Chard With Trahanas

Music pairing: Alekos Vretos Quartet, “Idea” (from the album "K. on Top”).

Greek oudist, pianist, and composer Alekos Vretos draws inspiration from the great tradition of the Mediterranean creating a masterful blend of jazz, Arabic, Greek and Latin music. As a bandleader, he has developed a unique atmosphere for his music: keeping traditional sound in the front line, expanding it through jazz improvisation and exploding rhythmic development.

I like to indulge myself with revisited classical Greek recipes. This one is a twisted version of spanakoryzo (spinach with rice). Spinach was replaced by organic red chard, and rice by sweet trahanas, a type of couscous-like pasta made with sheep and goat milk. Sprinkled with EVOO and home-made pomegranate vinegar.

Music pairing: Alekos Vretos Quartet, “Idea” (from the album "K. on Top”).

Greek oudist, pianist, and composer Alekos Vretos draws inspiration from the great tradition of the Mediterranean creating a masterful blend of jazz, Arabic, Greek and Latin music. As a bandleader, he has developed a unique atmosphere for his music: keeping traditional sound in the front line, expanding it through jazz improvisation and exploding rhythmic development.

Classical, Ethnic, Greek, Jazz, OST, Soul