Mediterranean Marvels: Top Greek Dishes for Catering Success

Sailing across the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, one can almost taste the salty breeze mixed with aromatic herbs wafting from the picturesque landscapes of Greece. The country, rich in history and culture, has gifted the world with a culinary heritage as diverse and flavorful as the tales of ancient gods and goddesses that hail from this region. Greek cuisine, a true epitome of the Mediterranean diet, combines a plethora of fresh ingredients, robust flavours, and vibrant textures, creating dishes that are as wholesome as they are delicious.

This cuisine, characterised by its generous use of olive oil, herbs, vegetables, grains, fish, and various meats, stands out for its simplicity and yet tantalising taste profiles. Each dish is a celebration of tradition, a narrative of Greece’s historical journey, and an art form that symbolises Greek hospitality, or “philoxenia”. In recent years, Greek food has gained immense popularity among food enthusiasts around the globe, making it a stellar choice for catering at various events. Its versatility and health benefits make it a universal favourite – be it a formal gathering, a casual party, or a festive celebration.

In this culinary journey, we will explore the marvels of Greek dishes that have proven to be a resounding success in catering. From the small but flavorful mezes that kick start the appetite, through the hearty main courses that are the showstoppers of any meal, to the sweet temptations that leave a lingering taste – we will unveil the top Greek dishes that promise to elevate your catering experience to divine heights. So, tighten your apron and get ready to immerse yourself in the Mediterranean marvels that have been charming palates for centuries. Welcome to a world where every meal is a feast, and every dish is a masterpiece!

Greek Dishes for Catering

The Marvels of Mezes

As we set sail on our culinary journey through the Greek archipelago, our first stop introduces us to the marvels of mezes. The word “meze” signifies a selection of small dishes served to complement alcoholic beverages as a course or at the beginning of multi-course meals. These appetisers, high in flavour and varied in textures, play a pivotal role in Greek dining, showcasing the rich diversity of local ingredients and the culinary craftsmanship of Greek cooking.

First, talk about Tzatziki, a cool, creamy concoction of yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and fresh dill. This refreshing dip, balancing the tanginess of yoghurt with the crispness of cucumber, acts as a perfect palate cleanser and pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables. Tzatziki has become synonymous with Greek cuisine in the catering world, offering a refreshing contrast to spicy or richly flavoured dishes.

Spanakopita is next on our meze marvels list, a savoury pastry that envelops the wholesome goodness of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and seasonings within thin, crispy layers of phyllo dough. Each bite of Spanakopita offers a delightful crunch, revealing a moist, flavorful filling that is both satisfying and tantalising. Its portable nature and robust flavours make it a catering success, perfect for formal and casual settings.

Continuing our meze exploration, we encounter Dolmadakia, grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and various herbs. These bite-sized delights often served with a side of yoghurt, are a testament to the Greek tradition of transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Their unique texture and flavour profile make them a popular choice in catering, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair to any event.

Rounding up our meze section, we cannot overlook the simplicity and richness of Feta and Olives. This duo, often accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, represents the essence of Greek flavours, offering a salty, tangy, and earthy experience that stimulates the appetite and sets the stage for the courses to follow.

Salads & Sides

Let’s delve into Greek salads and sides, a realm where fresh produce and vibrant flavours reign supreme. The iconic Greek Salad, or Horiatiki, is a colourful medley of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green peppers, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. The freshness of the ingredients and the harmony of flavours make this salad a quintessential part of Greek cuisine and a refreshing addition to any catered event. Pair it with fresh bread or grilled meats, and you have a versatile dish that complements a variety of menus.

Greek Salad

Tyrokafteri, a spicy cheese spread, brings a kick of heat to the table, combining feta cheese, roasted red peppers, and a dash of chilli. This creamy, flavorful spread pairs perfectly with bread and crackers, adding a spicy dimension to the catering spread. On the other hand, Horta Vrasta, boiled greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, showcases the Greek love for simplicity and fresh produce, offering a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements richer, heavier mains.

Main Courses

Diving into the main courses, Moussaka is a pillar of Greek culinary heritage. This layered casserole combines sliced eggplant, minced meat (usually lamb or beef) simmered in tomato sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping. The result is a rich, flavorful, comforting, and indulgent dish. When catering with Moussaka, consider serving it in individual portions and pairing it with lighter salads to balance the meal.

