|
Meteora, Greece |
|
next > |
|
 |
|
Meteora (Central Greece) is a sacred and beautiful place to visit, its unique and most impressive
scenery is dotted with monasteries rooted in enormous ancient rocks.
Sometime in the 11th century,
orthodox hermits started living in caves in these high cliffs, far, far away
from the rest of the world.
There were no steps and the main access to the monasteries was by means of a net hitched over a hook.
Monks descended in these nets or by wooden ladders, up to 40m long, to the fertile valleys below to
grow grapes, corn, beets and potatoes. There are examples of these baskets
which are still used for bringing up provisions to the monasteries.
Among 24 monasteries carved into the rocks, six are active today. They have valuable displays of
Byzantine art and a priceless collection of relics, carved wooden crosses,
icons, illuminated manuscripts and other religious treasures.
Just as centuries ago, monks still live here selling soaps, honey, jam and other items produced
within the monastery walls. The wine cellars are well stocked with barrels of the sacred drink.
For everyday food they cultivate vegetables, grapes and herbs.
From a glance, the monks’ food may appear modest, however after you taste it, you will be amazed at
how well-balanced, delicate and unique a dish like the crunchy beet salad with rich feta cheese can be.
Greek olives on top? Of course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Meteora beet and feta cheese salad with olives
|
Ingredients:
|
oven roasted beet root ( red, yellow or white - your choice)
Greek feta cheese
olive oil
garlic clove
herbs ( oregano, thyme, rosemary)
olives
baby spinach for garnish |
|
Cooking:
|
|
1. Wash and clean the beet root. Wrap each one into foil, and place into the oven to roast for 45 mins.
|
|
2. When beets are soft, take the wraps out. Let cool, then cut into small cubes.
|
|
3. Cut feta cheese into small cubes (French, Bulgarian or other feta cheese would work too) and put into a bowl. |
|
4. Add crushed garlic, thyme, oregano leaves, and rosemary into the bowl and mix with some olive oil. Let sit for awhile. |
|
5. Arrange baby spinach on the plate, put beets on top, and then add a generous amount of feta cheese from a bowl on the top of beets. |
| Put herbs on top of the salad as well - their texture and intense flavor would greatly complement soft feta cheese and crunchy beets.
Besides, they have unparallel medical benefits. |
| You will eat like Greek monks, but feel like Greek Gods. |
|
|