Greek Gourmet Food Quiz

Anise is used to flavor the alcoholic beverage Ouzo. Ouzo is a traditional Greek drink that is known for its milky white appearance when mixed with water. Anise, which has a distinct licorice-like flavor, is the primary ingredient used to give Ouzo its unique taste. It is commonly used in various alcoholic beverages and is particularly popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Greek cuisine is influenced by the geography and climate of the region, which includes mountainous terrain and limited pastureland. Sheep and goats are better suited to these conditions as they are more resilient and can graze on the available vegetation. Additionally, these animals provide other resources such as milk and cheese, which are widely used in Greek cuisine. Therefore, beef dishes are less common in Greek cuisine due to the practicality and suitability of sheep and goats in the region.

The first known cookbook was written about Greek cuisine in 330 BC. This indicates that Greek cuisine was documented earlier than Roman cuisine.

The main ingredient of melitzanosalata is aubergine. Melitzanosalata is a popular Greek dip made from roasted or grilled eggplant, which is then mashed and mixed with various ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. It is commonly served as a spread or dip with bread or vegetables.

The Venetian culture has greatly contributed to the diversity of Greek cuisine. Venice had a significant influence on the Greek islands and mainland during the Venetian rule in the Middle Ages. This influence can be seen in various aspects of Greek cuisine, including the extensive use of spices and herbs, the incorporation of seafood, and the introduction of dishes such as pastitsio and loukoumades. The Venetian influence has added a unique flavor and variety to Greek cuisine, making it even more diverse and rich in culinary traditions.

According to legend, the dish Kleftiko got its name from the Greek bandits who would steal sheep and goats. The meat would be cooked slowly to avoid detection, resulting in tender meat that falls off the bones.

The correct answer is pigmy hippopotamus. The pigmy hippopotamus was hunted for food to extinction on the island of Cyprus. This means that the population of pigmy hippopotamuses on the island was completely wiped out due to hunting for food. The hunting pressure was so intense that it led to the extinction of this unusual animal on the island.

The correct answer is "Wheat, olive oil and wine." The Mediterranean triad refers to the three main components of ancient Greek cuisine. Wheat was a staple food and formed the base of many dishes, while olive oil was used for cooking and flavoring. Wine was a common beverage and often consumed during meals. This combination of wheat, olive oil, and wine formed the foundation of the ancient Greek diet.

Both moussaka and kethethis have names that are Arabic, Persian, or Turkish rather than Greek. Additionally, the main ingredient in both dishes is minced meat.

According to legend, the name of the dish "kleftiko" originated from the Greek word "kleftis," which means thief. It is believed that during the Greek War of Independence, Greek rebels would steal and cook lamb in underground ovens to avoid being detected by the Ottoman authorities. They would bury the lamb with cabbage leaves to prevent any smoke or smell from escaping, thus creating the delicious and tender kleftiko dish.