Disclaimer: This article may contain elements that can cause intense drooling and a pervasive sensation of hunger. If such side effects are observed, readers should consult the lovely staff of Bella Vista Hotel for professional culinary advice.
SOFRITO – THE CORFIOT COMFORT FOOD
When asked about Corfu, many people will say the thing they love the most is the food. A wide variety of flavours, fresh local ingredients, and talented chefs on the Ionian island have resulted in mouth-watering dishes, which combine traditional and modern cuisine. Among them are Pastitsada, Bourdeto, Bianco, Savoro and the vegetarian Tsigareli – to name just a few.
THE HISTORY OF CORFU’S CUISINE
Corfiot cuisine has a tangible Mediterranean character, but it’s also strongly influenced by the island’s 400 year long Venetian occupation. Now, a history lecture could follow, but instead, Bella Vista Beach Hotel & Studios will introduce you to one of our favourite traditional dishes that you can only try in Corfu – sofrito.
SOFRITO – UNIQUELY GREEK?
Sofrito is a word with a confusing list of Google hits. Dishes sneakily going by that name are made in almost the whole Mediterranean area, such as Italy and Spain, but also in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and many other Caribbean countries.
Even though the list of countries that make sofrito is long, the ingredients are not the same everywhere. Even on the island of Corfu, one restaurant’s sofrito recipe will differ from another’s.
To clear up any confusion between the sofrito Greek people enjoy and the sofrito found elsewhere, it would be a good idea to break down the recipe of Greek sofrito.
GREEK SOFRITO RECIPE
What is sofrito? This delicious dish is usually made with tender veal, topped with a sauce of white wine or vinegar. It is sometimes made of lamb or beef instead. Like many Greek recipes, Greek sofrito also features olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic cloves, finely chopped parsley, and lemon juice.
It is usually accompanied by a side of mashed potatoes, rice, peas, or crusty bread. The perfectly cooked meat is so rich in texture that it immediately melts in your mouth and this is what makes Sofrito so popular.
Fortunately, Bella Vista Beach Hotel & Studios is located within a few hundred metres from the best dining spots in town, which makes it ideal to venture out and visit local restaurants for a heavenly culinary experience.
Within a six-minute walk, you could enjoy a sublime Sofrito at Paxinos. If you were to walk a couple of hundred metres further, those steps would take you to a delicious eatery known as Oi Oraies Benitses. They offer great vegetarian and vegan options too. In the same area, you can even taste a flavoursome pastitsada at Mr Spiros Taverna, by the hands of the cook and owner, Mrs Anthoula.
Whatever you do, don’t miss out on Greek sofrito when you visit Corfu. It’s the only place in the world where you can try this authentic dish!
