Ancient Greek Diet and Recipes

Diet:

The foods of ancient Greece were similar to foods we eat today, but did not include many that have become important parts of modern Greek cooking. For example, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and bananas didn't arrive in Greece until after the discovery of the Americas in the 15th century, because that's where those foods originated. Lemons, oranges, eggplant, and rice also arrived later. But the ancient Greeks enjoyed a varied diet. Vegetables, legumes, and fruit were the mainstay, and fish was a favorite.

Greek Orpheus Diet:


Vegetables

  • Arugula
  • Asparagus
  • Artichokes
  • Bulbs
  • Cabbage
  • Cardoons
  • Carrots
  • Cos lettuce (Romaine)
  • Cress
  • Cucumbers
  • Fennel
  • Garlic
  • Leeks
  • Squash (marrows)
  • Radishes
  • Turnips
  • Wild celery


Fruit

  • Apples
  • Bergamot oranges
  • Carobs
  • Figs
  • Grapes
  • Jujubes
  • Olives (yes, olives are a fruit)
  • Pears
  • Plums
  • Pomegranates
  • Quinces


Legumes

  • Beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils
  • Peas, green and yellow


Grains/Cereals
  • Barley (most commonly used for bread)
  • Wheat (spelt was widely grown and used)


Herbs & Spices
  • Coriander (and coriander leaves, also known as cilantro)
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Pepper
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Saffron
  • Thyme


Other Foods
  • Cheese
  • Honey
  • Milk
  • Nuts
  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar


Fermented Beverages
  • Beer
  • Honey mead
  • Wine



Orpheus Recipes:

Koukia:

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 kg fresh broad beans
  • 125 ml olive oil
  • 1 bunch spring onions, finely chopped
  • 1 spoon flour
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Dill, finely chopped


METHOD
Clean the broad beans and wash with plenty of water. Heat the oil in a saucepan and roast the onions. Add flour, the beans, salt and pepper. Add little water and cook over low heat until tender and only the oil remains.



Revithokeftedes:

INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 kg chick peas
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • Salt,
  • Pepper
  • Parsley,
  • Dill,
  • Oregano
  • Dry breadcrumb
  • Flour for binding the mixture and for coating
  • Some crumbled feta cheese or any grated cheese (optional)
  • Oil for frying


METHOD
Soak the chick peas in water overnight. Drain and mash with a mixer. Place in a bowl and add chopped onion, breadcrumb, finely chopped parsley, dill, oregano, salt and pepper. Add cheese and a little flour to bind. Mix well, form into small balls and coat in flour. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.





For more Info go to:

http://greek-recipe.com/