3 Essential Ingredients for Delicious Greek Marinades
Picture the mouthwatering aroma of juicy meat and crispy vegetables sizzling on the grill… Marinades will turn everyday meals into savoury feasts. The key is to use essential ingredients to make delicious marinades: herbs, lemon and yogurt.
These simple ingredients can be used to make a variety of marinades for more tender and flavourful meat.
The La Belle Excuse team invites you to find out how to create delicious Greek marinades that will elevate your grilled meals.
Enhance Flavours with Herbs
Whether lovingly grown in your garden or picked up at the local market, herbs enhance flavours with their aromas.
Rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil pair well with olive oil, bringing out the natural flavour of meats, vegetables and seafood.
Mountain Oregano is often used in Greek cuisine and enhances grilled meat by giving it a peppery, slightly bitter flavour! Essential in tomato-based dishes, it also perfectly complements the freshness of a Greek salad.
In short:
- Oregano: Peppery and slightly bitter, it balances the acidity of lemon.
- Rosemary: Strong fragrance, with a woody aroma.
- Thyme and basil: Fresh and citrusy notes.
- Usage: Dried or fresh to enhance flavours
Tenderising Meats with Lemon
Essential in marinades, the lemon’s natural acidity tenderizes meats and brings bright freshness to every bite.
It also intensifies herb aromas and goes perfectly well with olive oil. A hint of lemon zest adds a pleasant tangy flavour! Lemon is a must for fresh marinades.
In short:
- Tenderizes meats.
- Adds bright freshness.
- Balances other ingredients.
- Intensifies the herbs’ aromas.
- Lemon zest: Intense aroma, depth of flavour.
Tip: Try our Lemon and White Balsamic Vinegar!
Add Creamy Texture with Yogurt
Yogurt isn’t just for breakfast! Widely used in Greek cuisine, yogurt adds creamy texture to marinades and sauces. Its natural enzymes penetrate the meat, making it exceptionally tender and flavourful.
Did you know that yogurt creates a barrier that locks in moisture, thus preventing the meat from drying out during cooking? Adding Greek yogurt to your marinades will result in juicier meat.
In short:
- Creamy and rich texture.
- Tenderizes with its natural enzymes.
- Locks in moisture in meat.
- Use Greek yogurt for rich texture and authentic flavour.
A Few Greek Marinade Ideas
The La Belle Excuse team couldn’t end this article without bringing you some inspiration with a few delicious marinade recipes.
Here’s a roundup of marinades using our essential ingredients:
- Classic Chicken Marinade: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, mountain oregano and Greek yogurt. Marinate chicken for a few hours before putting on the grill. You can also add a table spoon of Roasted Garlic Mustard.
- Lamb Marinade: Combine lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, chopped garlic and Greek yogurt. Marinate lamb overnight for tender and flavourful meat.
- Vegetable Marinade: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil and a hint of honey. Marinate zucchini, onions, peppers and mushrooms before putting on the grill.
- Seafood Marinade: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano and a pinch of Fleur de Sel. Marinate shrimp or calamari for one hour before quickly cooking in a pan or on the grill.
Always keep these three essential ingredients handy for delicious marinades!
Whether for chicken, lamb, vegetables or seafood, you can mix and match these ingredients in your recipes.
Give them a try and let your taste buds travel to Greece.
Bon appétit!
For more delicious Mediterranean recipes, click here: Recipes.
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