Dakos (Ντάκος)

This is a simple yet flavorful dish often served as a starter or a light meal. It consists of a dried barley rusk soaked in olive oil and topped with grated fresh tomato, crumbled feta or mizithra cheese, oregano, and olives. It’s known for its fresh and robust flavors, embodying the essence of Cretan cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 4 barley rusks
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, grated
• 200 grams of feta cheese or mizithra, crumbled
• Extra virgin olive oil
• A handful of Kalamata olives, pitted
• Fresh oregano
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rusk: Lightly moisten the barley rusks with water to soften them slightly. Be careful not to soak them too much; they should remain crunchy on the inside.
2. Add Tomatoes: Top each rusk with grated tomato, reserving some of the juice.
3. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle the crumbled cheese over the tomatoes. Add a pinch of salt and fresh oregano to taste.
4. Drizzle Olive Oil: Generously drizzle olive oil over each rusk.
5. Garnish: Top with olives and additional oregano if desired.
6. Serve: Allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving, letting the rusk absorb some of the tomato juices and olive oil.