Greek foods

[fadyllan]

When we think of the Greek, their history come to mind, right? The Troy, Spartans..etc. But here, let me share with you some of the Greek's food. I think they have fancy sounding food names :)

Tzatziki: Traditional Yogurt, Cucumber, and Garlic Dip
Tzatziki is traditionally served as an appetizer and can be left on the table as an accompaniment to foods throughout the meal.

INGREDIENTS:

* 16 ounces (2 cups) of strained Greek yogurt
* 4 to 10 cloves of garlic, diced
* 1/2 cup of peeled, diced or shredded cucumber
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* 2 teaspoons of lemon juice

PREPARATION:

Prepare all ingredients in advance. Combine oil and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl. Fold the yogurt in slowly, making sure it mixes completely with the oil. Add the garlic, according to taste, and the cucumber.

Stir until evenly distributed. Garnish with a bit of green and serve well chilled.

Here's a picture of Tzatziki

[fadyllan]

Here's another one. Its called Horiatiki Salata. Its Greek salad.

INGREDIENTS:

* 4-5 large, ripe, tomatoes
* 1 large red onion
* 1 cucumber
* 1 green bell pepper
* 1/4 pound of feta cheese, sliced or cumbled
* dried oregano
* sea salt
* top quality extra virgin olive oil
* 1 dozen olives (Kalamata, green Cretan olives, etc.)
* pickled pepperoncini hot peppers (garnish)
* 1 tablespoon of water

PREPARATION:

Wash and dry the tomatoes, cucumber, and green pepper. Clean off the outer skin from the onion, wash, and dry.

Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized irregularly shaped chunks, removing the core. Salt lightly.

Slice the cucumber into 1/4-inch slices, cutting slices in half (whether or not you peel the cucumber is a personal choice). Salt lightly. Slice the pepper into rings, removing the stem and seeds. Salt lightly. Slice the onion into thin rings.

Combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, green pepper and onion in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle with oregano, pour olive oil over the salad, and toss. Just before serving, place the feta on top of the salad, either as a slice or crumbled (as in photo), and toss in some olives. Sprinkle the cheese with oregano (and pepper if desired), mix the oil and water and drizzle over the top, and serve, garnished with hot peppers.

[fadyllan]

Souvlaki Hoirino: Grilled Pork Souvlaki

INGREDIENTS:

* 2 1/2 pounds of pork shoulder, cut in 3/4 inch cubes
* 1 teaspoon of ground Greek oregano (rigani)
* 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
* 1 tablespoon of sea salt
* 2 tablespoons of red wine (or good red wine vinegar)
* 2 tablespoons of olive oil

PREPARATION:

In a bowl, pour wine (or vinegar) and oil over the pork and toss to coat. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and oregano, and toss again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Note: If using vinegar, do not marinate longer than 2 hours or the meat can absorb too strong a vinegar taste.

If using wine, the meat can be marinated for up to 2 days as long as salt is also used.

Using 8 inch skewers, thread approximately 6 pieces of meat on each. This should make about 12 skewers.

Grill the meat turning until well browned, about 15 minutes. Serve on the skewers with a squeeze of lemon.

Note: If using a gas grill, use wooden skewers. If using a charcoal grill, use metal skewers. If broiling in the oven, use either, but wooden skewers should be soaked in water for several minutes before using.