Souvlaki, skewered and grilled meat, usually served with pita bread, is another main course that has gained international acclaim. The variations and options are endless, ranging from pork, chicken, lamb, or beef marinated in olive oil, lemon, and oregano. The serving suggestions for catering can include rice, salads, or a variety of dips, allowing for a customizable and enjoyable dining experience.

Pastitsio, often called Greek lasagna, is a baked pasta dish layered with minced meat, béchamel sauce, and grated cheese. The layers of flavour from the pasta, savoury meat sauce, and creamy béchamel make it a hearty and satisfying main course. Pastitsio pairs well with a crisp Greek salad or steamed vegetables for catering, offering a balanced and fulfilling meal.

Seafood Specialties

Venturing into the waters of seafood specialties, we are greeted by Grilled Octopus, a dish that embodies the spirit of Greek coastal cuisine. Tender, flavorful, and slightly charred, this seafood delight, drizzled with olive oil and lemon, represents the Mediterranean diet. Fried Calamari, with its golden, crispy exterior and tender interior, is a crowd-pleaser, often served with a side of tangy Tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon. Lastly, Shrimp Saganaki, a flavorful combination of shrimp, tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs, showcases the Greek flair for creating harmonious and delectable seafood dishes.

Vegetarian Delights

As we continue our gastronomic journey through the captivating lands of Greece, we uncover a plethora of vegetarian delights that are both comforting and nourishing. Among these, Gemista stands out, a dish featuring tomatoes and peppers stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and a medley of herbs. This vibrant dish, baked to perfection, celebrates the abundant produce of the Mediterranean, offering a wholesome and satisfying option for vegetarian guests.

Next, we delve into the comforting embrace of Fasolada, a traditional Greek bean soup. Made with tomatoes, beans, olive oil, and vegetables, this hearty soup is a testament to the Greek tradition of creating nourishing meals catering to the body and soul. Fasolada embodies the essence of Greek hospitality, providing warmth and nourishment, making it an excellent choice for catering, especially during cooler seasons.

Fasolada

Spanakorizo is another vegetarian gem, a simple yet flavorful dish of spinach cooked with rice, tomatoes, and lemon juice. With its vibrant green hues and refreshing flavours, this dish is a perfect side dish, offering a balance of nutrition and taste. The lemony undertones and the richness of spinach make Spanakorizo a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of mains.

Sweet Temptations

As we transition from savoury to sweet, the allure of Greek desserts comes into play. The first sweet temptation is Baklava, a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. Each bite of Baklava is a symphony of textures and flavours, making it a star dessert in any good 2 eat catering menu. With its sweet and nutty notes, this golden, crispy delight promises to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Loukoumades, often described as Greek doughnuts, are another sweet marvel. These little golden puffs of fried dough, bathed in sweet syrup and often sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts, are a true indulgence. The dough’s lightness and the syrup’s richness make Loukoumades a popular choice for dessert tables at catered events.

Lastly, Galaktoboureko, a custard pie enveloped in flaky phyllo dough and bathed in sweet syrup, offers a creamy and decadent dessert option. The combination of creamy custard and crispy phyllo makes it an irresistible end to a Greek feast, satisfying every guest’s sweet tooth.

Catering Considerations

When catering with such a diverse and rich menu, several considerations must be considered. Balancing dishes is essential, ensuring harmony of flavours and textures throughout the meal. Accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies is also paramount, as offering alternatives and labelling dishes ensures every guest can enjoy the feast safely. Presentation and garnishing play a vital role in enhancing the visual appeal of the dishes, and thoughtful pairing with wines and beverages can elevate the dining experience.

In conclusion, the vast array of Greek dishes offers a treasure trove of flavours, textures, and aromas that promise to make any catering event memorable. From the tempting mezes and hearty mains to the refreshing salads, vegetarian delights, and sweet temptations, Greek cuisine caters to many palates and preferences. The appeal of Mediterranean flavours, characterised by the freshness of ingredients and the richness of tradition, ensures that every dish leaves a lasting impression. By thoughtfully curating and presenting Greek dishes, caterers can transport guests to the sun-kissed landscapes of Greece, offering them a taste of Mediterranean hospitality and gastronomic excellence.

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Coffee Culture In Australia

As it is known, coffee is our morning energy provider. Some of us can’t even start our day properly if we didn’t have our coffee. But there is more to know about this magical Australian Coffee Beans.

What is the history of coffee in Australia?

