Cyprus, a charming Mediterranean island, is home to a cuisine that’s as sunny and alluring as its landscape. Cypriot dishes, deeply rooted in history and tradition, blend Middle Eastern, Greek, and Turkish influences into a flavor-rich ensemble.
Iconic Cypriot Dishes
Souvla
The essence of Cypriot culinary tradition, Souvla, is a large skewer of meat, usually pork, chicken, or lamb, slow-roasted on a spit over charcoal. For a real taste of Cyprus, marinate the meat in red wine, coriander seeds, salt, and pepper.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg of pork, chicken, or lamb
- 1 cup of red wine
- 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure
- Cut the meat into large chunks and place them in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the red wine, coriander seeds, salt, and pepper. Pour over the meat.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours.
- Skewer the meat pieces and roast over charcoal until golden brown.
Halloumi
This semi-hard, brined cheese is a Cypriot classic, enjoyed grilled, fried, or fresh in salads. It has a high melting point, allowing it to retain its shape when cooked.
Ingredients
- 200g of halloumi cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Procedure
- Slice the halloumi into 1 cm thick pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the halloumi until golden on both sides.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of za’atar for a twist.
The Experience of Cypriot Food
The Cypriot cuisine goes beyond delicious recipes—it’s a social and sensory experience, a way to bring people together. The island’s hospitality, paired with the flavorful food, makes for a truly magical gastronomic journey.
Cypriot Desserts: A Sweet Finish
Cyprus is equally famous for its desserts as its savory dishes. The love for sweets is evident in the variety and richness of Cypriot pastries.
Baklava
Baklava, a flaky, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, is a popular dessert in Cyprus.
Ingredients
- 1 packet of filo pastry
- 200g mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios)
- 200g unsalted butter, melted
- 250g sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Procedure
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush a baking tray with some melted butter.
- Lay a sheet of filo pastry in the tray and brush with butter. Repeat until you have 8 sheets layered.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of nuts over the filo. Top with two more sheets, brush them with butter, and add another layer of nuts.
- Repeat the layers until all the nuts are used, ending with 8 layers of filo. Cut the layered pastry into squares or diamond shapes.
- Bake for about 50 minutes until baklava is golden and crisp.
- While baklava is baking, make the syrup. Boil sugar and water until sugar is melted. Add honey and lemon juice, simmer for 20 minutes.
- Once baklava is ready, pour the hot syrup over the cooled baklava.
Cypriot Drinks: The Perfect Accompaniment
Complement your Cypriot meal with traditional Cypriot drinks such as Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine, or Cypriot coffee, made in a long-handled pot called a “mbrikia.”
Unveiling the Magic of Cypriot Cuisine
Indeed, the magic of Cypriot cuisine lies in its simplicity and respect for good-quality ingredients. The harmony of flavors and the soulful preparation of dishes make every meal an unforgettable experience. From halloumi to baklava, the gastronomic journey through Cyprus is a delightful voyage of discovery.
Embark on this Cypriot culinary adventure, and let your kitchen become a playground for flavors, textures, and irresistible Mediterranean aromas. Enjoy the ride!
