Welcome to our fourth meal...while it's our first foray into Europe, but is another island: Cyprus.
Embarking on our Cypriot culinary adventure has been a delightful experience for the whole family, blending rich flavors with captivating stories. Our eldest has been really interested in Greek mythology, was particularly thrilled to discover the island's legendary connections, adding an educational twist to our cooking endeavors.
Nestled in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus has been the ultimate hotspot for empires seeking sun, sea, and strategic advantage leading to a tapestry of cultural influences. Mycenaean Greeks arrived around the end of the 2nd millennium BC, introducing Hellenic culture. Subsequent rulers included the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, and Romans. In the medieval period, Cyprus fell under the sway of the Byzantines, Lusignans, Venetians, and Ottomans.British administration began in 1878, leading to formal annexation in 1914.
In our culinary journey, we've embraced the Greek influences that permeate Cypriot cuisine. Dishes like Hoummus, Pita Bread, Grilled Halloumi, Cypriot Village Salad, Pastitsio, and Loukoumades reflect the island's Hellenic heritage.These recipes not only tantalize the taste buds but also narrate stories of cultural intermingling.
We may have gone a bit overboard with the number of dishes, but that's the essence of a traditional meze—a cornerstone of Cypriot dining culture. This assortment of small, flavorful dishes is served as appetizers or combined to form a full meal, emphasizing variety, sharing, and leisurely enjoyment. Engaging in a meze is more than just a meal; it's a social event that embodies the essence of Cypriot hospitality, fostering conversation and connection.
This creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice was so much more yummy when made from scratch. https://www.thepurplepumpkinblog.co.uk/homemade-hoummus-hummus/
Pita Bread [recipe (external)]
Freshly baked and perfect for scooping up that hoummus, these soft pockets became impromptu puppets before making their way to our mouths. Our youngest has been calling this hummus bread ever since our meal
Grilled Halloumi: [recipe (external)]
This cheese squeaks when you chew on it. Yummy and fun
Cypriot Village Salad: [recipe (external)]
A medley of fresh veggies that added a refreshing crunch, making us feel slightly better about the impending dessert indulgence.
Pastitsio [recipe (external)]
This hearty pasta bake layered with seasoned meat and béchamel sauce reminded us of a Cyprot lasana.
Loukoumades [recipe (external)]
The kids didn't like these as much as the Zambian puff puffs. I think they just didn't like the honey flavor. I loved them.
And here was my game plan. I actually made this weeks ago, but it took a bit to get the energy together to post about it!
0:00 - Start pita dough
0:10 - Start Pastitsio meat
0:25 - Simmer Pastitsio meat
0:25 - Start noodle water
0:40 - Noodles done, start to cool
0:55 - Start white sauce
1:10 - Pastitsio meat done
1:20 - Assemble Start Pastitsio
1:25 - Pastitsio into oven
1:30 - Hommos
1:45 - Assemble Salad
2:00 - Make syrup
2:10 - Make Loukoumades dough
2:25 - Take the Pastitsio out
2:25 - Pita in
2:30 - Fry up cheese
2:40 - Sit down for dinner
After dinner - fry up the Loukoumades
Bonus
https://www.cookingwithshereen.com/post/avgolemono-soup-cypriot
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