Aromanian cuisine facts for kids
Aromanian cuisine (Aromanian: Cujina armãneascã) is the traditional food of the Aromanians. The Aromanians are a small group of people living in the Balkans, spread across countries like Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia. Their food has been greatly influenced by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine styles.
Food in Greece
In Greece, the Aromanian village of Metsovo (Aminciu) is famous for its delicious cheeses. The most well-known cheeses from Metsovo are Metsovone and Metsovela. Other types, like Graviera, are also made there. A lot of the cheese from Metsovo comes from the Tositsa Foundation Cheese Factory, which has been making cheese since 1958.
Besides cheese, some typical dishes from Metsovo include different meats, such as kontosouvli and sausages. You can also find tasty pies made with vegetables and mushrooms, and hearty bean soup. These meals often go well with local wine. Outside of Metsovo, a special Aromanian pie called Batzina is very popular in the Aspropotamos area. People have even written a book about the local food of that village!
Food in Romania
In Romania, the Aromanian community enjoys various dishes. These include vegetable pies, especially those made with leek, and fried peppers. Aromanians in Romania also make their own cheese. They eat different kinds of meats, like poultry (chicken or turkey) on regular days, and pork for holidays and special parties.
Different types of polenta, which is a dish made from cornmeal (known as mămăligă in Romania), are also very popular. Aromanian cuisine is quite common in the Dobruja region of Romania. However, it is not very well known in other parts of the country. A book has also been published about the Aromanian food found in Dobruja.
