Αρχείο ετικέτας cretan recipes

The greek Dakos

Dakos, also called koukouvagia or koukouvayia is one of the most popular mezedes of the island!

Dakos consists of a slice of cracked barley bread, called paximadi that is garnished with crushed or grated ripe tomato and crumbled feta and oregano.

Let’s prepare Dakos!

Greek Dakos

Greek Dakos

Ingredients

  • 4 large round rusks
  • 3 large mature tomatoes
  • 8 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
  • 150 g feta cheese
  • 10-15 black olives
  • oregano
  • salt

Instructions

  • Grate the tomatoes and drain all the liquids.
  • Pass the rusk under running water (very quickly) and place on a plate. Cretan rusks are very hard but you do not want to soften them too much. It should still be crunchy but easily breakable. Here you could add some salt.
  • Add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it absorb. (Please note that here in Greece we often add much more olive oil, but this amount works fine).
  • Spoon the tomato on top, covering the whole rusk and then add the crumbled cheese.
  • Drizzle with another teaspoon of olive oil, some olives and oregano.

Bon Appétit!

Don’t forget to visit  www.cretaneshop.gr  to find excellent quality of cretan products for your recipes!

Propolis- The miracle of nature

Propolis is a product that bees collect to disinfect honeycombs that store their honey, as well as all their bees, and to embarrass any unwanted insect or small animal that entered it and killed it with their spears, unable to get it out.

It is a blend of wax, retinas of various trees they know, balm, essential oils and pollen. It was known as a natural medicine used by Aristotle’s for the treatment of kidney and other diseases, and scientists until recent years have considered it a natural medicine, with truly exciting results.

First phase of Propolis

First phase of Propolis

Propolis is a bee product known for its ability to stimulate the immune system as it increases the body’s defense against the flu and the common cold. It works against infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Propolis ingredients are:

+/- 5% pollen

+/- 10% essential oils

+/- 30% wax

+/- 55% resins and balm

+/- 5% various organic and inorganic substances

This resinous substance is a powerful worldwide drug, after research and experiments recognized:

1. antioxidants

2. anti-inflammatory

3. Antimicrobials such as:

a. antique

b. antibacterial

c. antifungal

d. anti-protozoan

4. immunomodulators,

5. Healing

Propolis Ingredients and its powerful healing and immunomodulatory properties have healing properties and restore and regenerate injured tissues. Propolis also reduces the amount of free radicals in inflammatory damage and increases collagen damage. Accelerates various enzymatic reactions, cell metabolism, blood circulation as well as collagen fiber formation due to the presence of bioflavonoids, arginine, vitamin C, provitamin A and B vitamins.

Propolis

Liquid of Propolis

It is clinically proven and verifiable by the application of propolis to thousands of recorded and different cases around the world. Propolis is more effective than penicillin and many modern antibiotics as bacteria, germs and viruses cannot resist its potent action.

Its potent action against viruses has been shown to:

– Herpes (highly effective in healing, healing the wounds associated with the virus and relieving its symptoms)

– adenitis

– fungal stomatitis

– has a potent effect on the tuberculosis bacterium

– helps regenerate tissues

– is a superior and endless source of energy and endurance

– strengthens the immune system as it strengthens innate and acquired immunity

Propolis is safe when taken orally or properly applied to the skin. It only causes allergic reactions in people who are allergic to bees or bee products.

Note: The anti-allergic properties of propolis are known but some people (five in a thousand) are allergic to bee products, these people should be careful and always consult their doctor

Cretaneshop.gr informs you that dietary supplements do not replace balanced nutrition or medical advice / advice and are not medicines.

Don’t forget to visit  www.cretaneshop.gr  to find excellent quality of greek propolis!

(Text and text editing: botanologia.gr)

Cretan herbal tea!

Try a special recipe, which  tastes amazing and will give you extra energy!

