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Family fun in the sun, healthy Mediterranean eating
By guest writer, Garth Delikan
As I headed off to Cambridge with my two teenage kids to spend the weekend with my family little did I realise what a treat was in store for us.
My sister had promised us a BBQ, and as my brother and his partner and two young kids were going to be there, it was an afternoon we were all looking forwards to, - and the weather was gorgeous which is a definate prerequisite if you want to enjoy the alfresco experience fully.
Well instead of the usual British BBQ what a treat we had waiting for us. My brother’s partner, who is a Greek Cypriot had decided to take charge and had spent the day preparing lovely fresh skewers of Souvlakis which were roasting beautifully on the spit as we arrived. Prime pork from one of the best butchers in north London, yummy!
I was immediately transported back to every holiday I have ever had on the wonderful Greek islands over the years.
The cook got me busy helping her to prepare the Tsaziki, and as I had only bought mine from the shops before this was a real treat for me. I grated cucumber while she chopped up garlic, then mixed it all together with fresh Greek yoghurt, flavoured with lemon and salt.
She then got all the ingredients together for our Greek salad with feta cheese. Next came her recipe for Houmus, which got my two teenagers involved, -and once you have made your own I defy you to ever buy it from the shops again.
(MoreSouth Recipe for Houmus )
Then we were ready to eat.. but no,- one final touch, the wholemeal pitta bread had to be warmed up on the BBQ before we were allowed to tuck in.
It was one of the best meals and nicest afternoons we had had, and a cheeky little Rosé added to the fun, and all of a sudden it seemed like the sun was shining even more brightly as everyone sat down on the grass or on the logs to chat and eat.
Having fun with food and using natural ingredients is what the healthy Mediterranean eating experience is about, and I want to share this wonderful afternoon with you through the recipe below.
Enjoy!
Tsaziki Recipe
Place in a bowl:
1/2 medium grated cucumber (with liquid strained and removed– just drink it – shame to waste it.) 1/2 tub of Greek full fat yoghurt 1 clove garlic (grated or crushed) juice of 1/2 lemon salt to tasteMix with a fork, altering proportions according to taste. I prefer more lemon, and those keeping an eye on their waistline will use reduced fat yoghurt.
Both Tsaziki and Houmus are delicious
- as part of Greek mezze
- as salad with Souvlaki
- with raw veg as a starter
- as a light lunch
Lovely post Garth, Lisa. I so want to be at that barbecue!
It makes all the difference having good weather for dining outdoors and it sounds like it was pretty much perfect Garth.
I’m feeling hungry now!
Garth, you show how it makes all the difference preparing a meal together, and then sharing it ‘en famille’ afterwards. Teenagers helping with the houmus? Great stuff!
[...] Houmus which are surprisingly easy to put together. Feel free to go ahead and check out the blog “Family fun in the sun, healthy Mediterranean eating” and also try out the recipes for yourself this Bank holiday [...]