Need to study extra about Athenian delicacies? Searching for new Greek dishes to attempt? Learn Niko Kontogiannatos’s information under, then try Niko’s recipe for loukoumades and our finest Greek recipes. We even have our information to the finest Greek wine to purchase.
Nikos Kontongiannatos, head chef of Firebird in London, comes from Patras in Greece. Beforehand head chef at Caravan Fitzrovia, at Firebird he attracts on his heritage to cook dinner seasonal produce over an open-fire grill. Most of the dishes on the menu have nods to Nikos’s Greek id by way of the components and cooking strategies he makes use of, resembling lamb with tzatziki and pitta, and tomatoes with feta cream and black olives. firebirdlondon.co.uk
1. Gyros
A moreish snack within the metropolis, conventional meat gyros are wrapped in Greek pittas and crammed with pork or rooster, and tzatziki sauce. It’s a must-try within the metropolis. I at all times have one once I go to Athens, particularly as they’re low-cost and filled with flavour.
2. Moussaka
This listing wouldn’t be full with out my favorite dish, Greek moussaka. With layers of grilled aubergines and potatoes, topped with minced beef and béchamel sauce, that is an unbeatable principal dish. The Greek model dates again to the Twenties, credited to chef and cookbook writer Nikólaos Tselementés.
3. Conventional Greek salad
You’ll find this salad nearly in all places within the metropolis. It consists of contemporary tomatoes with cucumber, onions, black olives, essentially the most scrumptious feta and a drizzle of Greek extra-virgin olive oil. It’s easy, however there’s nothing higher.
4. Soutzoukakia
An iconic Greek dish of braised beef meatballs in a spiced tomato sauce that’s flavoured with cumin. One of the simplest ways to eat it’s with a dollop of Greek yogurt and loads of bread to mop up the sauce.
5. Gemista
Which means ‘stuffed’, gemista consists of rice-stuffed greens, typically served with roasted potatoes. It’s excellent for lunch as a result of it’s so mild, and it’s notably good when completed with some crumbled feta on prime.
Extra like this
6. Spanakopita
It is best to completely attempt the pies in Athens. My favorite is spanakopita, which is likely one of the hottest snacks in Greece. Crispy filo pastry encases a filling of spinach, feta and contemporary dill – a wonderful distinction of crispiness and softness.
7. Galaktoboureko
The identify of this dessert comes from the Greek phrase ‘gala’, which suggests milk. It’s one among my favorite candy issues and it’s generally present in Athens. It’s a crunchy filo pastry crust brushed with butter between the layers and crammed with a semolina custard cream. The dessert is soaked in a chilly candy syrup whereas it’s nonetheless sizzling after which left to chill.
8. Seafood
In case you’re visiting the coast close to Athens, don’t miss the seafood eating places. Contemporary fish is landed each single day, and it’s mostly grilled over fireplace and completed with olive oil, lemon and oregano. Easy and efficient.
9. Dolmades
Dolmades are produced from fig leaves or vine leaves filled with rice and herbs. Typically, you’ll find them with meat added to the filling as effectively. The vine leaf model is extra widespread in Athens, as fig leaves have been utilized in an historical recipe. Dolmades are easy to make and don’t want any sauce, only a drizzle of excellent olive oil.
10. Loukoumades
You possibly can’t go to Athens and never attempt loukoumades. I might go so far as saying they’re the perfect dessert you’ll find wherever on the planet. Small fried doughnut balls dressed with honey and walnuts, they’re feather mild and style even higher on prime of kaimaki (made with mastic) ice cream. Take a look at Niko’s recipe for a loukoumades which you’ll be able to attempt at house.
