Diana started with her Aunt Thekla’s recipe and changed it a bit according to taste. She writes, “As with any recipe you can alter how much more or less of any ingredient to add or subtract by taste.” While onion and cloves are part of many Greek sauce recipes, I was delighted to try the […]

In Greek: γαρίδες σαλάτα με πεπόνι, pronounced ghah-REE-thes sah-LAH-tah me peh-POH-nee This is an easy way to bring color to your summer table. This refreshing salad combines the tastes of boiled shrimp with grapes and honeydew melon, with a light mint dressing. This is a fabulous choice as a main dish, side salad, or salad […]

In Greek: συναγρίδα στο φούρνο, pronounced see-nahgh-REE-thah stoh FOOR-no I love red snapper and dentex, but I can only find it in the freezer section of the market here in my little village. This is an easy recipe to make, and a lovely meal served with any vegetable dish that also calls for latholemono sauce, and green […]

In Greek: χταπόδι πιλάφι, pronounced khtah-PO-thee pee-LAH-fee This can be made without the tomato; I add it so the dish isn’t quite so bland looking. Either way, it doesn’t taste bland and is a great entree, side dish, or first course. Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients: 4 1/2 pounds of octopus, fresh or frozen (defrosted) […]

In Greek: μπακαλιάρος ποσέ, say: bah-kahl-YAH-rohs poh-ZEH A native New Zealander, Maria Verivaki lives in Chania, Crete and is an accomplished traditional Greek cook.The tangy sauce is fabulous. Ingredients: 2/3 pounds of desalinated salt cod, cut in 4 pieces 1/4 cup of olive oil 1/4 cup of water 2 medium leeks (white part only), finely […]

In Greek: λαβράκι στο φούρνο σε χαρτί, pronounced lahv-RAH-kee stoh FOOR-noh seh har-TEE Sea bass (lavraki) are stuffed with herbs, bordered top and bottom with tomatoes, then cooked and served wrapped in parchment paper for a fabulous taste and presentation. Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients: 4 sea bass, about 1 to 1 1/4 pound each […]

In Greek: χταπόδι στη σχάρα, pronounce khtah-PO-thee stee SKHAH-rah It’s a classic image that comes to mind when many think of Greece: sitting under an umbrella by the seaside, with ouzo or wine and a plate of freshly grilled octopus. It’s delicious, and you can create the same atmosphere at home. Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Total […]

In Greek: ψάρι στα κάρβουνα, pronounced PSAH-ree stah KAR-voo-nah Greece has always been famous for its seafood, and for the simplicity of recipes that showcase the natural taste, rather than mask it. Grilled fish is a favorite all over the country and a specialty of the islands and coastal areas. Favorite fish (and seafood) for […]

In Greek: μαρίδες, pronounced mah-REE-thess The smaller the better as far as I’m concerned! If the fish are less than 2 inches long, they don’t need to be gutted; from 2-3 inches long, they do, and anything over that is too big if it’s a picarel! Whitebait smelt (the smallest smelt) is an acceptable substitute, […]

In Greek: καλαμαράκια τηγανητά, pronounced kah-lah-mah-RAHK-yah tee-ghah-nee-TAH Feel comfortable buying frozen whole squid or squid rings at the market to make this dish. If you love it, serve it as a main dish. Ingredients: 2 pounds of small squid flour for dredging olive oil or peanut oil for frying lemon wedges sea salt pepper 1 […]