
We’re particularly fond of Greek cuisine. It’s chock-full of flavors and ingredients we love – pasta, fish, meat, cheeses and yogurt, herbs and vegetables, and lemon - to name a few. It’s home to many tasty and popular dishes you’ve probably heard of (Tzatziki, Pitas, Spanakopita, Saganaki, Gyros, Sofrito, and Baklava) and an array of less common but no less delicious foods. Head over to the AllSpice recipe library to find our favorite Greek-inspired recipes.
We have several products in the shop to help you bring the traditional flavors of Greece into your kitchen. You’ll find they add a pleasantly fresh and bright quality to dishes you use them in – traditionally Greek or not.
Greek Seasoning: Our Greek Seasoning is the most recognizably Greek-influenced product in the shop, combining marjoram, Mediterranean oregano, lemon, basil and other herbs and spices to create a versatile and easy-to-use blend of Greek flavors. It’s also one of our salt-free blends; Greek cooking often uses herbs and spices instead of salt as the preferred seasoning.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: We typically have a Greek extra virgin olive oil on tap at the oil and vinegar bar. Right now it’s our Greek Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Oil from the Koroneiki olive has a pleasant and floral aroma. As you taste it, you’ll notice hints of ripe fruit and herbaceous notes. It’s a modestly bitter and medium pungency olive oil, making it a great all-purpose oil for general cooking and vinaigrette making.
Try using it to make traditional Greek salad dressing by combining 1/2 cup of the oil with 1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. Greek Seasoning, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix well and serve over greens or a mix of veggies (we like cucumber, red onion, tomato, Kalamata olives, and green peppers). Either way, don’t forget the Feta!
Lemon Stuffed Olives: In addition to olives, Greek dishes often feature lemons, which are abundant in the Mediterranean region. Our Millpress Lemon Stuffed Olives are good for cocktails and snacking, but also make a nice addition to Greek salads, pizza and pasta dishes.
Find them all in the shop or online store.
Do you have a favorite traditional Greek or Greek-inspired recipe? Share it with us in the comments below.