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| Barbecue. The secrets of the Greek way ! |
GEOGLE | Greek barbecue, known as "souvlaki," is a delicious and popular way of grilling in Greece. Here are some secrets and tips to help you recreate the Greek barbecue experience:
1. Marinating is Key
Marinating your meat or vegetables is an essential step in Greek barbecue. Traditional Greek marinades often include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Allow the meat to marinate for at least a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavors and tenderize the meat.
2. Use Quality Ingredients
Greek cuisine places great emphasis on using high-quality ingredients. Choose fresh cuts of meat such as pork, lamb, or chicken for your souvlaki. Opt for locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to ensure the best flavor and quality.
3. Skewer it Right
Traditionally, souvlaki is cooked on skewers. Use long, flat metal skewers or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between the pieces to ensure even cooking.
4. Grilling Technique
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. When grilling souvlaki, it's important to achieve a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Grill the skewers directly over the heat, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcooking the meat, as it can dry out.
5. Serve with Pita and Tzatziki
Greek souvlaki is traditionally served with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce. Tzatziki is a refreshing yogurt and cucumber sauce flavored with garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. It complements the grilled meat beautifully and adds a cool and creamy element to the dish.
6. Accompaniments and Sides
Complete your Greek barbecue experience by serving your souvlaki with traditional Greek sides. Some popular options include Greek salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, as well as roasted lemon potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple rice pilaf.
7. Greek Seasoning Blend
Consider using a Greek seasoning blend to enhance the flavors of your barbecue. The blend typically includes a mix of herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and basil, along with garlic, lemon zest, and salt. Sprinkle the seasoning blend on your meat before grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Greek Drinks
To fully embrace the Greek barbecue experience, offer traditional Greek drinks alongside your meal. Try serving ouzo, a popular anise-flavored spirit, or retsina, a unique Greek wine flavored with pine resin. Alternatively, you can offer refreshing drinks like homemade lemonade or Greek iced coffee (frappé).
Embrace the secrets of Greek barbecue and enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether you're grilling meat, vegetables, or a combination of both, the Greek way of barbecuing will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite. Opa!
