.jpg)
The Next Generation
At the family-run Platia Taverna and Cooking School on Naxos, we had hands-on practice making traditional Greek dishes under the watchful eyes of local cooks – all in an enviable setting.
One of the many joys of travel is the food – and the excuse to sample new cuisines.
I especially love participating in locally based cooking classes: not because I have any intention of replicating the recipes at home, but because I love photographing the colours and textures (eg: Weekly Wanders Cooking Class). I enjoy hearing about the local ingredients and the rationale behind putting them together in particular ways – and I relish eating the results.
Everywhere I went in Greece, the food was wonderful: every mouthful was bursting with fresh wholesomeness. So, I was really pleased to see that the small group I was travelling with in the Cyclades was going to have a cooking class at the Platia Restaurant in Galini Village on the island of Naxos.
In addition to making several dishes under the very-watchful eyes of three Greek women, we visited the family farm to see where some of the ingredients were sourced. The whole setting was idyllic, and the lunch – accompanied by home-made ouzo – was mouth-watering.
Join me for a freshly-cooked meal in Greece:
.jpg)
Everything is Ready
When we arrived, shortly before 11am, everything was laid out neatly in the bright and airy restaurant space.
.jpg)
Utensils and the Garden
Outside the large windows, the garden is fresh and inviting.
Sisters in the Kitchen
The older cooks keep a very watchful eye on everything!
Implements Ready
Gleaming like surgical instruments, the tools for preparing the vegetables are organised.
Demonstrating Technique
The cooks show the participants how to core the capsicum in preparation for stuffing. (iPhone12Pro)
Chopping Herbs
Meanwhile, herbs are chopped finely for the Tzatziki dip. (iPhone12Pro)
Still Life Found : Baskets of Vegetables
(iPhone12Pro)
Home-Made Tomato Paste
Rich tomato sauce is added to a cooked rice mixture. (iPhone12Pro)
Stuffing Capsicum
The herbed rice and tomato mixture is stuffed into the cleaned capsicums before baking. (iPhone12Pro)
Stuffing the Vegetables
We all spend some time stuffing the capsicums, eggplants, and other vegetables. (Not My Image)
Oiling the Vegetables
… and they are drizzled with olive oil before going into a roasting oven.
(iPhone12Pro)
Stuffed Vegetables
Once the capsicum are stuffed, the caps are replaced, …
Frying Meatballs
Next, it is time to mix, shape, and fry the meatballs. (iPhone12Pro)
A Natural Smile
Bicycle in the Yard
The sun is high on the courtyard, …
A Clean Airy Space
… and back inside, the room has been magically put back to rights!
To the Farm
While our vegetables roast, we take a short trip to the nearby farm property. (iPhone12Pro)
Farmer in his Orchard
The owner leads us into his property.
Past the Hives
Quince – Cydonia Oblonga
Farmer
Our guide points out some of the fruit that is ripening, …
Citron – Citrus Medica
… including some which is less familiar to us.
Pomegranate – Punica Granatum
Farmer and his Old Pump
As old as this pump is, it still supplies water in times of need.
Still Life Found : Old Machinery
Lunch
We are back at the restaurant in time for our meal to come out of the oven. (iPhone12Pro)
Just delicious!
And, made all the better by our efforts.
Until next time.
Bon Appétit!
Photos: 22September2022
.jpg)
