New to the BB Kitchen! Healthy, easy Greek meals that you can make from home!
Hi Ballet Beauties!
I'm Ballet Beautiful NYC Master Trainer, Dioni. I'm from Greece and a huge fan of the traditional Greek diet, which is both flavorful and healthy!
In the 1960’s, Greeks were living longer and had lower rates of chronic diseases than the rest of the world. This is likely due to their diet, full of vegetables, olive oil, grains, greens, and legumes. The fresh ingredients that make up the diet are what I crave most. I've shared 3 of my favorite dishes so you can enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean.
Ntakos Salad
Ntakos Salad is a traditional veggie dish from the island of Crete that uses the famous, Cretan barely rusks. These rusks are made with whole grain barely flour, water, and salt. Although the rusks are a super heavy and a bit hard, they are super healthy because of their dietary fiber density. The secret to creating the perfect Ntakos is to use fresh, juicy, organic tomatoes which will take the edge off of the tough barley rusk. Pair the tomatoes with crisp, fresh feta for a strong bite of flavor and garnish with extra virgin olive oil for the perfect finishing touch. Indulge your taste-buds with this traditional Cretan dish for a light lunch or create a shareable version for an easy party appetizer.
Ingredients: -4 large round barley rusks or 4 slices thick whole grain bread- toasted. -4 medium tomatoes grated -3-4 ounces crumbled feta cheese -1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil -dry oregano -black olives and capers -salt and pepper
1. Grate the tomatoes and drain all the liquids.
2. Pass the rusk under running water very quickly before placing them on your plate. We do this to soften the Cretan rusks toughness but we don't want them to become too soft. The rusk should be crunchy and easily breakable. Note: skip this step if you’re using bread as this will cause the bread to become soggy.
3. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and let the rusk absorb it.
4. Place the tomato on top, covering the whole rusk and then add the crumbled feta cheese.
5. Garnish: drizzle with another teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle with oregano. Top with olives and capers and add a final sprinkle of freshly ground pepper and salt.
Grilled Whole Branzino- Greek Style
This recipe is perfect for a simple and healthy meal. Full of lemon and oregano, this dish will transport you to a seaside taverna in Greece!
Ingredients: For the fish: -1 whole branzino -fresh oregano -½ lemon, sliced -olive oil -salt & freshly ground black pepper
1. Salt and pepper the fish on the interior and the exterior. Stuff the fish cavity with oregano and lemon slices. Drizzle the outside of the fish with olive oil.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high whether using gas or charcoal. Cook the fish for approximately 5 minutes per side or until the fish flesh is flaky and white.
For the sauce: -1 juicy lemon -½ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil -¼ cup chopped fresh oregano -1 clove of garlic -salt & freshly ground black pepper
Combine all the ingredients for the fish sauce. The ratio of lemon to oil really depends on your taste. When your fish is ready, serve with the sauce and your meal is complete and utterly delicious!
Dessert Greek Yoghurt
A proper Greek meal is never complete without a delicious dessert! This yoghurt dessert is the perfect way to finish off your meal! This dish is creamy and refreshing with a crunchy bite! For a smoother, creamier texture, use strained yoghurt.
Ingredients: -28 ounces strained Greek yoghurt -14 ounces sweetened condensed milk -one lemon -7 ounces of petit beurre or digestive biscuits -mint
1. Add the yogurt, condensed milk , mint, zest and juice of lemon in a large bowl and whisk until the the texture is smooth like a mousse.
2. To serve, place some crumbled biscuits on the bottom of a glass or a bowl and top with the yogurt mousse. Layer the ingredients, according to your preference and top with some lemon and some mint.
Pair these three recipes together for an intimate gathering or individually to experience a taste of Greece. The variety of flavor and freshness of these dishes are sure to surprise you and you'll be craving them like I do!
Καλη ορεξη,
Dioni
Tag us at #BalletBeautifulKitchen to share some of your favorite Greek-Inspired dishes! 
I enjoyed this presentation! I had the rusk salad when I was in Crete in September! The fish I had at a taverna in Kumari, Santorini. I will be looking forward to enjoying more recipes on this site. And as you can tell from my email...I am Greek as well! Yiamas!!! Merrill A. Dellas
Sounds great!
I want to see if I can get the barely rusks at the Greek store here in long island. Where do you buy yours?
Hi Beauty! If you can get them from your local Greek store, that will be the best! Perhaps if they don't have them stocked, they'll order for you! Ours can be found at a local health food store.