Exploring the Greek Spice Rack and Herb Garden
Photo by: @brookelark
Greek cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and aromas with humble ingredients, enhanced by the addition of herbs and spices that complement the everyday staples of lemons and olive oil. Not only do they add brightness, aroma, and of course flavor, but they also boast health benefits; filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Spices and herbs carry a strong religious and cultural influence in Greece, deeply rooted in traditions and practices dating back to ancient times. These elements have not only shaped our modern culinary customs but can also be observed in religious rituals, and holistic medicinal purposes, having cultural impact.
In ancient Greece, herbs and spices played a significant role in religious ceremonies and rituals, used as an offering to god or burned as incense during ceremonies. Even today, during Sunday mass, Greek Orthodox priests burn frankincense in a gold censer.
While herbs and spices are commonly associated with Chinese methods and practices, they were also utilized for medicinal purposes by Greek physicians during ancient Greek times. Notable figures like Hippocrates prescribed herbal remedies to treat a wide array of ailments and diseases. Herbs like oregano and mint were thought to have medicinal properties to alleviate symptoms.
The ideal climate in Greece, along with its diverse regions and landscapes, provides an ideal environment for the prosperous cultivation of herbs and spices. Harvesting has been a tradition in Greece for centuries, with each region offering its own varieties and cuisine specialties. Family influence also plays a significant role, with many traditional Greek recipes being passed down from generation to generation. This has preserved the use of spices and herbs as essential ingredients to the essence of Greek cuisine and culture.
“Our food should be our medicine. Let food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food.”
Photo By: @zahrinlukman
Spice Rack
Warm spices capture and characterize Greek cooking in sweet and savory recipes alike. Each spice offers a unique infusion and depth of flavor with aromatics that waft through the home.
Cinnamon - What would Greek cuisine be without the mention of cinnamon? From savory dishes like a beloved classic, Chicken Kapama, to delicate Greek pastries like Baklava, this spice is quintessential to the Greek Spice repertoire.
Onion - A foundational spice that aids in a subtle sweetness to savory dishes, boosting depth and complexity. Sweet yellow onions are often cooked down in dishes furthering this flavor profile.
Garlic - Another coined spice in nearly most, if not all, savory Greek dishes (at least in my kitchen). From sauces like Tzatziki to Moussaka ground garlic and its counterpart, fresh garlic.
Coriander - With its earthy notes and the subtle hint of citrus, coriander seamlessly blends into baking and cooking recipes.
Clove - Prevalent throughout the Mediterranean coast and the Middle East, Clove provides a warm and subtle kick to dishes. Kourambiedes, a Christmas favorite, is the most common use of this spice in its whole form in Greek cuisine.
Nutmeg - A warm spice used in both sweet and savory dishes. Nutmeg is featured in the bechamel of Pasticcio and the meat blend in Moussaka. It’s the spice that melds with and balances rich and creamy dishes.
Pepper - From what began as a spice to add a bite to wine during ancient Greece, pepper was introduced to add and enhance the flavor to dishes.
Paprika - Whether sweet or smoked, paprika offers a sweet, peppery flavor with the additional of added smoky elements when warranted. This spice is used in hearty meals such as stews and red meats.
Herb Garden
Fresh or dried, each has its place in the Greek kitchen. Herbs are as versatile as they are flavorful and aromatic. Let’s explore what they have to offer below.
Oregano - When Greek cuisine comes to mind, I am willing to bet that oregano is the first ingredient to come to mind - of course not excluding lemons and olive oil. Many varieties can be found such as Greek oregano, marjoram (a sweet variant), and Italian oregano. Oregano adds robust flavor and aromas from meat and seafood to sauces and vegetables.
Thyme - With a fragrant and earthy aroma, thyme has a subtle and delicate flavor profile that elevates chicken and citrus in addition to red meat dishes.
Bay Leaves - Commonly used along the Mediterranean, these leaves are great for adding an aromatic yet mild flavor in the background of other herbs and spices in soups, stews, and sauces, but are not eaten. How you add celery to soups, bay leaves don’t appear to have a lot of flavor themself, but add body to the soup you would not otherwise have.
Parsley - A key herb almost as essential as oregano, Parsley brightens meat dishes such as Greek Stuffing and Dolmathes. Similarly, Parsley adds freshness to salads and soups to finish and/or garnish.
Mint - Apparent in both the kitchen and for medicinal purposes, mint can be found as an herbal tea to help relieve indigestion, headaches, and insomnia. Mint can be used in both sweet and savory dishes to contrast chocolate (my personal favorite) or in salads and meat dishes.
Dill - Did you know that during ancient times, dill was used to add flavor to wines? Dill is a fresh, vibrant, and light herb to flavor dips like Tzatziki, seafood, salads, and soups.
Rosemary - A versatile herb that accompanies various dishes from roasted lamb to lemon-roasted chicken, and bread. Rosemary’s woody and peppery aroma and flavor profile with hints of lemon, impart a beautiful flavor that complements hearty recipes. In ancient Greece, medicinal uses included alleviating indigestion and respiratory concerns.
Spices and herbs, as you can see, are not just ingredients tossed on a plate. They’re integral components that bring together Greek culture and flavor. So whether you’re enjoying a serving of Pasticcio or indulging in an afternoon piece of baklava with a cup of coffee, take a moment to tap into your senses and be in the present moment, noting what you see, hear, smell, and taste. In Greek cuisine, every dish has a story, with each herb and spice playing a unique role.