Herbal Tea

Herbal Tea

ingredients

Orange peel, Cinnamon, Fliskun, Plumper, Sage and Mint

For serving

Thyme honey

Slice of orange

Implementation

Boil the herbs (in the proportions we like) together with the cinnamon and orange peel over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, strain and serve in mugs.

If we add some honey and decorate with 1 slice of orange and a cinnamon stick in each cup,it will be perfect!!

Enjoy it!

Don’t forget to visit  www.cretaneshop.gr  to find excellent quality of greek products,  like cretan herbs, for amazing recipes!

 

Lamb with lady’s fingers!

Delicious lamp with lady’s fingers. A simple and easy recipe for a dish where the perfect combination of meat with lady’s fingers and curry gives it a great taste. Try it!

Lamp with lady's fingers

Lamp with lady’s fingers

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 kg lamp (sliced)

1/2 kg of lady’s fingers

One large onion (chopped)

1 cup chopped tomato

1 cup of water

some curry

​​salt and black pepper

Instructions

In a large, deep frying pan, add olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and mix well. Add the onion, salt, pepper, curry and continue to mix. Add the tomato, the lady’s fingers, water and simmer for 40 minutes.

Our dish is ready!

Bon appetit!

Don’t forget to visit  www.cretaneshop.gr  to find excellent quality of greek products, for amazing recipes!

Photo source

Greek fava recipe

Fava is an easy Greek soup to make and its bright yellow color is a pretty addition to any Fall table. It can also be served as an appetizer, mezethes , or a side dish.

Greek Fava

Greek Fava

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. yellow split peas
  • 2 onions
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 lemon
  • Pinch of Salt

Instructions

Wash and cover peas and cold water. Bring the water to a boil. Peel and quarter one of the onions. Add it to the pot and simmer it together with the beans for an hour until the beans are soft.

Drain the peas in a strainer. Meanwhile, peel and chop the remaining onion and saute on medium heat in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for five minutes. Add the peas and another tablespoon of olive oil and saute on medium-low heat for five minutes, stirring occasionally.

Transfer the peas to a serving bowl, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and a pinch of salt.

Bon appetit!

Don’t forget to visit  www.cretaneshop.gr  to find excellent quality of greek products, for amazing recipes!

Photo source

Cuttlefish with spinach! So yummy!

This is a delicious traditional Greek food! Try it at home!

Cuttlefish with Spinach

Cuttlefish with Spinach

Ingredients

  • 1 kg cuttlefish
  • 1 kg spinach
  • 3 onions
  • parsley
  • dill
  • 1 tea cup olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • lemon juice

Directions

  1. Wash and chop the cuttlefish in pieces. Remove the backbone, the skin, the eyes and cut the tentacles in pieces. Let it drain.
  2. Wash the spinach thoroughly and chop it in pieces.
  3. Peel and chop the onions, saute them in a saucepan with olive oil.
  4. Add the cuttlefish and its tentacles and saute for a while.
  5. Then add the spinach, the parsley (chopped), the dill, salt and pepper.
  6. Add a cup of water and simmer in low temperature until only the oil remains.
  7. Do not put to much salt because the cuttlefish has a salty taste itself. Remove from heat and pour the lemon juice. Serve hot or cold.

Bon appetit!

Don’t forget to visit  www.cretaneshop.gr  to find excellent quality of greek products, for amazing recipes!

Photo by: Déspina Kortesidou

Baked chicken in the oven, with honey and lavender!

Let’s try this amazing recipe! Our favorite chicken, with some different touches…

Baked chicken in the oven, with honey and lavender!

Baked chicken in the oven, with honey and lavender!

Ingredients

A whole chicken, cut into small pieces

Salt

Chicken marinade

1 tablespoon grated lavender

4 tablespoons of extra vergin olive oil

4 tablespoons honey

juice of 1 lemon

Thyme

Preparation

Mix well all the marinade ingredients and marinate the chicken. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Place the chicken in a baking pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. Serve hot with fried potatoes or wild rice!

