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Fasting & Feasting~Greek Foods for Body & Soul

4/15/2019

6 Comments

 
Picture: Palm Sunday palmsPalm Sunday palms at Church of Our Saviour, Rye, NY
Lenten Customs & Foods
As we enter into Greek [Christian] Orthodox Holy Week following the 40 days of fasting and prayer known as Great Lent, we become mindful of the passion of Christ during this very special and meaningful time of year. 

Throughout this period of reflection, the discipline of abstaining from meat, fish, and dairy products strengthens the spirit and allows the heart and mind to focus on non-material things: the temptations of power, pride, and possessions. This process allows the faithful to travel the road Christ followed for 40 days and nights before being tempted by Satan. 

Palm Sunday, symbolized by blessed palm crosses (left), welcomes Christ into Jerusalem and into our hearts. This day we share a meal of vegetables, legumes, beets, fish, and Skordalia (skor-da-liÁH, garlic sauce/dip) before entering a week of strict fasting.

But fasting isn’t the most important observance during this time. To quote a good friend and our priest, Rev. Father Elias Villis (Church of Our Saviour, Rye, NY), “It’s not necessarily what goes 
into the mouth but rather what comes out of the mouth that is most important.” What good is it to fast and then gossip or be unkind?! Quoting another good friend and Pastoral Minister at our church, George Hazlaris, “Once we have changed our diet, we have to be careful to not be overfilling our stomachs.”  Easier said than done…sometimes eating a meat-, fish-, and dairy-free diet can be challenging but for our cookbook we came up with many creative ways to make Lenten (Vegan) dishes by adapting some of Kukla’s traditional ones.

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Necessity is truly the mother of invention. When faced with 40-plus days of fasting, it takes a creative mind to come up with a number of meal options to maintain good health and nutrition. Brown rice and vegetables are good substitutes for meat in many of our fillings, like those in stuffed tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Tired of rice? Try using grains like quinoa, barley, or bulgur…all work very well with the added bonus of superfood nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and iron. Our creative zeal actually filled a chapter in our cookbook, providing recipes for vegans as well as those who are fasting.

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LAGANA
Wheat flour is a grain featured in Lagana, a Greek flat bread traditionally served on Clean Monday (the first day of Lent), that many now use to complement soups and stews throughout Lent and Holy Week.
 
2 to 2½ cups bread flour, divided, plus more for work surface
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 cup warm water, divided
1 packet active dry yeast (¼ ounce)
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for coating
½ teaspoon salt
Sesame seeds, for topping
 
1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups bread flour and the wheat flour. Make a well in the center and add ¼ cup warm water and the yeast, stirring together the yeast and water just until the yeast is dissolved (do not stir in the flour). Let stand 5 minutes.
 
2. Add the remaining ¾ cup water, the olive oil, and salt to the bowl and mix until combined well. Using hands, form into a dough (if too wet, add additional flour, as needed). On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and kneed 10 to 15 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic.
 
3. Coat a large bowl with olive oil and transfer the dough to the bowl, turning once to coat top. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then a towel, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
 
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil. Kneed the dough for a couple of minutes, until deflated and smooth, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch out the dough into an oval, about 12 by 8 inches, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Cover again and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
 
5. During the last 10 minutes of rising, arrange rack in center of the oven and heat to 375°F. Press fingertips into the dough to create dimples throughout. Lightly brush the dough with water or olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
 
6. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool at least 5 minutes before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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​Recipe © copyright 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style, kuklaskouzina.com 

Holy Week Highlights
Holy Thursday evening presents the reading of the 12 gospels that recant the Passion of Christ. 

On Good Friday evening the candle-bearing faithful exit the church during the Lamentation service and join the procession following the priest and the flower-laden kouvouklion (casket) of Christ—a magnificent sight that draws the attention of everyone within viewing distance. 