Most coffee drinkers would say that Australia is a minor provider when it comes to coffee. But little do they know about its history and what they have been through.

Everything started in 1880 when farmers thought that it would be a good idea to grow coffee beans. At first, this ‘ start-up industry ‘ was too expensive for Australia’s economics ( back in that day ), and it was hard to convince people to buy it. However, not even the upper classes thought it’s a good idea to exchange the taste of a cup of tea for coffee. They thought that drinking coffee is a step to rebellion.

And that’s how coffee was truly connected to working men and criminals.

What are the most popular coffee in Australia?

When we talk about coffee brands, you can expect to find the oldest ones in Australia. That coffee didn’t give up for more than 50 years and is still in the market place.

  • Dan Adan – maybe one of the oldest coffee brands in the world. It was first created in 1893 when many other countries not even heard about it. The brand has become well known for its single coffee blend and its two famous coffeehouses.
  • Coffee – this brand was created in the early 1950s’ and it’s still blooming today. This is the best way to get that authentic Australian coffee experience.
  • Aroma – a brand that is used abroad by many countries, without knowing from where it comes. Aroma was created in 1965 in Sydney. They managed to import the coffee beans from Brazil, Tanzania, and India- a process that makes Aroma a premium brand in Australia.
  • Belaroma – it’s the son of Aroma, created in 1968. Nowadays, they are specialized in many niches, such as teas and chocolate specialties.
  • Danes Coffee – a brand created in 1995 by a Danish woman that moved to Australia.
  • Di Bella – this brand is the youngest of all those mentioned above. It made its way through Australia in 2008 and became popular among addicted coffee drinkers.

What are the different types of coffee found in Australia and how they differ?

It seems like the early work of the farmers, made Australia a good provider for Arabica coffee beans, and its varieties.

  • Arabica – is considered to be the first species ever cultivated. When you taste Arabica coffee, you may feel a pleasant acidity and just a little drop of bitterness. That’s what makes Arabica a loved coffee.
  • Varieties of Arabica: Catuai – means ‘ very good ‘ from an old language. The taste you’ll get after drinking a Catuai coffee is sweetness.
  • Mundo Novo – a hybrid of Typica and Bourbon. The variety was first discovered in 1943 and its taste can be more bitter than the normal Arabica coffee beans.
  • K7 – it was first found in Tanzania ( the place where Australian farmers imported the coffee beans ). Nowadays it is used to cure some internal disease and it doesn’t have an excellent taste as an every morning cup of coffee.
  • SL6 – less known by the people. Along with K7, it was first found in Kenya and Tanzania and somehow didn’t manage to be loved by people. However, other similar varieties can be considered as the world’s famous: SL28 and SL34

What makes Australian Coffee different?

This can be a controversial discussion, considering that Australia is not a big coffee provider. But it’s much worth it to get an Australian coffee than an American one.

The main reason is that you will find a stronger coffee in Australia. Other countries may prefer brewed coffee, which is quick and simple to make. Australian coffee is espresso-based drip-style coffee, which makes it much stronger and enjoyable. Australians go for ‘ one and perfect ‘than Americans ( and other Europe’s countries ) who choose ‘ how much is needed, and cheap ‘.

It seems like, even there are not so many things to say about Australian coffee, they developed a coffee culture, where citizens have to enjoy their coffee to get a good start.

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How to grow your own coffee at home

If coffee is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning or if you are an Australian coffee lover then, it’s good news for you!. Now you can grow your own coffee plant at home. But, to make a perfect cup of coffee with your own produced coffee, you need to be passionate because, the process is quite long, although it’s simple.  

You need to know some necessary information about the plant’s upbringing. There are many different types of coffee plants. Among them, 2 type is most popular called Arabica and Robusta.  60–80 percent of the world produces the Arabica Coffee plant. In this section, we will talk about this type of coffee plant.

Information about plant

As we all know, coffee beans are used to make a perfect coffee. And coffee beans are grown on the Coffee Arabica plant. This plant’s height is approximately 15ft. The leaves of the tree are glossy and green in color, somewhat ovate in shape. White flowers and fruit called berries, which grow in the season of summer-autumn. It takes about five years for a coffee plant to full production and then, this will continue for about 50 years. Late spring is the best time to plant this.

You can also sow it into the pot and keep inside the house this plant can be an attractive Indore plant. But then you can’t expect the berries.

