If there is one dish that captures the essence of Cretan cuisine in every bite, this is the Cretan dakos. With the simplicity of its ingredients and its intense flavour, dakos is a dish that combines tradition with complete nutrition. Let’s see how we can prepare this traditional dish, bringing a piece of Crete to our table.

Ingredients for Dakos:

• Cretan barley rusks (dakos)
• 2 red tomatoes, juicy, scraped on a grater or in pieces
• 50 g mizithra or crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon of Cretan virgin olive oil
• MADARA mix for vegetables
• Olives
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Execution:

1. Depending on the dakos and its hardness, you can lightly moisten it with water or red wine to add another touch of aromatic complexity.
2. Add the tomato on top and season lightly with salt, allowing the juices to meet the rich flavor of the rusk.
3. Top the tomato with the myzithra or crumbled feta and add the oil, creating an exceptionally flavorful balance.
4. Finish with the olives and sprinkle with the vegetable mixture, which will highlight the flavors.

Tips for the perfect Dako:

• For a more wet dakos, feel free to add a little more olive oil or water. Texture is key in this dish.
• Cretan dakos is ideal served as an appetizer or as a light meal, accompanied by a glass of Cretan wine for a complete culinary experience.

The Nutritional Value of Cretan Dakos: A Treasure of Health

Apart from its undeniable taste value, Cretan dakos offers significant nutritional benefits, making it the ideal choice for those who wish to combine pleasure with health. The barley rusks are a rich source of dietary fibre, enhancing digestive function, while the tomatoes add a significant dose of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. The use of Cretan virgin olive oil, known for its cardioprotective properties, adds an extra element of health, while xinomizithra or feta cheese are rich sources of calcium and protein. The addition of the MADARA vegetable mix, as well as olives, enriches the dish with minerals and healthy fats. Thus, Cretan dakos is a balanced choice that contributes to the well-being and strengthening of the body, highlighting the Cretan diet as a true gift for health.

Cretan dakos is more than just a dish. It is an experience that brings Crete to your table, highlighting the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the island. With this recipe, you’re ready to taste travel to the heart of Crete, enjoying every bite.