Holy Week comes to a climax Holy Saturday evening just before midnight when the priest and congregation gather outside the church (weather permitting). At midnight the church bells ring in celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and “Xristos Anesti!” (Christ is risen!) is proclaimed by the priest, then a resounding “Alithos Anesti!” (Truly He is risen!) is the enthusiastic response from the congregation. This joyous exchange is ensued by the singing of the hymns of Odes and Praises of the Resurrection before reentering the church. After services, traditional Magiritsa (lamb’s-head soup), Avgolemono (egg-lemon soup), feta cheese, olives, and Tsoureki (Greek Easter bread) with red-dyed eggs (representing the blood of Christ and the Resurrection or rebirth), are served in the church’s hall. Some churches serve a full Pascha [Easter] meal!  

Pascha Celebration
Following the fasting comes the rejoicing and feasting on Pascha Sunday.

In lieu of a liturgy, we have a late morning Agape (Love) church service (during which the Gospel according to John is read in various languages)…that feeds the spirit!

At home, the scent of oregano-lemon roasted lamb and potatoes fills the air…and feeds the anxious belly, along with Tzatziki (cucumber-yogurt dip), Spanakopita (spinach pie), and Galaktomboureko (citrus-custard pita with syrup). A suitable celebration and a meal worth the wait!

Next week we’ll bring you photos of Holy Week church services and the foods from our upcoming Pascha banquet. Check us out on Pinterest for more photos of our foods!

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news​.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly
Bookmark and Share
Kukla's Kouzina blogs on the Greek foods and faithful customs of Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha:
Greek Cheesefare Week
Lenten Cuisine~A Faith-Inspired Journey
Lenten Kouzina Made Easy
Greek Foods of Lent

Source
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Copyright © Palm Sunday photo courtesy of Church of Our Saviour, Rye, NY

Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!     

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
6 Comments

Lenten Kouzina Made Easy

4/8/2019

4 Comments

 
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Fasting periods such as Lent can be a challenge as you repeatedly ask yourself the burning questions, “What can I eat today?” or “Peanut butter? AGAIN???” I can’t tell you how many Greeks are now, at this moment, trying to scrape it off the roof of their mouths, and will swear off of nut butters for months after Easter. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Not that there’s anything wrong with peanut butter, but too much of any good thing can be, well, too much. Vegetarians and vegans have figured out how to create diverse meatless menus and so will you with just a few simple tips on how to convert a standard dish into a delicious Lenten-appropriate meal.

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Fasting means no meat or meat products, as well as avoiding some seafood. Rule of thumb, if it comes from an animal containing blood, it’s out. So the foods that need to be replaced are all meats, dairy (such as milk, cheese, and butter), and fish—shellfish, calamari, and octopus are the exceptions since they contain no blood. 
[Note: In case you’re wondering why expensive shellfish is allowed and not less expensive fish, once upon a time, bottom-feeding shellfish was unwanted because it was considered unclean, and it was therefore cheap. The need for protein in the Lenten diet led to eventually incorporating shellfish, and to the discovery of how good it is. That discovery jacked up the price.]

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So often, people try to fill a hunger pang with bread and pasta, then end up gaining weight and not feeling so good. 

When you shift your focus to healthy fasting it becomes a life-renewing experience, and isn’t that what Lent should be about?


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5 foods transform into meatless meals

MEAT
✚ Greeks love Makaronada, a pasta dish with a thick meat sauce made with tomatoes and ground beef. Instead of putting your recipe away, replace the beef with kidney beans to make a Lenten pasta sauce that’s hearty. Kidney beans have a rich texture and add much-needed protein when fasting, plus they’re seriously flavorful.

✚ When making Gemista, veggies with stuffings (like Lahanodolmadades or Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers), instead of ground meat, add cooked quinoa…it’s a superfood packed with protein, potassium, and fiber. To give that fiber a boost, use brown rice instead of white (this works really well in vegetarian chili recipes too!). But be forewarned, you may like this meatless version so much that you won’t go back.

