Sea… Salt… Spoon-sweets… “mezedakia.“*
The first things that come to my mind when I think of the Greek islands. Especially sweets and snacks!
I don’t know about you, but every time I visit an island, I want to try the local products that housewives make.
Further down, I will talk to you about some of the traditional products they make in various islands of the Aegean (we will catch the Ionian Sea another time.). Let‘s discover the traditional flavors of Astypalaia, Leros, and Milos!!
Note: Take something to eat in your hand, have to nibble while reading!
*Greek snacks you can eat while you drink your drink.
Astypalaia
In one of the most beautiful islands of the Dodecanese, gazing at the sea and the windmills in the “Chora of Astypalaia island” you can taste the delicious “lampropites”. Made from local cheese (chlori) and local saffron (zafora) will make you lick your fingers. They are sprinkled with sesame mix. It’s great to get energy and start your day!
Another delicacy in which zafora is used is the “kitrinokouloura“. Housewives only knead them with milk. The ingredients contained in the dough are butter, “chlori” cheese and various spices that give them a distinct and slightly spicy taste.
Tip: They usually, are made during Easter and kept in tin cans all year round.
Do not leave the island until you try the “pouggia“! A combination of sweet and salty as they have mizithra in their filling and are poured with local aromatic honey. Generally, there are many local goodies that you can enjoy on the island like loukoumades, melekounia, xerotigana, and local cheeses (chlori or ladotyri).
Note: In the hotel Kallichoron, the personalized and award-winning service of breakfast includes and offers all of the above goodies as well as rusks with aniseed made from the hands of K. Evdokia!
Secret: I heard that Mrs. Evdokia, this year, made a tremendous traditional “pasteli” from her grandmother‘s recipe! So if you plan your holiday in Astypalaia, I want photos and impressions of this pasteli!
Leros
An island that offers many delicacies and of course, my favorite “patsavouropita” (with crust and yogurt).
Enjoy the “Gavafa“ or otherwise the tropical fruit Guava (in spoon sweet) that was transferred from Africa and cultivated on the island of Leros. Its taste is sour, and its smell is unusual, but it is worth trying as a sweet, jam or juice!
Tip: The most striking thing though is that a single Gavafa fruit contains four times as much vitamin C as an orange.
Eventually, if you find yourself at a wedding in Leros, taste “diples”, “pouggia”, almond sweets or even a “soumada” (a sweet drink made from raw almonds).
Tip: Traditional Products of Leros can be found in “theikon“ in Lakki and Platanos as in “traditional“ in St. Marina.
Milos Island
Last but not least, an island with infinite beauty and delicious cuisine, Milos! Give me a full pan of scented pies and let me enjoy them with the view of the sea! The “Pitarakia“ of Milos with Manura (local cheese of Milos) are pies from simple, thin, elastic dough that becomes wonderfully crisp! It’s a little spicy, but it’s because of its stuffing. You will find them in bakeries and restaurants!
However, let‘s say goodbye to the little pies and savor the big pies and specifically to the “plakopites”. In the dough, add hard cheese (produced in Milos), knead together and spread with the rolling pin in thin pies. Delicious and crispy.
That, although, will impress you and it will surprise you, is the traditional “karpouzopita“ with watermelon, honey, and flour. It’s a particular, different choice of fruit for a pie but, definitely, worth getting away from the usual.
Also, in all bakeries, you will find the delicious “Ladenia”. It looks like vegetable pizza without the cheese! Delicious Ladenia you will find in the “Ark of flavors“ in Pollonia.
For dessert, how about a “spoon-sweet“? The “koufeto” from crustless sweet pumpkin boiling in honey and almonds is made traditionally in Milos island in engagements and weddings. It symbolizes a couple’s beautiful life and fertility.
I hope I inspired you and cast off new culinary explorations!
Have a good trip… Bon Appétit!!!