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Zakynthos, in the Ionian Sea, is one of Greece’s most spectacular islands, famous for its turquoise beaches.
October 15, 2024
Greek cheese and charcuterie platter
Discover a platter of Greek cheeses and charcuterie, a delicious selection of typical specialties that will transport you to the heart of Greece. Perfect for an aperitif or a convivial evening, this platter features tasty Greek cheeses and authentic charcuterie, accompanied by breads, olives and fresh fruit.
Equipment
- 1 planche à découper
- Couteaux
- Plateau de service
Ingredients
- 150 gr feta cheese
- 150 gr graviera
- 150 gr kefalotyri
- 150 gr kasseri
- 150 gr louza dried pork tenderloin
- 150 gr pastourma dried beef with spices
- 100 gr black olives kalamata
- 100 gr green olives
- 50 gr Red peppers marinated
- 50 gr dried tomatoes
- 50 gr nut
- 1 cucumber slice
- 1 handle grapes
- 1 handle fresh figs
- 1 pita bread cut into triangles
- 1 French baguette trench
Instructions
- Prepare the cheeses: Cut the feta, graviera, kefalotyri and kasseri into appropriately sized pieces for easy tasting. Arrange them on a serving platter, spacing them well apart.
- Prepare the cold cuts: Thinly slice the louza and pastourma. Arrange them on the platter next to the cheeses.
- Add the accompaniments: Spread the kalamata and green olives, marinated red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and walnuts on the platter.
- Add the fruits and vegetables: Add the cucumber slices, grapes and fresh figs to the tray.
- Add the breads: Arrange the pita triangles and baguette slices around the tray.
- Serve: Present the Greek cheese and charcuterie platter to your guests. Optionally accompany it with Greek honey, fig jam or walnuts for a sweet and sour taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 150grCalories: 400kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Essential Ingredients
Greek Cheeses:
The Greek Cheese and Charcuterie Board is a celebration of the traditional flavors of Greece. The cheeses used are emblematic of the richness of Greek cuisine. Feta, with its crumbly texture and slightly salty taste, is a must. Graviera, a hard cheese with a mild and slightly sweet taste, brings a touch of refinement. Kefalotyri, a hard cheese, is often used for saganaki, while kasseri, a semi-hard cheese, has a mild, buttery flavor. Together, these cheeses create a palette of flavors that will delight cheese lovers.
Cooked meats :
Louza and pastourma are traditional Greek cured meats that add a depth of flavor to the platter. Louza, a dried pork tenderloin, is flavored with herbs and spices, offering an intense, slightly sweet flavor. Pastourma, a spiced dried beef, is rich in aromas and spices, often coated with paprika and garlic, which gives it a strong and unique taste. These cold cuts are perfect to complement the selection of cheeses and offer a varied taste experience.
Preparing the Platter
Assemble the Ingredients:
Preparing a Greek cheese and charcuterie platter is simple but requires special attention to presentation. Cheeses should be cut into appropriately sized pieces for easy tasting. The slices should be thick to allow you to fully savor the textures and flavors. Cold meats must be thinly sliced to release their aromas. Kalamata and green olives, marinated red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes add color and complementary flavors. Walnuts, cucumber slices, grapes and fresh figs add a touch of freshness and crunch.
Present the Board:
Presentation is key to making the platter attractive. Use a large serving platter to arrange ingredients neatly and aesthetically. Place cheeses and cold meats so that they are easily accessible. Distribute the olives, marinated peppers, and dried tomatoes around the cheeses and cold meats. Add the walnuts, cucumber slices, grapes and fresh figs to complete the picture. Arrange the pita bread triangles and baguette slices all around to create an attractive visual effect and allow for easy eating.
Nutritional Contributions of the Plateau
The Benefits of Cheese and Charcuterie:
A Greek cheese and charcuterie board offers a variety of essential nutrients. Cheeses are an excellent source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and B12. Cold meats, although rich in flavor, should be consumed in moderation due to their salt and saturated fat content. Olives provide monounsaturated fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular health, as well as antioxidants. Nuts add plant-based protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for overall well-being.
A Balance of Flavors and Nutrients:
By combining these ingredients, you create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, while providing varied nutrients. Fresh fruits and vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. Pita bread and baguette offer complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. By enjoying this platter, you not only enjoy a delicious culinary experience, but also a diverse nutritional intake.
Tasting and Accompaniment
A Friendly Aperitif:
The Greek cheese and charcuterie platter is ideal for a friendly aperitif with friends or family. It pairs perfectly with a selection of Greek wines, such as a dry white wine from Santorini or a light red wine from the Peloponnese. For an even more authentic touch, serve with ouzo, an aniseed aperitif typical of Greece. This platter can also be accompanied by dips such as tzatziki or tapenade, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Culinary Experience in Greece:
Tasting a platter of Greek cheeses and charcuterie in Greece is an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether in a traditional tavern by the sea or during an evening with Greek friends, this platter embodies the hospitality and friendliness of Greek culture. Each bite transports you to the sunny landscapes of Greece, where food is synonymous with sharing and pleasure.
The Cheese and Charcuterie Platter and Greek Culture
A Symbol of Conviviality:
The Greek cheese and charcuterie board is much more than just a selection of foods. It represents the Greek art of living, where conviviality and sharing are at the heart of meals. In Greece, meals are moments of gathering, where family and friends get together to share delicious food and stories. This platter embodies this tradition, offering a variety of flavors to enjoy together.
A Culinary Heritage:
The selection of cheeses and charcuterie on this platter reflects Greece’s culinary heritage. Each cheese and each charcuterie has its own history and tradition, passed down from generation to generation. By enjoying this platter, you become part of this history, discovering the authentic flavors that have nourished families and communities for centuries.
Celebration of Local Products:
The Greek cheese and charcuterie platter highlights high-quality local products. The cheeses are made from sheep or goat’s milk, often from family farms. The charcuterie is prepared using traditional methods, using local spices and herbs. By choosing these products, you support local producers and celebrate the richness of the Greek terroir.
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