✚ These suggestions can also be applied to layered pitas like Moussaka. Instead of meat-sauce layers, layer with beans, quinoa, or take it one step further and add cooked shrimp, thinly sliced scallops or octopus (also precooked). 
See below for dairy substitutes to use when making béchamel sauce for the Moussaka.

✚ Meat can easily be replaced in most recipes with grains like rice (use brown for extra nutrients and fiber), legumes, orzo (or other pasta), vegetables, or shellfish. 

Think about what flavors and textures would go best in your recipes, then make the swap!
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BUTTER
✚ We use olive oil most of the time, fasting or not. It’s great in baked potatoes, fries up yummy eggs, and it’s delish for dipping bread. It not only tastes good but it’s healthier than butter.

✚ For baking, you’ll want to use a lighter oil like canola or a non-dairy spread like Smart Balance Organic—it’s 100% vegan, non-GMO, with no hydrogenated anything. I mention this brand because, after scouring a number of supermarket dairy aisles, we found very few butter alternatives out there that are actually healthy.

✚ In times of strict fasting, canola oil can be used instead of olive oil. It’s healthier than other vegetable oils and it’s our swap-out choice for butter in Halva.

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MILK
✚ For taking it straight, the choices are vast—almond milk (my fav), coconut milk, rice milk, soy milk, plain, vanilla, chocolate—so go with what tastes good to you.

✚ For baking, cup-for cup, almond milk is great (did I mention it’s my favorite?). Coconut milk is okay if you want a tropical flavor. Soy milk tends to be a bit tart and bland so use soy if you prefer no added flavor at all. Rice milk, though neutral in flavor, tends to be watery so it might make your batter too loose.

✚ For sauces, custard tarts, or puddings, it gets a bit tricky. Think about the flavor that would go best with what you’re making. If you don’t want an added flavor, use rice milk. Keep in mind that you’ll probably need to go up on your thickener since cow’s milk is more binding than these milks. Start with a little thickener and increase as needed.

✚ For anything else, again, think about the flavor of the dish, then choose your milk.

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CHEESE
✚ It’s hard to replace something as gooey and rich as cheese, and the fake stuff tastes, well, fake. If you’re making an omelet or pie, add chopped olives, or sliced mushrooms or diced tofu sautéed in olive oil, to fill it with flavor and texture.

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EGGS
✚ For breakfast, make oatmeal or have cereal…unless you like egg substitutes.

✚ For baking quiche or custard-like dishes, for each egg, substitute ¼ cup pureed soft tofu.

✚ For desserts like cakes, for each egg, substitute ¼ cup applesauce or ¼ cup mashed banana. 

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly
For more egg substitution ideas, check out peta.org.

For vegan baking tips go to veganbaking.net.

For standard Greek Lenten recipes, take a look at thespruce.com.

I hope you enjoyed Lenten Kouzina Made Easy. Lenten and vegetarian recipes, as well as more how-to tips, will be featured in our upcoming cookbook. Stay tuned for more uniquely Greek and Karpathian food ideas that you can add to your kouzina routine.

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.

Until then~
Kali orexi!  Good appetite!

Kelly
​
Bookmark and Share
Kukla's Kouzina blogs on the Greek foods and faithful customs of Lent:
Greek Cheesefare Week
Fasting & Feasting…Greek Foods for Body & Soul
Lenten Cuisine~A Faith-Inspired Journey
Greek Foods of Lent

Coming up:
Greek Holy Week & Pascha~Easter Foods

Sources
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
WebMD

Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
4 Comments

Flour Kouzina

10/29/2018

10 Comments

 

