Cretan “Ezme” (17th century)

Description

Cretan ezme, a mix of two types of cheeses, olive oil, dill and pistachio, takes its roots from Crete,  the largest and most populous of the Greek islands that was taken under control by Ottomans in 1646.

Ottoman cuisine was a culinary culture which grew from the 15th century onwards and was shaped by an elite group, who lived in and around Istanbul’s Palace, an elite who took pleasure in good food.