Journey to the Northwest of Greece: Traditional Products & Recipes
I had the luck to spend a week in Northwestern Greece for holidays. Coming from Crete, this was a chance to meet the local cuisine, traditions and gastronomy that were so much different than my island.
The food culture has been influenced by all the groups that made their way into the region; Vlachs, Sarakatsani, Bulgarians, Turks, Thracians and, of course, Pontians (Black Sea Greeks) and others from Asia Minor have all made their presence intensely felt in the cuisine here.
Macedonian cuisine, because of the cold climate of the area, has the reputation of being “heavy,” dominated by pork, lamb, sheep, winter vegetables such as cabbage and leek, mushrooms, beans, pies and spices.
Local Products & Recipes
This land is home to many certified products and recipes. Below I’ve made a list with the ones I believe are the most authentic and worth to try out if you happen to visit the area.
Prespes Beans (Certified Product)
Those beans are soft, boil easily and taste delicious. Can be made in the oven or as a soup. They come from the region of Prespes, two lakes at an altitude of 850m in the borders of Greece, Albania and F.Y.R.O.M. a gifted land that produces high quality products.
Kozani saffron (Certified Product)
If it happens that you travel in October, and you pass through Kozani, you will see the purple fields of Krokos Kozanis (Kozani Saffron). Hand picked with care, one of the most delicate spice in the region.
Various Pies
The local housewives love pies. Stuffed with anything available and with a pinch of magic, there are hundreds of different pies to taste. Spinach, leek, cheese and meat are just some of them.
Florina Peppers (Certified Product)
The famous Red Peppers coming from the region of Florina, the most northwestern city in Greece. Sweet and fragrant, a must taste when you visit the region.
Lake Fish
The Prespes Lake is home to many endemic species of fish, like the local carp and trout. Grilled, roasted, or boiled in the soup, they’re a must-taste when you visit the region.
Meat Stew
Due to the cold climate, the local dishes are quite heavy. Especially this one, made mainly with lamb, beef or pork, it will keep your belly full and your body warm for many hours.
Originally published at https://www.nutritionjourneys.com on January 5, 2022.