Which is the best Atmosphere to grow coffee beans?

The atmosphere’s temperature should be between15 and 24 degrees to get healthy growth of the plant. Remember that frost can harm the plant. Bellow 2 degrees can kill the plant. So if you are living where the climate is cool then place it under the shelter and make sure it is protected from cold and hot winds.

About berries and flowers

Between 3 to 5 years after planting, flowers start to blossom and those flowers will eventually pollinate and become a fruit- the berries which are green at the start and after some time color changes to bright red.

Production of flowers and fruits depends on rain. Rainfall at the right time will force the production of flowers and berries. Spring and early summer is the time when the plant produces berries. After the flowers fall from the tree, nodes remain. From each of these nodes a single coffee cherry, which contains the precious coffee beans, will form. Every berry has 2 coffee beans. Berries are developed for 6 to 11 months depending on the length of the country’s rainy season. During this time period, cherries will turn into a red color. And it fills with a sweet pulp that surrounds the seeds.

The process to take the berries from a tree

Now the question is- what’s the perfect time to take the berries from the tree? When the berries turn into a bright red color. Pluck berries with hands from the tree, after that, remove the skin and pulp from berries and get the coffee beans. Don’t take the berries which are of green color.

Process after taking berries from a tree

Still, beans are not ready to make a perfect cup of coffee. It’s a multi-stage process. Now soak the beans in the water for a few days. When you can see the bubbles on the top of the water, it’s time to take it from the water. After this step now it’s time to dry out the beans and put these beans up to 7 days in the sun. After 7 days it becomes hard. This process is also called a wet-hulled or semi-washed process. Then leave the silver skin of the beans. Now it’s the last stage to make a perfect coffee. Now, this bean is ready to be roast. You need to roast these beans for 10 minutes or till it converts into dark brown color.

Now you can crush these roasted beans and make its powder. After this, you are now ready to taste your own yummy coffee.

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How Good Is the Coffee Grown In Australia

Coffee is the ultimate energizer for almost everyone in the world. Most people cannot get on with their everyday schedule if they do not get to have their coffee first thing in the morning. Coffee is widely consumed all across the world despite the climatic figures and temperature. But when it comes to Australia, the number of people you who consume coffee on an everyday basis is almost the entire population of Australia. Jokes apart, Australians are straight-up obsessed with coffee on a whole different level. To the point of declaring the Australian coffee the best in the world. Recent studies show that approximately 821.25 billion cups of coffee get drunk each year, approximately 2.25 billion cups each day. 


In fact, coffee made it in the list of widely consumed drink on number 3, marking water first and tea second. However, Australians are very peculiar and snobbish about the coffee that grows in Australia and surprisingly enough, they are actually proud of it. Due to the microclimatic conditions, the Australian coffee tends to be quite low in caffeine and has more of a chocolate flavor to it. Australia has now even become a major brewing and coffee bean roasting capital. 

The Australian coffee is known to be not just good but the best in the world. You will find Aussies favoring the local coffee beans and independent cafes more than Starbucks which is known to be an international brand that is pretty successful all across the world except Australia. Some of the best local coffee brands Australians consume on an average basis are;

1. North Queensland Gold Coffee

This coffee is the best local coffee in entire Australia, grown in Atherton Tablelands. The locals of this area are super satisfied with the NQG coffee. An Aussie named Bruno Maloberti purchased about 90 acres of land just outside of Mareeba where he grew tobacco however as time passed by, he found himself cultivating coffee and ever since it has gained a lot of popularity among the Australians living in the nearby regions. The NQ roasted Australian beans are sold in the Australian market on an immense level. 


2. Vittoria Oro Gold

Vittoria Oro Gold coffee beans are all about the sweetness of the coffee. It is hardly bitter and if made by the right person with the right skills, this coffee is very much loved in Australia, known as one of the best coffee beans in existence. The smoothness, crema, and aroma of this coffee are for the people who like their coffee not too strong.

3. Harris Black Label 

This is another brand that is quite popular among Australians even when it is cultivated and harvested in Ethiopia and Brazil. Harris is an Australian coffee brand that is now into existence for over a century. They are known for their Black Label no. 5 and carefully roasting each batch and freshly packing it for the Australian market. 

There are countless local coffee brands in Australia, all consumed on a daily basis by people with their own unique tastes out of which, these three are remarkably known. Australian coffee is one of a kind that you will not find anywhere else in the world.

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