Each year, we scan the array of trend predictions from the experts and look for what seems most viable, both from a common-sense perspective, and for our mates working with Australian grassfed beef, lamb and goat. Here’s one more note-worthy trend prediction to get you sorted for the year!
From Flavor & the Menu’s Top 10 Trends, we couldn’t agree more with the nod to “Modern Greek.” Greek food is everything we want right now, combining a healthy profile, familiar but just-exotic-enough flavors, and an easygoing style that’s made to be shared.
“There’s an amazing opportunity with this cuisine because it intersects flavor and wellness,” says Pam Smith, RDN, nutritionist and culinary consultant. “Greek, and particularly modern expressions of Greek cuisine, make the Mediterranean Diet come to life in craveable ways. Lamb of course, citrus, fresh herbs, spices—all are laced throughout Greek foods, bring such depth of flavor.”
Here are a few of our fave recipes in the Greek mode:
From our mate George Pagonis, Anassa Taverna, NYC, Lamb Kleftico. He takes a slow-roasted lamb and tucks it inside a phyllo wrapper with kefalograviera (your new favorite cheese and tongue-twisting word of the day). Chef tells us that Kleftiko (Kleftos) means “thief” in Greek, and it is said during Ottoman rule the Greeks would steal lambs from the Turks and cook them in underground ovens so they wouldn’t be caught. You should definitely buy your lamb on the up and up (and make sure it’s Australian) but this is an idea worth stealing!
Chef Aaron Brooks at the Four Seasons Miami goes Greek with his burger, using whipped feta, cucumbers, and a red pepper puree in the lamb-based build. New takes on burgers never go out of style, and going Mediterranean with the flavor profile makes lamb an easy order.
Finally, an #aussome example of modern Greek adaptation is our mate Grant Morgan’s twist on old-school “meat and three” with a date-crusted Greek-style lamb at the center. Surrounded by appropriate sides like goat cheese potato salad and Greek vegetable medley, it’s built for today’s family-meal and takeout culture, and works just as well as a fun shareable experience in the dining room or at a catered event. Opa indeed!