Ep 5. Episode 205: Greek Yogurt for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In season 2 episode 5 of My Greek Table with Diane Kochilas, titled "Greek Yogurt for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner," viewers are taken on a journey through the versatility of Greek yogurt. The episode begins with Diane in Athens, where she visits a local dairy farm to see firsthand how Greek yogurt is made. She explains that Greek yogurt is unique because it is strained, which gives it a thicker, creamier texture than regular yogurt.

From there, Diane travels to the island of Naxos, where she gathers ingredients for three different meals featuring Greek yogurt. The first meal is breakfast, which Diane prepares on a picturesque balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea. She makes a traditional Greek breakfast dish called Strapatsada, which consists of scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and feta cheese. She serves the dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a slice of bread, explaining that the yogurt adds a tangy contrast to the rich eggs.

Next, Diane travels to a local restaurant in Naxos to prepare lunch. She works with the chef to make a dish called Tzatziki, which is a dip made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. They also make a simple salad with local greens and a side of Gigantes, which are giant white beans cooked with tomatoes and herbs. Diane explains that Tzatziki is a popular Greek dish that is often served as a dip or a condiment, and its creamy texture makes it a great complement to other dishes.

For dinner, Diane heads to a local farm on the island to cook with a family who specializes in local meats. They make a dish called Tsoutsoukakia, which are grilled meatballs that are seasoned with cumin and served with a tomato-based sauce. Diane adds a dollop of Greek yogurt to the sauce, which she says helps balance out the spiciness of the meatballs. They also make a side dish of roasted eggplant with a yogurt-based sauce.

Throughout the episode, Diane emphasizes the health benefits of Greek yogurt. She explains that it is high in protein and calcium, and that its probiotic properties make it good for digestion. She also highlights the cultural significance of Greek yogurt, explaining that it has been a staple in Greek cuisine for thousands of years.

Overall, "Greek Yogurt for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner" is a delicious and informative episode of My Greek Table with Diane Kochilas. Viewers will learn about the versatility of Greek yogurt and how it can be incorporated into a variety of meals, from breakfast to dinner. They will also get a glimpse into the rich cultural and culinary traditions of Greece.