Cretan Dacos is a traditional Greek dish that features a slice of bread topped with fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil.

While it may seem like a light and healthy meal, the truth is that some versions of Dacos can be loaded with calories and unhealthy fats. In this article, we’ll reveal the secret high-calorie foods of Cretan Dacos, so you can make informed choices and enjoy this delicious dish without sabotaging your diet.

The Bread

The bread used in Cretan Dacos can vary, but the traditional version uses barley rusk. This type of bread is made by baking barley flour bread until it’s hard and then dipping it quickly in water to soften.

However, this process makes the bread calorie-dense, with one piece of barley rusk containing around 40-50 calories. If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, you may want to opt for a different type of bread, such as whole-wheat or sourdough.

The Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a key ingredient in Cretan Dacos, adding flavor and nutrients. However, some versions of Dacos pile on the tomatoes, making the dish high in calories. To keep the calorie count in check, try to stick to one or two small tomatoes per serving.

You can also add other veggies, such as cucumbers or bell peppers, for a boost of nutrients and bulk.

The Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and adds a tangy flavor to Cretan Dacos. However, it’s also high in calories and saturated fat.

One ounce of feta contains around 75 calories and 6 grams of fat, so it’s important to use it in moderation. Instead of piling on the feta, try crumbling a small amount on top of your Dacos or using a lower-fat cheese, such as goat cheese or ricotta.

The Olive Oil

Olive oil is another key ingredient in Cretan Dacos, providing healthy fats and flavor. However, it’s also high in calories, with one tablespoon containing around 120 calories.

To keep the calorie count down, try using a small amount of olive oil or swapping it out for a lower-calorie option, such as balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.

The Olives

Olives are a common topping for Cretan Dacos, adding a salty flavor and healthy fats. However, they’re also high in calories, with one medium-sized olive containing around 5-10 calories.

To keep the calorie count down, try using only a few olives as a garnish or swapping them out for a lower-calorie topping, such as sun-dried tomatoes or capers.

The Anchovies

Anchovies are a popular topping for Cretan Dacos, adding a savory flavor and healthy omega-3 fats. However, they’re also high in sodium and can be calorie-dense, with one ounce containing around 45-50 calories.

To keep the calorie count down, try using only one or two anchovy fillets per serving or swapping them out for a lower-calorie option, such as grilled chicken or tofu.

The Onions

Onions are a common ingredient in Cretan Dacos, adding flavor and nutrients. However, they’re also high in calories, with one medium-sized onion containing around 40-50 calories.

To keep the calorie count down, try using only a small amount of onion, such as a slice or two, or swapping them out for a lower-calorie option, such as shaved fennel or carrots.

The Herbs

Herbs such as oregano, thyme, and parsley are often used as a garnish or seasoning in Cretan Dacos, adding flavor and nutrients.

However, they’re generally low in calories and not a major concern when it comes to the overall calorie count of the dish. To keep your Dacos healthy, try using fresh herbs instead of dried, or experiment with different herbs and spices to find new flavor combinations.

The Bottom Line

Cretan Dacos can be a healthy and delicious meal, but it’s important to be mindful of the calorie-dense ingredients and use them in moderation.

By choosing whole-wheat bread, using a small amount of feta and olive oil, and incorporating a variety of veggies and toppings, you can enjoy this traditional Greek dish without sabotaging your diet. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and find the version of Cretan Dacos that works best for you.