A Guide to Greek Food Essential Herbs and Spices
Known for its freshness and flavor, Greek cuisine is beloved across the globe. While regional variations and adaptions are always going to be found, Greek food has its defining elements.
Food Herbs and Spices are essential in Greek Food
In traditional dishes, some hundreds
of years old, local ingredients are lovingly prepared with essential herbs and spices to create delicious dishes perfect for any occasion.
The basics
Greek cuisine can be summed up pretty easily. Take fresh ingredients (meat, seafood, and vegetables), add salt, pepper, herbs, and spices and prepare using quality Greek olive oil. And the final essential ingredient? In keeping with the relaxed lifestyle, Greek food is all about simplicity.
Seasonings in keeping with this simplicity are used to enhance rather than change the flavor of fresh natural produce. Greece produces sea salt of a very high quality and it’s used to bring out the flavor of meat, fish, and vegetables. And plain black pepper is a staple at meal times.
Add some herbs
Like most of Mediterranean cuisine, Greek food has traditionally used freshly grown herbs and spices. Some of those frequently found in local dishes include:
Oregano – Oregano is a Greek cooking staple, adding flavor to succulent meats, baked vegetables, crisp salads, and divine sauces.
Thyme – Also common in many Greek households, locally-grown thyme flavors cooked meats, olives, and even Greek honey.
Mint – Refreshing mint is an essential ingredient in keftedes (meatballs) and salads, especially when paired with tomato.
Sage – Grown in the mountains, sage is a popular ingredient in Greek tea.
Dill – This delicate herb can be found in pitas, salads and dolmades.
Parsley – Another salad favorite, parsley can also be found in a variety of cooked meat and vegetable dishes, prepared as usual with quality, local olive oil.
And the spices
Spices used in Greek cooking aren’t of the burning hot variety, but they are used to add zest to a range of both savory and sweet dishes.
Cumin – Cumin adds bite (without the burn) to meatballs known as soutzoukaki.
Cloves – Cloves are popular in many breads and sweets, and in stifado, a classic Greek beef stew.
Cinnamon – Another staple of the Greek pantry, cinnamon can be found in many meat dishes, sauces and tasty desserts.
