Tastes of the Mediterranean from Euro Delicacies
Saratoga Farmers’ Market customers lift their forks with gusto for the Mediterranean cuisine brought each week to market by Euro Delicacies. An array of a dozen or so stainless steel warming trays creates a savory buffet of options at the Euro Delicacies station on the second floor of the Lincoln Baths market.
Euro Delicacies is family-run and headed by Armin Hrelja, who grew up in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
“Our most popular dishes are Spanakopita and Eggplant Parmesan,” notes Hrelja, who works with his family members to create entrees reflecting their Eastern European background. “But usually by the end of the market session, we have sold out of just about everything.”
From vegetarian dishes like grape leaves stuffed with lemony rice (Dolmades) to meat and vegetable-filled pies (Burek), Spanakopita (spinach-and feta filled pastry), and Stuffed Peppers; the generous portions of home-cooked food served up by Euro Delicacies at the market keep people coming back each weekend for more.
Other favorites on the menu include Pile Pita, lasagna-style layers of filo dough, caramelized vegetables and chicken breast; Eggplant Parmesan; Moussaka; and Stuffed Cabbage Rolls.
“Everything we offer is made from scratch, including all the sauces,” notes Hrelja. “We buy our ingredients from local farms and vendors.”
For dessert, Euro Delicacies offers the very popular honey-and-nut-filled pastry called baklava. Made with multiple layers of thin, flaky phyllo dough, Euro Delicacies uses walnuts and honey in its version of this popular sweet.
Euro Delicacies will continue to serve customers at the farmers market once it moves outdoors to High Rock Park in May. “We will be selling our food on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and think it will be popular for people wanting a quick meal or picnic downtown, or as take-out food to enjoy at home,” says Hrelja.
In addition to selling at farmers’ markets, during the work week Euro Delicacies staffs a busy lunch station in the Empire State Plaza in Albany.
Sweet Potato Cranberry Salad
(*Items available at the market.)
2 large sweet potatoes*
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup chopped scallions*
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Peel, dice, and steam sweet potatoes until tender. Allow to cool. Place on serving platter and top with chopped cranberries, walnuts and scallions. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
You can vary the proportions of this recipe to suit your preferences. The brilliant colors of this nutritious dish make it a colorful addition to any meal.
