Generally associated with Greece, moussaka is also a traditional dish of Turkey, the Balkans and the Middle East. Obviously, each country has its own version of moussaka. The authentic Greek moussaka consists of successively piling layers of minced mutton (or beef or lamb) cooked with onions, strips of sautéed eggplant and tomatoes and covering everything with white sauce before putting it in the oven . It is commonly cooked in Greek homes, especially during family gatherings, and can be eaten as desired.
A Greek culinary specialty par excellence, avgolemono ("alvgo" for egg and "lemono" for lemon) is a typical dish of Greek tables. Originally, avgolemono is a thick sauce made from chicken broth (or other meats like lamb), egg and lemon juice, which is most commonly eaten as a soup. Nowadays, avgolemono is more often prepared with rice and accompanied by the meat that was used in the broth. In this case, the rice is first cooked in the broth. Next, beat the eggs with the lemon and gradually add the hot broth to the mixture, stirring briskly. Pour the mixture over the rice and heat until thickened and enjoy hot or cold. A large number of variations exist across the country and around the world, used for broth and as an accompaniment to fish or vegetables.
In Greece, pastries that we call "oriental" at home are ubiquitous due to the Turkish occupation. Baklava is one of them. It is an ancient traditional dessert whose origins can be recognized in ancient Greece. However, in the Balkans, the Middle East, Turkey and part of the Maghreb, baklava serves as the national cake. If no one can agree on its real origin, Greece has definitely made it its culinary specialty and it can be found on the menu of many local restaurants and on the tables of many Greek homes. Its preparation is quite delicate and tedious. It consists of the superposition of sheets of buttered and oiled dough between which we will place a mixture of finely ground dried fruits (almonds, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts), spices (cinnamon, cloves) and honey. The whole is then baked in the oven and moistened with a syrup flavored with lemon, orange blossom, rose...
