Greece is known for many things as it’s the birthplace of democracy, the Olympic games, and western medicine. Another thing that it’s known for is delicious, unique food. Traditional Greek food has specific characteristics that make it different from other cuisines in the region and the rest of the world. At The Black Olive, we’re your Greek restaurant in Baltimore that offers dishes that are designed to capture the authentic flavor of Greece. Below, we’ve included a list of several characteristics that you’ll find in traditional Greek food.
Rich meaty flavors
Both the landscape and location of Greece make for diverse selections of meat. With thousands of miles of coastline and more than 200 islands, seafood is prominent in Greek cooking. It’s not uncommon to have shellfish, striped bass, or Mediterranean sea bass find their way onto your plate. Furthermore, octopus and calamari are popular in salads and as appetizers that are grilled and stuffed with cheese.
In addition to fish, you’ll enjoy meat selections with lamb, pork, chicken, and beef. These are often seasoned with herbs and marinated in olive to add some additional flavor. Fish, lamb, and beef are all staples in Greek food and each is cooked to perfection on a grill with vinaigrettes, olive oil, and vegetables that make for a rich flavor palette that’s hearty and delicious. Additionally, you can enjoy a braised lamb shank that’s been slow-cooked for hours to maximize flavor.
Shellfish
While we’ve already visited the rich flavors of meat that can be found as a part of Greek cooking, shellfish is exceptionally prominent among popular dishes. Shellfish like lobster, crab, and shrimp are major parts of dishes that can be grilled or made into a soup or pasta dish. In fact, many of our main courses are made around a centerpiece of shellfish that has been cooked in charcoal for a smokey flavor that is unlike any other.
Olives
Another distinctive part of Greek food is olives. There are a variety of olives that grow throughout Greece as the temperate climate creates an ideal climate for olive growing. Many traditional Greek foods will be cooked in olive oil or have olives on the side as it is a fixture of the cuisine that adds a full flavor and texture to the main dish.
Pita bread
While pita bread is primarily known for its Arabic origins, it’s commonly used as a vehicle for Greek cooking. Greece is not far geographically from the Middle Eastern and pita bread made its way across the Mediterranean and was integrated as a way to wrap gyro meat. It’s not uncommon for pita bread to be served as a side with meaty dishes.
Hummus
Like pita bread, hummus is another part of Greek food that comes from the Middle East. Chickpeas grow throughout Greece, which makes them excellent for mashing into various types of hummus.
Call to order
Order from our Greek restaurant in Baltimore to get an authentic experience with traditional Greek food. At The Black Olive, we offer true Greek cuisine, particularly seafood dishes that are designed to bring the flavor of Greece to you. Give us a call today to place your order for pick up or book a reservation. You can reach us at 410-276-7141 to order or get more information about our menu.
