MARITHOPITA TIS LEFKADAS Makes 8 to 10 servings Ingredients: 4 pounds small picarel, gutted and washed 2 medium onions, finely chopped 1 cup short-grain rice Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons tomato paste diluted with 1?4 cupwater (optional) 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing 1 recipe Basic Homemade […]

LEFKADITIKI POULENTA Greek cornmeal is usually a coarse grind, which is what I recommend in the recipe that follows. The ratio of water to cornmeal varies depending on the final texture one wants to achieve. In the old Greek dishes, the cornmeal was cooked to a medium consistency, which means a 4:1 ratio of water to cornmeal. Makes 6 servings Ingredients: […]

In Greek: κουλακλί μαντί, pronounced koo-lahk-LEE mahn-DEE Greek refugees during the last century brought this example of the traditional cuisine of Kappadokia to Greece, and this recipe for minced meat dumplings landed in Kavala in northeastern Greece. Bite-sized dumplings stuffed with minced meat (ground beef) are served with a delicious yogurt and garlic sauce. The […]

This is a classic Greek style rotisserie leg of lamb. A great meal for any occasion or holiday, such as Easter. This leg of lamb is so good you’ll want to celebrate Tuesday with it. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes Yield: Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients: 3 pound leg of lamb, boned and tied […]

In Greek: αρνί γεμιστό, pronounced ahr-NEE yeh-mee-STOH Versions of this stuffed leg of lamb are often first choice for Greek families at Easter, but this is such a beautiful dish that it’s perfect for special occasions and family meals. Stuffing the butterflied leg of lamb with layers of peppers (red and green) and cheeses is […]

In Greek: αρνί με πατάτες στο φούρνο, pronounced ahr-NEE meh pah-TAH-tes sto FOOR-no This is a lovely dish for an Easter meal or Sunday dinner. Make it into a festive occasion with assorted appetizers, salads, and sides, or just serve it with a salad and cheese for a simpler meal. To increase quantities, figure 1 […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Σουμάκι, pronounced soo-MAH-kee At the market: Sumac is usually sold as a coarsely ground powder, perhaps called “powdered culinary sumac,” and can also be found in berry form. It can be found at Greek and Middle Eastern markets. Physical characteristics: Sumac is a shrub which grows wild in the Mediterranean region, […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Mahlepi, μαχλέπι, pronounced mah-LEH-pee At the market: In the U.S., mahlab kernels or powder may be available in larger markets, or in specialty groceries catering to Mediterranean and/or Middle Eastern cuisines. Mahlab may also be marketed as “St. Lucie Cherry Kernels,” or “ground cherry stones.” Physical characteristics: Mahlab kernels are 5 […]

In Greek: κουζού ντολμά, pronounced koo-ZOO dohl-MAH The combination of tastes in this recipe are straight from Kappadokia, brought to Greece by ethnic Greek refugees. The recipe comes from Nea Karvali, a small town near Kavala in northeastern Greece, and is a favorite Easter alternative to whole spit-roasted lamb. Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 3 hours Total Time: 3 hours, […]

Makes about 30 Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of olive oil ½ onion, finely chopped 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 2 fresh red birdseye chillies, seeded and finely chopped (or use any mild chilli) 500 grams minced lamb ½ teaspoon ground allspice ¼ teaspoon cayenne, or to taste 1 tablespoon tomato paste 200 ml chicken stock 25 […]