For this recipe, fresh tender vine leaves should be the best to use, but in the worst case if you can’t get your hands on fresh leaves you can buy some at your local supermarket in a jar ready to go. For the purpose of making the recipe the way it should be, we will […]

DOLMATHES ME BAKALIARO KAI TOMATENIO AVGOLEMONO Ingredients: 1 piece salt cod fillet, about 21⁄2 pounds One 22-ounce jar vine leaves in brine 1⁄2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 cups finely chopped white and tender green parts of scallions 1⁄2 cup long-grain rice, preferably basmati 3 large firm, ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped or grated Salt and […]

Stuffed grape leaves (dolmades, dolmathakia) are a favorite appetizer and meze, and one of the most traditional of all Greek dishes. They can also be served as a side dish or main dish. Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice and Herbs – Dolmathakia Tender grape leaves are used to wrap little parcels stuffed with rice, pine […]

A fabulous presentation dish that’s easy to make, and perfect for the holidays or other special occasion, this Grape Leaf Wreath salad looks as good as it tastes. The filling is a classic combination of rice and lentils with a vinaigrette dressing and feta cheese, and the grape leaves can be used straight from the […]

n Greek: ντολμαδάκια γιαλαντζί, pronounce dohl-mah-THAHK-yah yah-lahnd-ZEE Throughout the Middle East and southern Europe, this dish is a favorite. Here in vineyard country, these are often made with the very youngest and tenderest (and smallest) freshly picked leaves – which you can do as well if you have access to vines. This is the same […]

If you have access to grapevines – in a vineyard, on a grape arbor, or growing wild – you have a treasure trove of taste at hand! Grape leaves have been used in Greek cooking since ancient times, and abelofylla yemista (dolmades, stuffed grape leaves) are classics in Greek homes and restaurants around the world. Grape leaves can be used […]

Patates Poure (Mash Potatoes) Patates Fettes sto Fourno (Sliced Oven Potatoes) Patates Andinaktes (Tossed Potatoes) Manitaria Afelia (Mushrooms in Wine Sauce) Koupepia me Anthous Kolokithias (Stuffed Zucchini Flowers) Koupepia – Dolmathakia (Stuffed Vine Leaves) Black Eye Beans with Greens Fasolakia Yiahni (Green Beans in Tomato Sauce) Bamyes Me Saltsa (Okra in Tomato Sauce) Scrambled eggs […]

In Greek: τζατζίκι, pronounced dzahd-ZEE-kee One of my friends here in Greece has always madetzatziki with carrots. The carrots don’t make a marked change on the overall taste, but they do add a delightful crunch and they add bulk to tzatziki to make it go further – a frugal choice. Use it as a dip for veggies, and […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Colianthro, κολίανδρο, pronounced koh-LEE-ahn-throh (hard th, rhymes with “dough”) At the market: Coriander seeds are available in sealed packs. Pour-and-shake containers of ground coriander are sometimes available, but it is recommended to buy the seeds and grind them yourself. Physical characteristics: When these rounded seeds are crushed with a mortar and […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Thymari, θυμάρι, pronounced thee-MAH-ree (soft th sound) At the market: Thyme is available both fresh and dried, and fresh thyme is much preferred in cooking. Dried thyme leaves are sold in disposable containers, and fresh thyme is sold in bundles. Thyme is also a good choice for a kitchen herb garden. […]