Antikristo is a traditional way of cooking meat in Crete – and it’s famous as one of the best examples of Greek cuisine. A lamb (or, on rare occasions, a goat) is cut into four pieces, known as goulidia, and salted before being put on large steel skewers arranged around an open fire. Factors such as wind direction, fire intensity, and the distance between the fire and the meat are carefully checked to ensure the best results.
This method lets the meat to cook in its own fat and salt, with heat coming from the flames instead of coals, resulting in a flavourful and succulent BBQ. The name antikristo means "across the fire", which aptly describes this technique where the meat is slowly cooked, sometimes for up to 6 hours, allowing it to develop a rich and complex array of flavours.
Antikristo is a standout among traditional Greek dishes and a highlight of Cretan cuisine. For those interested in learning how to cook lamb using an ages-old technique, antikristo is a cherished culinary tradition that continues to be celebrated across Crete and beyond.
*CHAPTERS*
00:00 Cretan Antikristo: a traditional lamb BBQ
00:21 Antikristo is a Cretan culinary tradition in Greek cuisine
01:00 Mastering antikristo: how to butcher lamb for a Cretan BBQ
06:53 Enhancing the flavour of lamb with local salt: perfecting the antikristo BBQ
07:43 The origins of Antikristo: traditional preparation of local Cretan lamb in Anogia
08:32 How to skewer lamb for the perfect antikristo BBQ
10:51 How to cut the lamb’s head for the antikristo
11:38 The right knives for butchering lamb for the antikristo BBQ
12:19 Setting up the antikristo: fixing lamb skewers around an open fire
13:25 Antikristo at the Cretan traditional tavern ‘Temenia’: a family legacy of authentic BBQ
14:10 How to control the heat for perfect antikristo cooking techniques
14:40 Tending the flame: keeping the fire burning on the antikristo BBQ
15:49 Authentic Greek cuisine: boiled lamb ‘gamopilafo’, is a treasured Cretan dish
18:54 Antikristo BBQ: lamb meat slow-cooked in its own fat and salt
25:08 The meat is ready to be sliced and served
*FOOD & CULTURE - Documentary Series:* https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoEi_ku6niB3s-kaqBnVMOV-ixvxpGZfg
*WHERE WE SHOT THE VIDEO*
Country: Greece
Region: Crete
City: Temenia
Gps: 35°17'43.56"N 23°45'16.34"E
*ABOUT US*
We are Domenico and Giulia; two adventurers, filmmakers, documentarians travelling the world to discover, understand, and tell the story. Kiss From The World is dedicated to creating high quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its viewers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and vibrancy.
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