Dakos: Cretan Meze

Bruschetta
ac_bnphotos/E+/Getty Images
  • Total: 15 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yield: 2 to 4 servings (meze size)

By Nancy Gaifyllia

Updated 04/03/19

In Greek: ντάκος, pronounced DAH-kohss

A traditional meze or light meal on the island of Crete, dakos (also called "koukouvayia") is often called "Greek bruschetta," and is easy to make with few ingredients and no cooking. You can find rusks at online Greek food shops, make your own, or use a thick slice of grilled or toasted crusty country bread (without the water).

To see an updated (different) version click here: Dakos Recipe

What You'll Need

  • 1/2 of a large round barley rusk (about 5 inches diameter)
  • 1 large tomato (or 2 small ripe tomatoes, coarsely grated, discard skin)
  • 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of feta cheese (or aged myzithra, crumbled or grated)​
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons ​olive oil (extra virgin)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Pinch oregano (Greek ​rigani)

How to Make It

  1. Run the rusk under a spray of water (about 4-6 tablespoons) to moisten. Grate the tomato with a vegetable grater (or the large grate on a multi-grater) into a strainer over a bowl so most of the liquid drains off.
  2. Spread the grated tomato on the rusk and top with cheese. Sprinkle with pepper and a good amount of oregano, and drizzle with olive oil.

Notes:

  • Some like to add a couple of thin slices of bell pepper and/or onion. They aren't part of the original recipe, but can be used if desired.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
165 Calories
7g Fat
20g Carbs
6g Protein
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)