These beans are called barbounofassoula or hantres in Greek, which means beads. When these are fresh and green they are called fassolia barbounia (runner beans) Phaseolous Coccineus which are a hybrid of Phaseolous Vulgaris (the common bean) and when they are ripe their pods become beige and red and inside the beans are off-white with red markings. However, when cooked they loose this lovely colour.
Greek Traditions
This Aromatic Kagianas is is a dish made with eggs, aromatic herbs, such as Kafkalithres (Mediterranean Hartwort), Myronia (chervil) and pasto (cured pork) from Lakonia.
Bougatsa, is the name of a specific Greek pastry, filled with custard, made with corn flour (starch) or semolina and sprinkled with icing sugar and cinnamon on top.
Lagana flatbread is traditionally prepared and consumed in Greece, especially during a particular day of the year known as Clean Monday or “Kathara Deftera.”
Wild Boar, in Greek Agriogourouno (pr. ah-ghree-oh-GHOU-rhou-nho) is cooked in a “gastra” which is a Greek Dutch oven. The meat is marinated and then slowly cooked in the oven.
These Greek sweet and sour potatoes, are crispy from the outside and juicy from the inside, perfect as a side dish to accompany any meat dish.
This Carob Syrup and Spiced Ginger Chocolate Cake is made with one of my favourite Cypriot ingredients called “teratsomelo” and this is the syrup extracted from carobs.
Soutzoukakia Smyrneika, are spicy sausage-shaped meatballs, which are lightly fried and then cooked in a delicious tomato sauce and come from the once Greek part of Asia Minor, Smyrna.
This rocket salad with fried halloumi and walnuts can be made with summer fruit such as figs or peaches and it is so delicious it could star as the main attraction on your dinner table.
Fanouropita or Phanouropita is a Greek, vegan cake made to honour St. Phanourios (or Fanourios), who is known to help people find lost objects or to reveal things to you.