Bon Appétit!

In our online store, you can find great quality of extra virgin olive oil, honey and cretan herbs.

Visit www.cretaneshop.gr and for any information contact us: 0030-2810821050 or eshop@arolithos.com

 

Ηomemade halva with sesame, tahini & honey!

An amazing and healthy recipe! Cook a delicious dessert, for you and your family with minimal effort! Lets go! 🙂

χαλβάς με σουσάμι, ταχίνι & μέλι

halva with sesame, tahini & honey

Ingredients

1 ½ cup Sesame

3 to 4 tablespoons tahini

¾ cup honey

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons cocoa

Recipe

Mix in a deep dish well all the ingredients to be homogenized.

We divide our halva into two parts. In one place add the cocoa and knead the halva to incorporate the cocoa. If we want we can add some more honey to the cocoa halva.

In a small cake form (long or round, we put the halva and press it with the fingers to take the form)

We can lay it first and over it with cocoa.

Put for an hour in the refrigerator. Serve it in small pieces with cinnamon or nuts.

Bon Appétit!

 

 

GREEK MOUSSAKA

Traditional Greek Mousakas

Traditional Greek Mousakas

 

 

Greek moussaka (Mousakas)

The spices you have to use for this delicious greek specialty you may find them in cretaneshop.gr

  • eggplants: 3-4
  • potatoes: 4, peeled
  • beef (or lamb): 500g, ground
  • onions: 2 large, finely diced
  • garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • red wine: ½ cup
  • parsley: 1/4 cup, fresh, chopped
  • tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree): 1 cup
  • sugar: 1 teaspoon
  • salt a bit
  • pepper freshly ground
  • breadcrumbs: 2 cups
  • kefalotyri or parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated
  • For the bechamel sauce:
  • butter: 1 cup
  • flour 1 cup
  • milk: 4 cups, warmed
  • eggs: 4, lightly beaten
  • ground nutmeg a pinch

Directions

  1. Slice eggplants into 1/2 inch slices, salt them and place them in a colander in the sink for 20 minutes (the salt helps to remove some of the bitterness). Boil the potatoes whole until they are just done and slice them in 1/4 inch slices. Preheat the oven to 200oC. Lightly grease a big flat plate and add breadcrumbs on it. Rinse the eggplants, dry them and fry in hot olive oil, from both sides until colored.
  2. In a large sauté pan, brown the ground beef (or lamb). Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add wine and allow it to simmer. Add parsley, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes so that excess liquid can evaporate. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Make the béchamel: Melt butter over low heat. Using a whisk, add flour whisking continuously to make a smooth paste. Add warmed milk to mixture whisking continuously. Simmer over low heat until it thickens a bit but does not boil. Remove from heat and stir in the beaten eggs and a pinch of nutmeg. Return to heat and stir until sauce thickens.
  4. Place the potatoes in the flat pan. Top with a layer of eggplant slices. Add meat sauce and sprinkle with 1/4 of the grated cheese. Top with another layer of eggplant slices and sprinkle once again with 1/4 of the grated cheese. Pour the béchamel sauce over the eggplants, smooth on top with a spatula and sprinkle with remaining grated cheese. Bake in a 180-200°C oven for 45-50 minutes or until béchamel sauce gets a nice golden brown color. Allow to cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

Mousakas is by all means the most famous and best selling Greek specialty. The layers of ground beef, potatoes, eggplant and béchamel are simply superb.

Αρχική

 

The miracle of Cretan Diet!

For hundreds of years Cretan edible products and their combinations, are the most healthy and rich flavors of the Mediterranean area! There is also no coincidence that Cretans have good health, especialy in the past years since they used Cretan diet daily! Pure olive oil, cretan herbs, milk and cheese, greens, pulses, pasta, snails, honey, vegetables and fruits, are a few of the many foods that the Cretan nature have given to us! Συνέχεια →