Georgina Hayden

Feeding since 1982

Easter Kleftiko

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Happy Good Friday!

Today I’m off to my Yiayia’s house to do some traditional Greek Easter baking, the highlight of Easter time for me. Our Easter isn’t until next week, but there is a lot to be done and that means tonnes of prep (my grandma doesn’t do things by halves – hundreds of breads, pastries and biscuits. Basically enough to feed the entire London Greek Cypriot community). Cooking with her is sheer joy, no measuring or precision, everything by eye and instinctive. It’s loud and fun and utter chaos. My favourite time of year!

The most delicious slow cooked lamb
The most delicious slow cooked lamb

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to shoot a Greek Cypriot Easter story for Jamie Magazine, with my gorgeous grandparents and sister, cooking all the traditional foods and hanging out with them all day. Essentially what we do normally but in front of a camera, they loved it. So, today I’m posting an oldie but a goodie for you. A traditional (but with a twist) kleftiko recipe, that is perfect for Easter Sunday. And hopefully in time for you all to add to your shopping list to make this weekend.

Continue for recipe…

Bergamot, olive oil and semolina cake

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It’s a terrible cliche but certain smells really do transport me straight back to specific times and places, and bergamot is one of those smells. A little scratch of the skin and bang! I’m in the Troodos mountains in Cyprus. My Grandpa’s village uses fresh bergamot to flavour their famous ‘Phini delight’ – their take on Turkish delight. I am obviously terribly biased but it is insanely good and nothing like some of the rubbery rubbish you get. It’s soft and silky and melts in your mouth. And the bergamot flavour is so much more delicate than rose water. Whoever goes over to visit the motherland always brings a load of boxes back and it has to be rationed amongst us. We can’t get enough of the stuff.

 

A very Greek bundt
A very Greek bundt

Unfortunately bergamot isn’t that widely available over here. Most commonly known to us Brits for its presence in Earl Grey tea (and perfumes and candles) the fruit itself can be hard to get hold of. But it’s not impossible, and if you live near a Mediterranean greengrocers or a good farmers market you might be in luck. Unlike oranges, the flesh is too sour to eat straight up, but that makes it perfect for cooking with, and I’ve made one of the best limoncello style liqueurs before with a bag or bergamots and a bottle of gin. I’ve also got a batch of bergamot and orange blossom truffles on the go at the moment, but I’ll have to get back to you on that one (so far so good). Read more…

Porridge with caramelised figs and orange blossom

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For the first time this autumn I woke up the other day and really fancied porridge. I get super excited about porridge, which might sound a bit weird for something so… normal? But we didn’t really have it growing up, we were all about a slice of cake and a glass of milk (so continental). I clearly remember one of the first times I had it – I was quite old, about 16, and it was made by my friend Emma’s mum. It was thick and creamy and there was definitely a lot of butter in it, but damn it was good. You could just taste that it was naughty and I was instantly hooked.

Since then my palate has changed a bit, and one of the best bowls of porridge I have ever eaten was at The Breslin in NYC, which I know has no cream or butter but really tastes like it should. The recipe here is based on the deliciousness from the Breslin with a topping I made inspired by the stunning figs spilling out of my fruit bowl.

 

Porridge with caramelised figs and orange blossom
Porridge with caramelised figs and orange blossom

 

CREAMY PORRIDGE WITH CARAMELISED FIGS AND ORANGE BLOSSOM

Serves 2

Because this porridge takes a while to cook, I have tried making a double batch on a Sunday evening, cooling it down and keeping it in the fridge. I then just reheated as much as we needed with a little extra milk over the next few mornings. Works a treat.

  • 50g rolled oats (not the quick cook ones)
  • 30g steel cut oats
  • 350ml full fat milk
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 figs, cut into wedges
  • 1 heaped teaspoon coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • A tablespoon of unsweetened coconut shavings
  • A splash of orange blossom water

Pour the milk into a medium sized non-stick pan with 350ml of water. Place on a high heat and as soon as it starts to come to the boil stir in both the oats and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for around 35 minutes, stirring regularly, until the steel cut oats are cooked through/ no longer have a bite.

About 5 minutes before the porridge is ready, caramelise the figs. Melt the coconut oil in a small non-stick pan over a medium heat and add the fig wedges. After 3 – 4 minutes, when the figs start to turn golden, drizzle in the honey and add the sesame seeds and coconut shavings. Add the orange blossom water and turn the heat up a little. Swirl everything together and caramelise for a couple of minutes, turning the figs to coat in the honey, until thick and sticky.

When the porridge is ready stir in the salt and divide between 2 bowls. Leave to ‘set’ for a minute and then spoon over the figs and honey.