One Size Does Not Fit All

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Flour, or as we say alevri (αλεύρι, ah-LEH-vree), goes beyond the all-purpose category in the Greek/Karpathian kouzina. The flours we use include many varieties and textures that create everything from breads to rusks to cookies to custards. The protein content in flour can range from 5 to 15 percent, resulting in two basic types of flour, soft and hard. Soft flour has less protein, making it ideal for pastries, cookies, and cakes, while hard flour is higher in protein and gluten, which produces an elastic dough, making it perfect for yeast breads. Organic/unbleached is recommended for all flours whenever possible. We prefer Greek flours for their smooth texture (yielding supple instead of tight results), and exceptional taste. Once the package is opened, all flours will remain fresh for about one month, particularly in warm climates (always check the date on the package to make sure it’s fresh). After one month it would be best to store flour in the freezer in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. To keep flour fresh when at room temperature, store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container with a couple of bay leaves—this works beautifully to keep flour bug-free. 

If you’ve ever been in a Greek market’s baking section and were not familiar with the labels and numbering system on the packages, you probably just kept going. Greek and European flours are similarly labeled and are worth getting to know. Following are the basic types of flours we use and how we use them:

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ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: ALEVRI GIA OLES TIS HRISIS (αλεύρι για όλες τις χρήσεις, 
ah-LEH-vree yah OH-lehs tees HREE-sees)
This “flour-for-all-uses” is a blend of soft and hard wheat with an average protein content of about 9 to 11 percent. It can be used for making everything from bread to pastry to cookies (like koulourakia, kourambiedes, and melomakarona/finikia).

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MELOMAKARONA/FINIKIA
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HARD FLOUR #1: ALEVRI SKLIRO #1 (αλεύρι σκληρό, ah-LEH-vree sklee-ROH)
BREAD FLOUR: ALEVRI ZYMOTO (αλεύρι ζυμωτό, ah-LEH-vree zee-moh-TOH)
Hard flour and bread flour are made from hard wheat varieties that have a protein/gluten content of 12 to 14 percent, which translates into rich texture and high rise. These flours are best for making yeast breads, rusks, and sturdy dough/crust for a pita. Depending on the recipe, these flours can be used alone or can be combined with all-purpose, whole-wheat, and/or barley flours.

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TYROPITA
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SOFT FLOUR #2: ALEVRI MALAKO #2 (αλεύρι μαλακό, ah-LEH-vree mah-lah-KOH)
Soft flour is made from finely milled soft wheat that is low in protein and high in starch with a protein content of about 6 to 9 percent. When recipes require a flakey, delicate texture, like tender diples or Karpathian baklava, soft flour is preferred over all-purpose. Substitutes include cake (6 to 8 percent protein) and pastry flour (8 to 9 percent protein), depending on what you’re making.

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KARPATHIAN BAKLAVA
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WHOLE-WHEAT FLOUR: ALEVRI OLIKIS (αλεύρι ολικής, ah-LEH-vree oh-lee-KEES)
Whole-wheat flour is milled from the entire kernel of hard wheat and has a protein content of about 14 percent. This flour is used in breads like kouloures, and is usually added to all-purpose flour and/or barley flour for added texture and prominent wheat flavor.

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KARPATHIAN KOULOURES
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BARLEY FLOUR: KRITHARALEVRO (κριθαράλευρο, kree-thah-RAH-leh-vroh)
Barley flour is milled from pearl or whole-grain barley and has a protein/gluten content of about 5 to 8 percent. This sweet, nutty-tasting flour is darker than all-purpose, is lower in fat, and has a similar texture to whole-wheat flour. It’s usually combined with whole-wheat and/or all-purpose flour to make hearty breads and rusks/biscuits (paximadia).

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PAXIMADIA
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SEMOLINA: SIMIGDALI (σιμιγδάλι, see-mee-gthAH-lee), fine and course textures
Semolina is the ground endosperm of durum, a hard wheat, with a protein/gluten content of about 13 percent. Fine semolina (σιμιγδάλι ψιλό, see-mee-gthAH-lee psee-LOH) is used for sweet pites like galaktomboureko. Course semolina (σιμιγδάλι χονδρό, see-mee-gthAH-lee hohn-thROH) is used for desserts like halva.

