Summer Escapes – Part IV – Kladas, Laconias Kladas is a small village just a few kilometres before reaching Sparta and that is where we usually stay when we visit our relatives. This is the view of the village from the house and the last buildings near the mountain, is part of Sparta. This is …
Greek
Mint Pesto is a twist to the classic Italian sauce which is made with basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts and parmesan. There are many kinds of pestos using different herbs, cheeses and nuts but my favourite is the one I have made with mint and of course almonds and halloumi which are used in Cyprus to suit the tastes and flavours of my country.
Kariokes is a Greek dessert made with sponge cake, chocolate and lots of walnuts (karydia in Greek) from which it takes its name.
Greece is well known for its wonderful cheeses. I think a Greek blog would be incomplete without introducing you to some of the most popular Greek and Cypriot cheeses.
Kokoras Bardouniotikos is a stewed rooster recipe from Lakonia. In the classic recipe there are no potatoes in it but is served with pasta, such as hilopites. The meat and onions are browned in olive oil before stewing and then it is simmered until cooked. In the end a lot of sphella cheese (a spicy, hard feta) and some kalamata olives are added and the combination of cloves and cinnamon is what gives this dish its unique Greek flavor.
Ntomatokeftedes are tomato patties or fritters, served mostly in most of the Greek islands, especially in the Aegean. These are served as appetizers but they can also be served as a main dish with a salad.
These Feta-Stuffed Mpiftekia are delicious Greek Burgers, which are flavourful and juicy. While hot, the feta melts inside, making them very creamy.
I made these Marinated Pork Chops with ingredients I had at home. The marinade tenderized the pork chops, while making them extra juicy, infusing them with a sweet and sour flavour.
If you get some lovely, fresh courgettes (zucchini) with their flowers on don’t throw away the flower and if you scoop the interior or courgettes to stuff them, don’t throw that away either. Here’s what I did:
Gemista (pronounced as yeh-mee-STAH), are Greek stuffed tomatoes and peppers filled with rice and herbs, baked with potatoes, in a tomato sauce.