The use of grape leaves to wrap food dates back to the days of Alexander the Great. Stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and fresh herbs, dolmathakia (dol-mah-THAH-kya) take a little bit of time to prepare, but they are worth the effort. They can be served cold or at room temperature and are a classic Greek appetizer or meze. Prep […]

In Greek: γαρίδες βραστές, pronounced ghah-REE-thess vrah-STESS Shrimp are a Greek favorite at any time, and an appropriate lenten dish as well. The latholemono sauce (whipped oil and lemon juice) is a classic Greek seafood topping. Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 2 pounds of shrimp juice of 1 lemon 1/3 cup of extra […]

In Greek: πιπεριές με τυρί, pronounced pee-peh-reeYES meh tee-REE This recipe is a specialty in the shadows of Mount Olympos, where it is served as a meze with a locally made spirit. Serve it as an appetizer, meze, or side dish. The recipe calls for bull’s horn (or Anaheim or Cubanelle) peppers (long and tapered, light green […]

In Greek: σαγανάκι (pronounced sah-ghah-NAH-kee) Saganaki dishes take their name from the pan in which they are made. A sagani is a two-handled pan that is made in many different materials. In the market, look for a small paella pan, small cast iron skillet, or even an oval au gratin dish. Serve this as an appetizer, as an […]

In Greek: τυροκαυτερή, pronounced tee-roh-kahf-teh-REE A specialty of the region of Thrace in northeastern Greece, this dip is served all over Greece – in varying degrees of heat. My family likes this one hot, so I use jalapeno peppers that make my eyes water just from touching them. This recipe works with red and green […]

In Greek: πάστα ελιάς, pronounced PAH-stah el-YAHS This blend of olives, garlic, oil, and vinegar is a sharp and tangy spread for breads, breadsticks, and vegetables, and the perfect meze to bring out the best in Ouzo or wine. Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 3 cups of pitted black (Kalamata) or green olives 3 teaspoons extra virgin […]

Whatever else is on your table as an appetizer or main meal, add a slice of feta cheese. Feta is the ultimate “table cheese,” meaning it can go on the table before you even start thinking about a meal, and stay there to accompany each course, even dessert fruits. This non-cook “recipe” puts an authentic […]

Small dishes of foods are always served with ouzo and can range from simple to elaborate. Here are a few suggestions: Cold No-Cook Mezethes Nuts and dried fruit Lathovrekto (Greek Bruschetta) Olive Paste Taramosalata Tomato and feta salad Chunks of Greek cheese(graviera and feta, especially) Cucumber slices Olives Tomato slices Crusty bread, breadsticks, pita wedges Hot Mezethes Baked potatoes […]

In Greek: λαδοβρεχτό, pronounced lah-thoh-vrekh-TOH The word lathovrekhto means “moistened with oil.” Rusks (paximathia, παξιμάδια, say: pahk-see-MAHTH-yah), which are twice-baked breads, or grilled country breads form the base of these simple mezethes or appetizers. I well remember, as a new bride in Greece, being offered a thick slab of grilled bread topped with fabulous extra […]

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, […]