Mezedes is a large selection of dishes with small helpings of varied foods, brought to the table as a progression of tastes and textures. The meal begins with black and green olives,tahini, skordalia (potato and garlic dip), humus, taramosalata (fish roe dip), and tzatziki, all served with chunks of fresh bread and a bowl of mixed salad. Some of the more […]

 More than appetizers (orektika in Greek), although the dishes are often the same, the meze is an accompaniment to beverages – usually alcoholic – and mezethes (plural) are often combined to make an entire meal. Each meze is served on a small plate (more than one plate for a large group), and the choice of […]

Souvlaki (soo-vlah-kee) is the term used to describe “little skewers” of meat that are marinated in a wonderful red wine marinade and then grilled. Souvlakia are traditionally wrapped in pita bread and then topped with a variety of condiments – lettuce, tomato, onion, and of course, the famed tzatzikisauce. They are also quite delicious without the pita […]

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 […]

n Greek: ντολμαδάκια με κιμά, pronounced dohl-mah-THAHK-yah meh kee-MAH These small bundles of meat and rice wrapped in grape leaves are a favorite dish in Greece. The name comes from the Turkish word “dolma” meaning “stuffed.” They are time- and labor-intensive to make, so the recipe is for a pretty large quantity. They can be […]

In Greek: ντολμαδάκια με κιμά, pronounced dohl-mah-THAHK-yah meh kee-MAH The combination of ground beef and pork is a Greek favorite, and this recipe is one of the easier and quicker variations to make. Stuffing and rolling the leaves takes time, but the recipe is made in large quantities and can be refrigerated for several days […]

In Greek: ντολμάδες στο φούρνο, say: dohl-MAH-thes stoh FOOR-no Most recipes for stuffed grape leaves (dolmathes ordolmades) call for steaming, but this recipe from Northern Greece (also popular in Cyprus) calls for baking. Like all stuffed grape leaves, these make wonderful appetizers, but also work as a main dish or side. The recipe makes 36 pieces. […]

These hot and cold appetizers have four things in common: they’re Greek favorites, they’re delicious, prep time is 15 minutes or less, and (if hot) combined prep/cook time is 30 minutes or less. 1. A Slice of Feta This is the ultimate Greek touch to any table, whether you’re serving appetizers or a full meal. Total […]

These dips are considered the four traditional Greek classics. The recipes are simple – easy to make, with few ingredients – and belong in the recipe box of every Greek food lover. Serve them as appetizers, mezethes, condiments, or in creative ways devised in your kitchen. Melitzanosalata – Eggplant dip Skordalia – Garlic sauce or […]