By Honorary Reporter Alexandra Kyriazi from Greece

Photos = Instagram users @eatyourselfgreek and @myspring_bom16 

What do a traditional Korean dessert and a Greek one have in common? When I discovered yakgwa (traditional Korean honey cookie) while searching for a sweet Korean snack to make, I found its ingredient list and cooking directions familiar. The Greek dessert melomakarona was the first thing to come to mind and made me curious over the similarities between the two cuisines.

Korean and Greek food both contain healthy main dishes made with vegetables, fruit and whole grain that provide essential nutrients. Many desserts from the two countries are also healthy.

Yakgwa in English literally means "medical confectionary" and contains honey, which is part of hanyak (traditional Korean medicine). The dessert was served at special events and celebrations. Its ingredients are flour, honey and sesame oil, and after being deep-fried, the snack is dipped in honey-based syrup and topped with chopped pine nuts.

This is how I made my version of the traditional Korean dessert yakgwa. 

The term "melomakarona" is derived from the word "makaria," or a small oval-shaped bread served at a funeral in ancient Greece. Over time, the recipe evolved and the addition of honey, or meli in Greek, led to the snack's present name. Today, Greeks get it either from stores or make it at home, and usually eat it on Christmas and New Year's. The basic ingredients are olive oil, flour, sugar and cinnamon. After baking, the pieces are allowed to absorb honey-based syrup and topped with chopped walnuts.

Homemade melomakarona.

Both yakgwa and melomakarona possess similarities in recipe and ingredients. They are flour based and contain a good amount of oil with healthy unsaturated fat and honey syrup. And both have roots in ceremonial traditions and are loved by all ages.

Perhaps historical reasons explain why these two desserts are similar, or maybe people just love cookies made with oil and honey syrup. Nonetheless, I'm glad to have found something that Korean and Greek food have in common despite the geographical distance separating both nations.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.