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, […]

Spitikos Domatopoltos In Greek: σπιτικός ντοματοπολτός, say: spee-tee-KOHS doh-mah-toh-pol-TOHS This recipe for homemade tomato paste has few ingredients, is very easy, but will take quite a while. The results are certainly worth the time! Make sure the tomatoes are overripe (just before they really have to be thrown out) to get the best outcome. Ingredients: […]

Domates Liastes In Greek: λιαστές ντομάτες, say: lee-ah-STES doh-MAH-tes Sun-dried tomatoes can be pretty pricey at the market, but they’re easy to make at home. The way they are made in many traditional Greek homes takes some time, but the result is fabulous. Don’t use big meaty tomatoes for this process – instead, look for […]

 Phyllo yia Pites In Greek: φύλλο για πίτες, pronounced FEE-loh yah PEE-tes This recipe for phyllo is perfect for making country pies. It’s rolled out with a rolling pin, which is slightly different than using a pasta machine. The quantity is for a large pan commonly used in Greece, similar in size to a large […]

In Greek: φύλλο, pronounced FEE-lo Freshly made phyllo dough (also spelled “filo”) isalways preferable, and it isn’t difficult. Use a pasta machine to make sheets of thin to thick dough to use for pitas and pastries. The alternative, rolling it out with a rolling pin, takes time and experience to master (see below for special instructions). […]

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 […]

INGREDIENTS: 500gr mushrooms 0.5lt water 2-3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper METHOD: Wash the mushrooms, cut into cubes and put them into a saucepan with water to boil for 2′. Drain and discard water. Place into the saucepan the 0.5lt of water, the mushrooms, the olive oil, salt and the pepper and let it […]

INGREDIENTS: 4 portobello mushrooms 150gr gouda (grated) 2 slices bacon (cut in half) olive oil 100gr feta cheese 1 small tomato, cut in cubes salt, pepper, oregano METHOD: In a bowl, add the feta cheese and with a fork grate it. Add some salt, pepper, oregano and stir the mixture. Remove the stem from the […]

Ingredients:  ¼ lb penne pasta  1 eggplant, chopped 1 tsp salt, approximately  ¼ cup olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped  2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 cans crushed tomatoes, undrained 1/3 cup tomato paste  2 tsp vinegar  1 Tbs. granulated sugar  1 tsp. dried oregano  ¼ cup large pitted olives 7 oz. feta cheese, chopped 4 […]

 In Greece this Chicken (Kota) dish is made with cinnamon and cloves, in Cyprus this meat is braised with coriander and red wine. Ingredients:  1 Frying or roasting chicken (2.5 lbs. cut into serving pieces)  1 Lemon (juice only)  4 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil  1/2 cup Dry white wine (optional)  1 1/2 lb Peeled, […]