1 - 10 of 10 Posts

seleanor

Active member
I don't mean to be controversial here...but I'm curious about the origins of baklava. I've heard a lot of debate, does anyone know where it comes from?

baklava2.jpg
 
It's complicated! People from many different cultures and countries eat baklava. Since many people enjoy it, I would say why can't it be both?
 
  • Like
Reactions: d_kakavouli
I don't mean to be controversial here...but I'm curious about the origins of baklava. I've heard a lot of debate, does anyone know where it comes from?

View attachment 199
Greeks lived a very long time in todays turkish territory and Greece was occupied by the ottomans for 400 years. I think is it very difficult to say from which part things come from. On my first trip to Greece (1973), coffee was called turkish coffee. Today you should not order
it with this name. Why don't you just enjoy it and hope this two countries can live in peace one day.
 
It's complicated. Phyllo originated in Greece in the 3rd Century BC. There is a similar dessert in Ancient Greece that has the same filing but uses a different dough. Many believe that the dish itself came from the Byzantine Empire. The word baklava has Turkish origins, but that doesn't mean that the dessert wasn't Byzantine or Greek first, and then reabsorbed into he Greek Culture through the Turkish name for it (because of Ottoman occupation). Some credit the Syrians or Egyptians for making it first. It is popular throughout the Mediterranean and its origin hasn't been well documented, so all we can do is guess. I am Greek so I vote Greek, though!
 
  • Like
Reactions: d_kakavouli
Greeks lived a very long time in todays turkish territory and Greece was occupied by the ottomans for 400 years. I think is it very difficult to say from which part things come from. On my first trip to Greece (1973), coffee was called turkish coffee. Today you should not order
it with this name. Why don't you just enjoy it and hope this two countries can live in peace one day.
I had no idea that once upon a time they called in Turkish coffee in Greece too!
 
Is it Greek or Turkish? If it comes to that choice, it is Greek, for the simple reason that filo pastry was known and made in Ancient Greece. What else did they have in Ancient Greece? They had honey and they had almonds and walnuts. And that was a long time before the Turks arrived on the scene. Now, whether the Greeks actually invented baklava or borrowed it from an earlier culture...who knows? Also we should remember that Arab pirates raided the Dodecanese islands from the 7th century (?) AD onwards and as well as looting they would have abducted Greek women and taken them off to their lands. This is one way ideas and skills are promulgated.
 
Last edited:
Neither Greek nor Turkish. It's coming from Arabs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blopez34
Turks invented it, Greeks perfected it😉
All kidding aside, every country adds their own spin to it, it all tastes delicious!
 
Turks invented it, Greeks perfected it😉
All kidding aside, every country adds their own spin to it, it all tastes delicious!
I love tasting the different versions! That's the beauty of baklava
 

Most common seafood in Greece?

What is the most common seafood in Greece?

I recall having an abundance of delicious, fresh caught seafood but I can't remember the names of most of the fish. I had delicious octopus and that's the only thing I remember for sure.

I am going to Greece again - I thought I would try to figure what are some fish and other seafood, besides octopus, that I should look forward to?

I see octopus everywhere. I think I may have eaten fresh sardines at one point. Maybe some calamari and a different kind of lobster, too...

Choosing a Greek Olive Oil to Use for Cooking

I've recently become fascinated with the nuances of cooking oils, specifically Greek olive oil, and I'm curious about how others go about selecting the right one for their cooking needs. With its renowned flavor profile and health benefits, Greek olive oil is a staple in my kitchen. However, with so many varieties and flavor strengths (from robust to mild), I often find myself overwhelmed by the choices.

I have a great olive oil that I use as a finisher or to put on salad. I love the flavor so much. I only have a small quantity, though. So, I want to preserve it. In other words, I don't want to use it for cooking, I think it will ruin it.

How do I really choose a Greek olive oil to cook with?


greek-olive-oil.jpg

Learning about Greek honey

As part of my Lenten journey, I am replacing sugar with honey whenever I can. Sugar is overdone and feels like an indulgence. I read somewhere that honey is acceptable even during strict fasts, so I thought I'd get to know it a bit more.

Could anyone share insights or personal experiences on:

Traditional Greek Dishes Featuring Honey: Which are the standout dishes where honey plays a pivotal role?
I use honey with Greek yogurt and a bunch of desserts. Having desserts doesn't feel right during Lent, but the yogurt with honey sounds good?

Pairing Honey with Other Ingredients: Are there specific ingredients or types of honey that best complement certain Greek foods?
I love it with lemon in tea, but that's all I can think of.

Cooking Tips with Honey: Any tips on cooking with honey? Perhaps, how to balance its sweetness or how to choose the right honey for savory dishes versus desserts?
Does it lose its sweetness if it gets too hot? I tried to use it instead of sugar the other day in something I was making (bread) and I couldn't taste the honey.

Personal Favorite Recipes: Do you have any personal honey-infused recipes passed down or discovered that you’re willing to share?

greek-honey.jpg

Strict Lenten Fast Greek Salad

I have to prepare a salad for a lenten meal at church. Most people aren't super picky about it, as long as there are vegetables present.

Last time I prepared a salad, someone saw there was oil in the dressing and wouldn't touch the salad! So, I looked it up - and oil isn't allowed during lent for a strict fast. I had no idea.

How do I compose a salad for a crowd that caters to the strict fast?

I am thinking to make the salad and just use vegetables, nothing else.

Then, I can offer a regular dressing choice, and then also maybe just lemon wedges or some vinegar for the stricter fasters? Do you guys think that would work?

What do you eat for breakfast?

I have been wondering what traditional Greeks eat for breakfast. I am a bit Americanized in my habits, but I noticed I am constantly not very hungry in the morning.

From what I've gathered, a traditional Greek breakfast might not be as globally recognized as the full English breakfast or the American pancakes and bacon, but it's definitely a feast worth exploring. I'm curious, does anyone here know what a traditional Greek breakfast consists of?

From the initial research, it seems that fresh ingredients play a big role, with items like Greek yogurt, honey, fresh fruit, and nuts being quite common. There's also mention of various types of bread and pastries, such as the famous Spanakopita (spinach pie) and Tyropita (cheese pie). However, I believe there's more to discover and learn from personal experiences or detailed insights.

Do any of you have Greek heritage or have been to Greece and experienced a traditional Greek breakfast firsthand?
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top