Greek salad classic: the heritage of Hellenes

The origin of this recipe does not cause doubts, because the name itself speaks for itself. Salad "Greek" classic was invented not at all in ancient times, with which many are associated with Greece. On the contrary, the main ingredient of this dish is tomatoes, or, more correctly, tomatoes, appeared in the sunny lands of the peninsula not so long ago, in the 19th century. Since then, there have been several variations on the use of tomatoes.

In some recipes, the chef selects large tomatoes like "Bull's heart", as the "Greek" classic salad requires the supply of all ingredients, not in crushed, but in a rather large form. Other masters prefer cherry tomatoes, convenient for piercing with a fork and giving the dish exotic. But we are talking about a traditional recipe, for which tomatoes of medium size, cut into quarters (or 1/8), are suitable.

By the way, if we have a classic "Greek" salad is considered a delicacy dish and in some restaurants is too expensive, then the Hellenists themselves get ready for a salad from the ingredients with which the people are rich. No ingenuity - goat feta cheese was always used with brine or vinegar, olives and vegetables.

Recipe for salad "Greek" classic

Ingredients for 4 servings: medium tomatoes 2-3 pcs., Cucumbers 2-3 pcs., Onions or Crimean onions 1 pc., Bulgarian peppers yellow 1 pt., Olives 3 tbsp, feta cheese or brynza cheese - 150g, olive oil - 2 tablespoons, oregano, salt, pepper, wine vinegar or lemon juice.

This is the composition of the "Greek" salad, known as a dogma. Some refuse Bulgarian pepper, and someone thinks it necessary to sprinkle with grated Parmesan and add basil. But this is already - echoes of Italian cuisine.

So, to begin with, all the vegetables need to be washed and dried with a towel. Tomatoes and cucumbers are cut into cubes or slices. With pepper it is necessary to tinker, having removed a seed box, cutting it straw or semirings.

Salad "Greek" classic requires harmony in the supply of ingredients: if tomatoes and cucumbers are cut into cubes, the same is done with cheese, onions and peppers.When peppers and onions are cut into rings and cucumbers in circles, the cheese can be served with a separate bar.

We clean the onions from the husks and cut them according to the chosen scheme. From the cheese merge the brine - it can be mixed with olive oil and seasoned with a salad. But not immediately, but when served on the table - otherwise the sauce will quickly drain and the salad will spoil.

Choose a dish for a deep salad bowl or beautiful large plates. At the bottom lay out the vegetables, on top - spices. Solim and pepper to taste, but do not forget that the cheese is already salty. Sprinkle with vinegar or lemon juice.

Before serving, we spread from the can of olives in our own juice and cheese. Top with oregano or a mixture of Mediterranean herbs. Separately serve olive oil.

Here is ready a salad "Greek" classic! It can be decorated, if desired, with a sprig of mint or basil, on the side put an additional lemon slice. But serve better as a separate dish in a refrigerated form. Aperitif to it is considered pink or red wine.