Greek name and pronunciation: Bahari, μπαχάρι, pronounced bah-HAH-ree At the market: Allspice is sold in both powdered and whole form. The dried berries are ground to produce the powdered form. If possible, buy the dried berries and grind your own allspice powder. The dried berries retain their flavor and potency much longer. Physical characteristics: Both […]

ARNI KRASATO Ingredients: One 3- to 4-pound leg of spring (baby) lamb,bone in, trimmed of fat 3 to 4 garlic cloves, to taste, peeled and minced 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1⁄4 pound kefalotyri or any hard yellow cheese, coarsely grated Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup dry […]

Pastitsatha was the traditional Sunday meal of Corfu’s well-to-do. It was almost always made with free-range cock or with turkey, which Corfiotes hold in particularly high esteem. Thick tubular spaghetti is needed for this dish. According to island cooks, a proper pastitsatha requires no fewer than 9 spices: allspice, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Makes 4 to […]

In Greek: μουσακάς πατάτες, say: moo-sah-KAS pah-TAH-tes Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Ingredients: 5-6 pounds of potatoes, peeled, cut in 1/2 inch slices 2 tablespoons of olive oil 4 medium onions, chopped 2 1/2 pounds of ground beef (or lamb) 3 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes with juice (or canned tomatoes) 1 cup […]

In Greek: μουσακάς κολοκυθάκια, say: moo-sah-KAS koh-loh-kee-THAK-yah Layers of zucchini, meat sauce, cheese, and a creamy béchamel create a fabulous oven-to-table casserole. Select mature zucchini or Italian squash (they look like large zucchini) for best results. Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Ingredients: 5-6 pounds of mature zucchini, trimmed, cut in 1/2 inch slices […]

Chicken with Spices “Politika” A fragrant and inviting blend of spices infuses this chicken dish with very warm flavors. The Greeks call this blend of spices politika meaning “of the city” a reference to the city of Constantinople or modern day Istanbul. This dish is absolutely delicious served over rice or orzo pilaf and will fill the kitchen […]

This recipe is made with a type of pasta called Trahana (trah-hah-NAH) that is made from semolina together with either milk (sweet trahana) or yogurt (sour trahana). It’s dried and then crumbled into tiny little grains that are much like couscous in their appearance. Note: While Trahana can be found in most ethnic grocery stores, […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Garifalo, γαρίφαλο, pronounced ghah-REE-fah-lo At the market: Whole cloves are usually packaged is small resealable containers. Clove essential oil is usually available at health food stores. Physical characteristics: Cloves are the dried unopened flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia and Madagascar. A dried clove (bud) is 1/2 to […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Kanela, κανέλα, pronounced kah-NEL-ah At the market: Cinnamon is available in powdered and stick (quill) form (sticks are usually 2- to 6-inch long sections of dried bark). The essential oil of cinnamon is sometimes available. Physical characteristics: Ground cinnamon has a tan color. Quills, made from dried cork-like outer tree bark, […]

Allspice – Bahari Anise – Glikanisos Cardamom – Kardamo Cinnamon – Kanela Cloves – Garifalo Coriander – Coliandros Cumin – Kymino Curry – Kari Ginger – Piperoriza Hot Peppers – Kafteres piperies Mahlab – Mahlepi Mastic – Mastiha Mustard Powder – Moustarda skoni Pepper – Piperi Saffron – Safora or Safrani Sumac – Soumaki Vanilla – Vanilia