Fish are grilled over hot fires, or baked. Shrimp, octopus, and squid are also popular. As in other European countries, legumes are commonly used in Greek menus. Chick peas, or garbanzo beans, are probably the most common. The purees are also served as spreads along with hearty breads.
Cheese is an important part of Greek cuisine.
Feta cheese, made from goat's milk, is white, crumbly, and very pungent. It is used on salads, meat dishes, spread on bread, or even wrapped in grape leaves and grilled. Yogurt is important to Greek cooking. This tangy white substance adds life to desserts, sauces and soups. Some pasta is used in Greek cooking, particularly orzo, which has a distinct rice-grain shape.