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HALVA
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FARINA: FARINA (φαρίνα, fah-REE-nah)
Farina is the milled endosperm of hard wheat varieties (not including durum) that has a fine granular appearance with a protein content of about 10 percent. Because of its self-rising, fluffy texture when cooked, it is used to prepare the most flavorful sweet and savory indulgences such as breads, pies, tarts, and syruped sponge cakes, like revani. 

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REVANI
We have had the wonderful privilege of learning from two gifted teachers, our mom (Kukla) and Aunt Francis (her sister), when it came to all things cooking and baking (and life!)—the added bonus was having our yiayia’s recipes and lessons passed on to us. Sometimes we take it for granted that our knowledge of simple elements (like flour) in the Greek kouzina is common when sometimes it’s not. We hope that this installment of Greek ingredients has helped demystify what all of these different flours are used for and how you can experiment in your own kouzina to get the results you want. 

We encourage you to cook and bake with your family and friends, and enjoy the process. Engage your kids to help and learn. The memories, lessons, and laughter that result from your time together will last a lifetime, for them and for you. These are the moments that will forever be cherished…they are for us!

Got Greek Flour?

The following in-store and online options will have you saying “YES”!

If you’re in the New York City area you can find these Greek flours (and more) at the following markets (they do phone orders and ship as well):

Titan Foods
25-56 31st Street
LIC, N.Y, 11102
718-626-7771

Mediterranean Foods (2 locations)
30-12 34th Street
Astoria, NY 11103
718-728-6166

22-78 35th Street
Astoria, NY 11105
718-721-0266

If you don’t live near these markets but have a Greek Orthodox Church nearby, chances are they know of a Greek/Mediterranean shop in the area.

Online shopping is the next best thing but you won’t find the selection that’s available in-store. Here’s where you can purchase Greek flour, as well as other foods and items:

Titan Foods
Recipiada

King Arthur Flour has a comparable organic line as well as European-style varieties.

I hope you enjoyed Flour Kouzina. The recipes for the foods pictured here will be featured in our upcoming cookbook. Stay tuned for more uniquely Greek and Karpathian ingredients that you can add to your kouzina pantry.

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly
Bookmark and Share

Copyright © 2018 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
10 Comments

Grain Kouzina

3/19/2018

0 Comments

 

Greek “Grain of Tooth”

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Greek grains come in different forms, and are a fiber-rich food of the Mediterranean Diet. From ancient times to today’s kouzina, they’re considered an essential ingredient in Greek cooking, and are one of the main components of fasting and Lenten meals.

From pearly-white rice to whole-wheat kernels, grains fortify some of the most popular Greek dishes, including appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts. This is a Greek kouzina staple that can perform in the background or take a bow center stage. Are you ready to take a bite? …did I hear a “yes”? Lets go then!

Here’s my guide of the most used grains in our kouzina, followed by in-store and online purchase options.

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Rice (ρύζι)
(reezi, pronounced REE-zee)

The five basic types of rice most commonly used in Greek cooking can be found in translucent, pearly whites (similar in appearance to Arborio) and pale-yellow to brown hues, with sizes ranging from medium to long grain.

Glassé (γλασέ, ghlah-SEH, meaning glossy): white medium grain. Best for soups like magiritsa (Pascha/Easter lamb soup) and desserts.

Carolina (καρολίνα, kah-roh-LEE-nah): white medium to long grain. Best for stuffings like dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), risotto, and desserts like rizogalo (rice pudding).

Nychaki (νυχάκι, nee-HAH-kee, meaning little fingernail): white long grain. Best for pilafs like spanakorizo (rice with spinach) and salads.

Kitrino (κίρτρινο, KEE-tree-noh, meaning yellow): parboiled (converted) white long-grain rice that has turned a pale yellow after processing. Best for gemista (stuffed foods) like stuffed tomatoes and peppers, pilaf, and rice side dishes.

