Greek cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by the country's rich history, geography, and culture. From the sun - kissed olives of the Peloponnese to the fresh seafood caught in the Aegean Sea, Greek foods offer a unique and delicious experience. As a Food and Drink supplier, I have had the privilege of exploring and sourcing a wide range of authentic Greek products. In this blog, I'll introduce you to some common Greek foods that you can enjoy and potentially add to your menu or pantry.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is one of the most iconic Greek street foods. It consists of small pieces of meat, typically pork, chicken, or lamb, threaded onto a skewer and grilled to perfection. The meat is usually marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
Souvlaki can be served in various ways. It is often wrapped in a warm pita bread along with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki, a refreshing yogurt - based sauce made with cucumbers, garlic, and dill. Some people also like to add french fries inside the pita for an extra crunch. As a supplier, we can offer high - quality marinated meats for souvlaki and the necessary herbs and spices to recreate this classic Greek dish at home or in your restaurant.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a traditional Greek casserole that is similar to lasagna but with a distinct Greek twist. It typically layers eggplant slices, ground meat (usually beef or lamb), and a creamy béchamel sauce. The eggplant is first sliced and either grilled or baked until tender. The ground meat is cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices, creating a rich and savory filling.
The béchamel sauce, made from milk, flour, and butter, is poured over the layers of eggplant and meat and then baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly on top. Moussaka is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. We can provide you with fresh eggplants, high - quality ground meats, and the ingredients needed to make the béchamel sauce, ensuring an authentic moussaka experience.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a versatile and refreshing sauce that is used in many Greek dishes. As mentioned earlier, it is commonly served with souvlaki, but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables, pita chips, or as a spread on sandwiches. To make tzatziki, Greek yogurt is combined with grated cucumbers that have been squeezed to remove excess moisture, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
The yogurt provides a creamy base, while the cucumbers add a cool and crisp texture. The garlic and lemon juice give it a tangy flavor, and the dill adds a fresh and herbaceous note. Our company can supply you with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers, and the other ingredients required to make this delicious and healthy sauce.
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine. It is a brined cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. Feta has a salty and tangy flavor with a crumbly texture. It is commonly used in salads, such as the famous Greek salad, where it is paired with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Feta can also be used in cooked dishes, like spanakopita (spinach pie), where it is mixed with spinach and phyllo dough. As a supplier, we can offer you authentic Greek feta cheese, sourced from traditional producers in Greece, ensuring the highest quality and flavor.
Greek Salad
A Greek salad, also known as horiatiki salad, is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the fresh and vibrant ingredients of Greece. It typically includes ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, all dressed with a generous amount of extra - virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.
The tomatoes provide a sweet and juicy flavor, the cucumbers add a refreshing crunch, and the red onions bring a sharp and pungent note. The Kalamata olives are rich and briny, and the feta cheese adds a creamy and salty element. The oregano ties all the flavors together, giving the salad a distinct Greek taste. We can supply you with all the fresh produce and ingredients needed to make a perfect Greek salad.
Baklava
Baklava is a sweet and indulgent dessert that is popular in Greece and many other countries in the Middle East. It is made by layering thin sheets of phyllo dough with a mixture of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, or almonds, and a sweet syrup made from honey, sugar, and lemon juice.
The phyllo dough is very delicate and flaky, and when baked, it becomes crispy on the outside while the nut filling remains soft and chewy. The sweet syrup is poured over the baked baklava, soaking into the layers and adding a rich and sticky sweetness. Our company can provide you with high - quality phyllo dough, fresh nuts, and the ingredients for the syrup, allowing you to create this decadent dessert.
Greek Seafood Dishes
Given Greece's extensive coastline, seafood plays a significant role in Greek cuisine. One popular seafood dish is grilled octopus. The octopus is first tenderized by boiling it in water with a little vinegar or lemon juice. Then it is grilled and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. The result is a tender and flavorful dish with a slightly smoky taste.
Another delicious seafood option is Frozen Sea Scallops. Scallops can be pan - seared and served with a lemon butter sauce or added to pasta dishes. We can offer a variety of fresh and frozen seafood products, ensuring that you can bring the taste of the Aegean Sea to your table.
Other Greek Specialties
There are many other Greek foods worth mentioning. Ready To Eat Military Meals are a convenient option for those who want a quick and authentic Greek meal. These meals often include traditional dishes like moussaka or souvlaki, pre - prepared and ready to heat and eat.
Candied Ginger Slice is a sweet and spicy treat that can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in baking or cooking. It adds a unique flavor to desserts and can also be paired with cheese for an interesting flavor combination.
As a Food and Drink supplier, we are committed to providing you with the highest - quality Greek products. Whether you are a restaurant owner looking to expand your menu, a home cook wanting to try new recipes, or a distributor seeking to add Greek foods to your product line, we can meet your needs. We source our products directly from trusted producers in Greece, ensuring authenticity and freshness.
If you are interested in purchasing any of our Greek food products, we encourage you to reach out to us for a detailed discussion about your requirements. We can provide samples, pricing information, and delivery options to help you make an informed decision. Let's work together to bring the delicious flavors of Greece to your customers or your dining table.
References
- "The Greek Kitchen: Recipes from the Heart of Greece" by Diane Kochilas
- "Greek Food: A Contemporary Introduction" by Aglaia Kremezi
- Various articles from Greek culinary websites and magazines.