Dakos

Cretan salad or meze

Dakos ( ), also known as koukouvagia or cretan salad, is a traditional Cretan dish that is often served as a meze or a light meal. It is a quintessential part of the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients.

Ingredients

The primary ingredient in dakos is the barley rusk, known locally as paximadi. These rusks are hard, twice-baked pieces of bread that are soaked in water or olive oil to soften them before serving. The rusks form the base of the dish.

Other key ingredients include:

• Tomatoes, which are grated or finely chopped and placed on top of the rusks.
• Feta cheese or mizithra, a soft, creamy cheese made from sheep or goat milk.
• Olive oil, preferably extra virgin, which is drizzled generously over the dish.
• Oregano, often used as a garnish to add flavor.
• Olives, which may be added for additional taste and decoration.

Preparation

A traditional serving of dakos with tomatoes and cheese

To prepare dakos, the barley rusks are first lightly moistened with water or olive oil. This step is crucial as it softens the rusks, making them easier to eat. Once softened, the rusks are topped with grated or chopped tomatoes. The juice from the tomatoes further softens the rusks and adds flavor.

Next, crumbled feta or mizithra cheese is added on top of the tomatoes. The dish is then drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. Some variations may include capers or sliced olives for additional flavor.

Cultural Significance

Dakos is more than just a dish; it is a reflection of the Cretan culture and its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. It is a staple in Cretan households and is often served at gatherings and celebrations. The dish embodies the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its health benefits.

Variations

While the traditional dakos is made with barley rusks, some variations may use different types of bread or rusks. The choice of cheese can also vary, with some preferring the tangy flavor of feta, while others opt for the milder mizithra.

Related pages

• Cretan cuisine
• Mediterranean diet
• Meze
• Feta cheese