The Indo-Greek Kingdom or Graeco-Indian Kingdom was a Hellenistic kingdom spread in various parts of the northwest regions of South Asia (mainly modern Afghanistan and Pakistan) during the last two centuries BC and was ruled by more than thirty kings, who were often in conflict with each other.
The kingdom was founded when the Graeco-Bactrian king Demetrius invaded the subcontinent early in the 2nd century BC. The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander (Milinda). He had his capital at Sakala in the Punjab (present-day Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan).
Euthydemus I was, according to Polybius, a Magnesian Greek. His son, Demetrius, founder of the Indo-Greek kingdom, was therefore of Greek descent from his father. A marriage between Demetrius and the daughter of Antiochus III the Great, who had partial Persian descent was arranged.
During the two centuries of their rule, the Indo-Greek kings combined the Greek and Indo-Iranian languages and symbols, as seen on their coins, and blended Hindu, Buddhist and ancient Greek religious practices, as seen in the archaeological remains of their cities. They highly supported Buddhism, pointing to a rich fusion of Indian and Hellenistic influences. The diffusion of Indo-Greek culture had consequences which are still felt today, particularly through the influence of Greco-Buddhist art.
The Indo-Greeks ultimately disappeared as a political entity around 10 AD following the invasions of the Indo-Scythians, although pockets of Greek populations probably remained for several centuries longer under the subsequent rule of the Indo-Parthians and Kushans. (Source: http://autochthonesellhnes.blogspot.gr/2016/04/blog-post_93.html)
I never knew this story neither was I taught about it in my school years so I was deeply surprised on how far ancient Greek civilization has gone and how many people it has influenced in that place of the earth. I stumbled upon this story and made me think that it had been quite a while since the last time I have enjoyed something with the aromas of India. So, I thought I should improvise and make something with European and Indian influences. This shepherd’s pie was truly delicious and a whole meal on its own. The curry chicken pairs perfectly with the mashed potatoes and the combination was perfect for my family’s palate.
- 5 chicken breasts, skinless, boneless cut is small cubes
- 100 ml / 3 fl oz. coconut milk
- ⅔ cup tomato juice
- 2 cubes Japanese curry (you can find it in Asian stores, it is milder than the Indian one. In case you cannot find it use curry paste or powder)
- 1 cm / 0.5 in. fresh ginger, grated
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 zucchinis, thinly sliced
- Mashed potatoes
- Olive oil for sautéing everything
- Prepare your usual recipe for mashed potatoes enough to cover the top of the chicken.
- In a big skillet pour some olive oil and sauté the chicken pieces in batches in medium heat.
- Remove and set aside.
- Add couple of tbsp. of olive oil and in the same skillet sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes.
- Throw the chicken and all the liquids and cook for five minutes.
- Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- In a deep pan throw the chicken and veggies and on top spread the mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 25 minutes
- Turn the oven to broiler and broil for about 5 minutes or until the mashed potatoes take a nice golden color.
- 5 στήθη κοτόπουλου, χωρίς πέτσα και κόκαλα κομμένο σε κυβάκια
- 100 ml γάλα καρύδας
- ⅔ φλ. χυμό ντομάτας
- 2 κύβους Ιαπωνικού κάρι (μπορείτε να το βρείτε στα ασιατικά καταστήματα, είναι ηπιότερο σε σχέση με το ινδικό. Σε περίπτωση που δεν μπορείτε να το βρείτε χρησιμοποιήστε πάστα κάρυ ή σκόνη 1 κ.σ.)
- 1 cm τζίντζερ φρέσκο, τριμμένο
- 1 κρεμμύδι, κομμένο σε φέτες
- 1 κίτρινη πιπεριά, σε φέτες
- 3 καρότα, κομμένα σε λεπτές φέτες
- 2 κολοκυθάκια κομμένα σε λεπτές φέτες
- Πατάτες πουρέ
- Ελαιόλαδο για το σοτάρισμα
- Φτιάχνουμε πουρέ πατάτας με βάση τη συνταγή μας τόσο ώστε να καλύψει το κοτόπουλο στο ταψί που θα το ψήσουμε.
- Σε ένα μεγάλο τηγάνι ρίχνουμε λίγο ελαιόλαδο και σοτάρουμε τα κομμάτια του κοτόπουλου σε παρτίδες σε μέτρια φωτιά.
- Αφαιρούμε και αφήνουμε στην άκρη.
- Προσθέτουμε δυο κουταλιές ελαιόλαδο και στην ίδια κατσαρόλα σοτάρουμε τα λαχανικά για περίπου 5 λεπτά.
- Ρίχνουμε το κοτόπουλο και όλα τα υγρά υλικά και μαγειρεύουμε για πέντε λεπτά.
- Προθερμαίνουμε το φούρνο στους 200°C.
- Σε ένα βαθύ πυρέξ ή ταψί ρίχνουμε το κοτόπουλο και τα λαχανικά και από πάνω απλώνουμε τον πουρέ πατάτας.
- Ψήνουμε για 25 λεπτά
- Γυρίζουμε το φούρνο στο γκριλ και ψήνουμε για περίπου 5 λεπτά ή μέχρι ο πουρές από πάνω να πάρει ένα ωραίο χρυσαφί χρώμα.