Kastano (καστανό, kah-stah-NOH, meaning chestnut colored): brown rice. Can used as a substitute for white or yellow rice in many recipes to add healthy fiber to a meal.

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Pourgouri / Pligouri  (πουργούρι / πλιγούρι) 
(pronounced poo-RYOO-ree / plee-YOO-ree)

Bulgur wheat. Interchangeable with kritharaki, trahana, or kofto in a number of dishes, pourgouri makes soups, salads (above), and side dishes heartier. It can also be cooked alone and served with yogurt.

Pligouri Salata (πλιγούρι σαλάτα, pronounced plee-YOO-ree sah-LAH-tah), Bulgar Salad, is a toss of bulgur, herbs, cucumber, and tomato, which make it as visually appetizing as it is delicious.

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Farro or wheat berries (φήρον)
(pronounced FEE-rohn)

The whole berry of the wheat grain is used to make salads but it’s best known as the main ingredient in koliva, the decorated dish prepared and offered at Greek memorials. The memorial service for departed loved ones is customarily held immediately after Sunday liturgy, with the koliva placed on a table in front of the alter. The service remembers the souls of those who have passed, during which time everyone prays for their eternal memory and resurrection.

Why farro?
When a wheat seed is planted (buried) in the soil, it eventually emerges as a new plant. In the Greek Orthodox faith, one must die and be buried in order to be resurrected. The wheat in the koliva symbolizes this cycle of eternal life, emphasizing rebirth and regeneration. This ancient custom was derived from Jesus Christ when he spoke about the Resurrection: "Unless the grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies it bears much fruit." (John 12:24)

What’s in Koliva (κόλλυβα)?
(pronounced KOH-lee-vah)

Koliva is basically made up of boiled whole-wheat berries, raisins, pomegranate seeds (for fertility/rebirth), walnuts, sesame seeds, parsley, and sugar. This mixture is mounded on a plate and completely covered with powdered sugar, then decorated with nonpareils and Jordan almonds (koufeta), making the sign of a cross and often the initials of the person the service is being held for. After the conclusion of church services, the koliva are offered to everyone during coffee hour. Because they have been blessed, any leftover koliva can not be thrown away so it’s customary to toss them onto grassy areas for animals and birds to feed on.
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Got Greek Grains?

The following in-store and online options will have you saying “YES” !

If you’re in the New York City area, you can find these Greek grains (and more) at the following markets (some items are available on their websites):

Titan Foods
25-56 31st Street
LIC, N.Y, 11102
718-626-7771

Mediterranean Foods (2 locations)
22-78 35th Street
Astoria, NY 11105
718-728-0266

30-12 34th Street
Astoria, NY 11103
718-728-6166

If you don’t live near these markets but have a Greek Orthodox Church nearby, chances are they know of a Greek/Mediterranean shop in the area.

Online shopping is the next best thing (or maybe the first). Here’s where you can find Greek grains, as well as other foods and items:

Recipiada
Parthenon Foods (bulgur)
igourmet.com (farro)

I hope you enjoyed Grain Kouzina. Many of these grains will be featured in recipes in our upcoming cookbook! Stay tuned for more uniquely Greek and Karpathian foods that you can add to your kouzina pantry.

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday.

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly
Bookmark and Share

Copyright © 2018 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
0 Comments

Greece: An Edible Revival~Legumes & Rice

10/23/2017

2 Comments

 

Greece—Out of the Ashes

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When we think of Greece, we have visions of breathtaking beaches and landscapes, awe-inspiring ruins, and, of course, food! If necessity is the mother of invention, Greece has given birth (once again!) to some of the most innovative and sumptuous foods that are sure to boost the country’s economy while tantalizing your taste buds! This week it’s all about what’s trending in legumes and rice from the homeland.
 
All of the items listed below are produced in Greece, by Greek people, with Greek culture, using Greek ingredients. It doesn’t get much more Greek, or delicious, than that.

