Greece, with its rich culinary heritage, offers a plethora of delightful dishes that tantalize the taste buds and transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Among these culinary treasures is Portokalopita, a traditional Greek orange cake that embodies the essence of Greek flavors and hospitality. Let’s delve into the history, ingredients, and preparation of this delectable dessert that has been enchanting taste buds for generations.
A Slice of History
Baking has been an integral part of Greek culture since ancient times. From humble offerings to the gods to lavish feasts, Greeks have long celebrated the art of baking. It is believed that the roots of Portokalopita can be traced back to the Byzantine era when oranges were introduced to Greece. Over the centuries, this humble citrus fruit became a staple in Greek cuisine, finding its way into various dishes, including desserts.
Ingredients That Tell a Story
The beauty of Portokalopita lies in its simplicity. This rustic cake is made with basic ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 pound package of phyllo sheets
For the Syrup
- 3 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 cups sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly brush a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, olive oil, and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until well combined.
- Add yogurt, orange zest, and baking powder to the bowl, and continue beating until fully incorporated.
- Using your hands, crush the phyllo sheets and add them to the cake batter. Stir gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the cake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens to the consistency of maple syrup. Allow the syrup to cool.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Slice the cake into 20 pieces and let it cool completely.
- Once both the cake and syrup have cooled, pour the syrup over the cake, allowing it to be absorbed.
- Serve and enjoy the delicious Greek orange cake!
Portokalopita is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of Greek culinary tradition and hospitality. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch of this delightful orange cake, and embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Opa!
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Visit our dedicated e-shop for delicious Greek food items available both for cooking as well as immediate consumption. The Greek Deli stocks artisanal products, including Greek juices, tsoureki, egg dyes, olive oils, wines, cheeses, and mezedes. In addition, ready meals (such as pastitsio and gemista), sweets (such as baklava and kourabiedes), and Greek coffee (Loumidis) can be found in our online shop. We even stock beloved Greek chocolates and cookies. Furthermore, brands such as Lacta, Ion, Sokofreta, and Gemista cookies, as well as an impressive selection of Greek wines. You can purchase and customise our unique Greek gift boxes, with your favourite products or pre-made. One box includes extra virgin olive oil, two bottles of wine and two jars of olive paste. Along with roasted peppers, honey, chilies, and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for sending the best of Greek tastes to a distant beloved!).
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