Life in the town of Ioannina, in northwestern Greece, is synonymous with pungent aromas of freshly baked pastry sheets filled with only the freshest and finest mountain greens, spinach and herbs. Creamy sheep’s milk feta enhances what is already heavenly gastronomy. So simple and down to earth, yet so delicious; the village pies is not a taste easily forgotten.
In years gone by, a young woman’s worth in the kitchen was tested by how developed her skills were in rolling out… phyllo pastry sheets, a fine art handed down from generation to generation. As there was not much time or money to cook a full meal, the women of the house would gather up mountain greens and spinach on their way back from taking goats and sheep out to graze. Flour, olive oil and water was easily available, the main ingredients in pastry sheets. Pies were baked in flat, round oven dishes that could easily make up to 20 large portions. Almost anything from rice to courgette and pumpkin to yoghurt and cheese were used as fillings. Occasionally lamb was used.
Today, not much has changed as far as pie baking is concerned, a tradition that is deep-rooted in the Greek home. The mountains around Ioannina are home to sweet-tasting mountain greens that are handpicked everyday by the women of the surrounding villages, who would then bring the fresh pickings to the farmer’s market. On a typical day one would find types like ‘basia’, ‘lapata’ and ‘seskoulo’. Combined with a bunch of fresh dill and parsley, a couple of leeks and the creamiest feta cheese you can ever imagine and you have the perfect pie filling. These succulent mountain greens are much light than spinach and the locals call this pie ‘lahanopita’, the best pie of them all.
If you love Greek Food, then look no further. Every Friday Caffe Villagio offers a traditional Greek Meal in addition to the regular Menu.
Directions to Caffé Villagio
Sable Square
Cnr Bosmansdam & Ratanga Roads
Milnerton
Tel: 021 5287577
Fax: 086 560 3720
Email: info@villagio.co.za
Web: www.villagio.co.za