Delicious Made Fast & Easy

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Greek Mama Cooks Best from legume and rice producer Arosis puts authentic homemade taste in a jar with Greek Giant Baked Beans (Gigantes) in tomato sauce, Greek Small Lentils (faki) with Honey and Balsamic Vinegar, and gourmet Greek legume pates in Fava Salad with Capers, Small Lentils and Green Olives Pate, and Humus Salad. Let this Greek mama cook for you! arosis.gr 
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Mediterranean Snacks Tapaz 2 Go hummus in three flavors—classic, roasted pepper, and roasted garlic, with lentil crackers—is non-GMO, all natural, packed with 7 grams of protein, and requires no refrigeration, so eating on the run is easy, yummy, and healthy! Plus each serving has 250 calories or less.

​Also try their gluten-free BeanStalks for a straw-shaped, crunchy snack made the ancient Greek way, with today’s superfood, legumes. Mediterranean Snacks Tapaz 2 Go


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​Agrino Bistro risotto line is gourmet in a bag that cooks up in just 10 minutes and is available in flavors that will jump off your dinner menu, including Greek Red Saffron, Truffle, Four Cheeses, and Arrabiata. Perfect for serving as a side dish or enhancing with meat or fish to take this creamy rice dish to main-course status.

Why cook for hours when Agrino Bistro can do it for you? Make sure you hide the package and no one will ever know (we won’t say a word!). agrino.com 
 

Many Greek/Mediterranean markets carry these products. If yours doesn’t, ask them if they can order them for you. Feel free to contact the companies through their websites for shopping info in your area. Some items are available online on Amazon, and titanfoods.net carries all things Greek and ships nationwide (call them if you don’t see what you want on their website). Oh, and Google works too!
 
I hope you enjoyed this third installment of our coverage on what’s new in food products from Greece​. Join us again next week for what’s trending in Greek cooking staples. If you missed our posts on olives and honey, here’s your chance to catch up: Greece: An Edible Revival~Olives, Greece: An Edible Revival~Honey.

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

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Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
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    about

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    This Greek cooking blog is a companion to our  cookbook series 
    KUKLA’S KOUZINA: 
    A Gourmet Journey~
    Greek Island Style, including Meze 
    ​
    (Appetizers & Petite Plates) and Spreads & Dips, on Amazon. Visit our BOOKS page for more info.


    It's a Greek cooking school in your own home. Here you'll learn about Greek foods and will find cooking techniques that will demystify what is sometimes considered a complicated cuisine, allowing you recreate the dishes of the gods in your own kitchen! ​

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    olive oil kouzina

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       This exquisite olive oil produced by Mentis Estate is hand picked and carefully pressed by local artisans, creating a pure unblended oil that is aromatic and fruity with an acidity of less than 0.5%. 
       Mentis Estate is truly the finest olive oil we at Kukla's Kouzina have ever tasted and it's our first choice for serving with crusty bread, drizzling on salads, and finishing a dish. 

       Check out our blog Olive Oil~Branch to Bottle to see what makes Mentis Estate so special. Delicious (υπέροχος)!

    author  
    Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

    Read all about Kelly, Kukla's Kouzina's blogger, and the rest of our team in our about page!


