A taste of winter

Throughout the winter, the streets in Greek towns and villages are very often deserted and quiet, although the markets still operate on their prescribed days of the week. The summer visitors would no longer recognize the Greek islands, which now seem eerie and almost abandoned. Greek life has definitely moved indoors.

In the summer, it was the kitchens that were kept cool, while the weather outside was often incredibly hot. Now the reverse applies. As the temperature drops, kitchens become havens of comfort. This is the season when saucepans simmer quietly on stoves for much of the day, slowly transforming tough pulses into tender, tasty dishes. Dried beans, split peas, lentils and chickpeas are all used in this way, creating the casseroles that provide nourishment for the body and warmth to the house.