Diane Kochilas | Greek Food & Blue Zone Ikaria | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Diane Kochilas, award-winning cookbook author and host of "My Greek Table," discusses her love for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and shares insights on the Mediterranean diet and Greek cooking traditions.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] IDA SHEN: Welcome to Talks at Google. My name is Ida Shen, Food Program Manager at Google and your host today. Please join me in welcoming today's guest, award-winning cookbook author, instructor, and host of "My Greek Table," Diane Kochilas. Diane is the host and co-creator of the award-winning cookbook travel show, "My Greek Table... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌱 Greek cuisine is often herb-based, with a variety of indigenous edible plants providing unique flavors and aromas.
• 🍽️ The meze tradition in Greek cuisine offers a wide variety of small plates to create a grazing experience with diverse flavors and textures.
• 🍓 Greek cooking combines simplicity with excellent raw ingredients to achieve flavorful and satisfying meals.
• 😋 Kochilas emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in Greek food culture.
• ☺️ The Mediterranean diet promotes longevity by emphasizing plant-based foods, fresh ingredients, and a relaxed approach to eating.
• 🍳 Diane Kochilas enjoys cooking for her family and friends the most, followed by hosting her PBS cooking show and teaching in-person and online classes.
• ❓ Greek and Mediterranean cuisine continue to evolve, with influences from other culinary traditions and a focus on creativity while maintaining Greek authenticity.
• 🤩 Key pantry ingredients for Greek cooking include extra virgin Greek olive oil, sea salt, feta cheese, lemons, garlic, and legumes/pulses.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Diane Kochilas start her career as an expert in Greek and Mediterranean cooking?

Kochilas grew up in a Greek home and was exposed to food from a young age. She later received a cookbook contract and moved to Greece to research and cook.

Q: What is the difference between a plant-based diet and a vegetarian diet?

A plant-based diet focuses on a variety of plants as the centerpiece of meals, whereas a vegetarian diet excludes animal meat but may still include dairy and eggs.

Q: What are the key factors contributing to the longevity of people in Ikaria, Greece?

Low stress levels, a healthy diet focused on fresh and seasonal ingredients, social connections, and a laid-back lifestyle contribute to the longevity of people in Ikaria.

Q: How can individuals incorporate the Mediterranean diet into their American lifestyle?

Kochilas suggests eating seasonally, focusing on plant-based foods, cooking with real ingredients, and avoiding processed foods.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Diane Kochilas, a native New Yorker, grew up in a Greek home and developed a passion for food.

• She started her career as a cookbook author after receiving a contract to write her first book, "The Food and Wine of Greece."

• Kochilas runs cooking classes in Greece, focusing on the longevity diet and Greek food culture.