    categories

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    About Kukla
    Aprons On...Inhibitions Gone!
    Artichokes: Heart Your Salad
    Beef
    Blooper Videos
    Bright Week Kouzina
    Chocolate
    Cocktail Kefi
    Cocktails With A Greek Twist
    Cookie Bloopers & Laughs
    Cut The [Greek] Cheese!
    Desserts
    Dessert Wine & Sweets Pairing ~ Part 2
    Dolmathakia (dolmadakia)
    Drink Like A Greek~OPA!
    Eat Your Fava
    Fasting & Feasting~Greek Foods For Body & Soul
    Fasting Foods
    Feta
    Feta Feast
    Fish
    Flour Kouzina
    Friend Your Fillo
    Get Into The Greek Spirit ~opa 2
    Go Greek Cooking 101
    Go Greek Cooking 101-the Basics
    Grain Kouzina
    Great Greek Pumpkin Pie (Kolokithopita)
    Greece~An Edible Revival
    Greece Cuisine
    Greece: Trending Edibles
    Greek Artichokes 101
    Greek Baking
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    Greek Bread
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    Greek Cheese~delectable Varieties And Uses
    Greek Cheesefare Week
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    Greek Cooking With A Karpathos Island Twist
    Greek Customs
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    Greek Dolmathes Dolmades~stuff Wrap Roll
    Greek Foods
    Greek Foods Of Lent
    Greek Grains
    Greek Herbs~Spices & Flavorings
    Greek Holy Week & Pascha~easter Foods
    Greek~Karpathos Recipes
    Greek Kouzina In A Can
    Greek Olives
    Greek Orthodox Great Lent
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    Greek Pasta
    Greek Pastry/pastries
    Greek Recipes
    Greek Snack Recipes
    Greek Spirits Dessert Wine And Sweets Pairing
    Greek Spirits Ouzo Tsipouro Brandy
    Greek Syrup Pastries
    Greek Traditions
    Greek Wine And Food Pairing (part 1)
    Greek Wines
    Greek Wines And Spirits
    Greek Yogurt
    Growing Up In Kukla's Kouzina
    Honey
    Honey~An Ancient Treasure (part 1)
    Honey~An Ancient Treasure (part 2)
    Karpathiko Spiti (Karpathian House)
    Karpathos
    Karpathos Beaches
    Karpathos Customs
    Karpathos Honey
    Karpathos Island Beach Paradise & Sports Mecca
    Karpathos Island Cooking & Foods
    Karpathos Sports
    Karpathos~Style Pickled Wild Sea Fennel
    Karpathos Wedding
    Koulourakia~Making The Perfect Twists
    Kukla’s Kouzina Celebrating 6 Yummy Years
    Kukla's Kouzina~Coming Full Circle
    Lahanodolmathes (lahanodolmades)
    Lamb
    Legume Kouzina
    Legumes
    Lemon Lust
    Lenten Cuisine~A Faith Inspired Journey
    Lenten Kouzina Made Easy
    Meat
    Meat The Greek
    Mediterranean Diet Resolution
    Mediterranean Diet Resolution: Fats Fiber And Flavor
    Mediterranean-diet-resolution-power-up-with-omega3s
    Mediterranean Diet Resolution Recipes
    Mediterranean-diet-resolution-scaling-the-pyramid
    Melomakarona Finikia Shaping Filling Dipping
    Meze/Appetizers
    Olive Kouzina
    Olive Oil
    Olive Oil~Branch To Bottle
    Olive Oil Odyssey
    Pasta Kouzina
    Phyllo/Fillo/Filo
    Pickling~Greek Island Style
    Pork
    Pumpkin
    Recipes
    Sea Salt ~ Cook~Taste~Savor
    Sea Salt~Meze To Dessert Recipes
    Sea Salt ~ Natural & Flavored & Infused
    Shish Kabob
    Souvlaki
    Taramosalata~Beyond Meze
    Tavernas & Restaurants Of Karpathos
    The Art Of Making Kourambiedes
    The Wedding Season~Karpathos Style
    Trending Edibles: Balsamic Glazes
    Trending Edibles: Crepes & Pita
    Trending Edibles: Liqueurs
    Trending Edibles: Sea Salt & Olive Oil
    Trending Edibles: Za’atar
    Vegetables
    Videos
    When Greek Meets Chocolate
    World Cup Greek Recipes
    World Cup Tailgating~Greece Scores The GOAL


    archives

    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    January 2017
    June 2014
    April 2013


    foodie links
    'Anama Concept
    Recipiada
    Yiayia Stella's pastries
    Sahadi's
    Titan Foods
    Grubstreet
    Eater

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