Like other ancient civilizations, the basic ancient Greek foods were cereals, legumes, oil, and wine. Many ancient Greeks lived in Magna Graecia (Megale Hellas), so the food of the Romans overlaps that of the Greeks. There were, of course, other influences on ancient Greek foods, especially from Asia. We know the Greeks had a wide variety of […]
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Pear Spoon Sweet – Greek Pear Preserves
Traditionally, one is offered something sweet upon arrival in a Greek home. Greek hosts keep a supply of spoon sweets or preserves on hand that are made from almost any fruit or nut you can imagine. If there is an abundance of fruit on the trees, you can be sure that the bounty will be […]
Make Your Own Ingredients for Cooking Greek Food
Bouquet Garni for Soups & Sauces There’s nothing quite as disconcerting as finding a whole allspice berry or piece of dried rosemary in a sauce or bowl of soup. A tip from Margarita Krasanaki. Cure Your Own Olives Greek olives are known the world over for their variety, flavors, and colors. Learn about the methods […]
Feta – Greek Cheese
Feta is a white cheese and is the most consumed cheese in Greece. It’s also the most widely exported Greek cheese. And feta cheese is exclusively Greek. In 2005, after sixteen years of hot debate, the European Union’s highest court decreed that “feta” is protected as a traditional Greek product, and that none of the […]
Retsina – Greek Wines of the Gods
Some people say that Retsina, the resinated wine produced in Greece since ancient times, is an acquired taste. I’ll agree – I acquired it immediately. Not everyone agrees – the Epicurious Dictionary describes the flavor as “sappy and turpentinelike”. But cooking expert Sheila Lukinsbreaks ranks and calls it the “quintessential Mediterranean wine”, applauding it as an accompaniment […]
Greek Recipes for Cheese Pies, Spinach Pies, Meat Pies, & Croissants
Pites (pan-sized pies) and pitakia (small pies) are some of the most famous dishes in Greece. Thick and thin phyllo (filo) dough can either be used as layers of crust or wrapped around individual bites of tasty cheeses, greens, vegetables, or combinations. Greek Phyllo Cheese Triangles – Tiropites Delicious packets of crisp phyllo pastry wrapped […]
Greek Recipes for Souvlaki – Grilled Skewered Kebabs
Greek Souvlaki can be the perfect outdoor dish, or cooked indoors as appetizers, main dishes, and snacks. These skewers can be made with meat, seafood, and vegetables. Souvlaki Recipe – Recipe for Grilled Pork Souvlaki Souvlaki is part of the Greek experience. By far the most popular “fast” food in Greece, they are relatively inexpensive […]
Homemade Greek Gyro Sandwich or Dinner
The way professionals make gyro on an upright rotisserie is fabulous, but not the most practical for most of us cooking at home. This version uses the same meat (pork) and seasonings, but has been adapted to home cooking. Other popular versions of Greek gyro are made with beef, lamb, or chicken. Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total […]
Greek Omelets & Scrambles: They’re Not About the Eggs
It may sound strange if you live in a country where eggs are plentiful and omelets and scrambles are heavy on the eggs and light on any additions; but, in Greece, a country where vegetables, cheeses, and fruit have historically been the primary recipe ingredients, traditional omelets and scrambles are not focused on the egg. Meeting fabulous […]
Greek Recipes for Cookies & Biscotti
Recipes for Greek cookies include delicious voutimata (biscotti dunking cookies), sugary holiday confections, and those made with fabulous combinations of spices and nuts. Koulourakia – Greek Butter Cookies with Sesame The name for Koulourakia comes from their round twisted shape but you will also see them shaped as small braids or in the shape of the letter […]