In Greek: σάλτσα γιαουρτιού, pronounced SAHLT-sah yee-ah-oort-YOU This is a delightful sauce that is delicious on baked potatoes, and it doubles as a salad dressing. Use it on sandwiches, pita wraps, or wherever your imagination takes you. Ingredients: 16 ounces of thick strained yogurt * 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 teaspoon of salt 1/2 […]

Greek name and pronunciation: vanilia, βανίλια, pronounced vah-NEEL-yah At the market: Vanilla extract is usually sold as a liquid derived from soaking vanilla beans in alcohol. In Greece, and in specialty stores and large markets, vanilla is sold as an alcohol-free powder in airtight vials. Vanilla beans (pods) are sometimes available. Physical characteristics: Vanilla seed […]

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, […]

Greek name and pronunciation: zafora or safrani, ζαφορά or σαφράνι, pronounced zah-for-AH or sah-FRAH-nee At the market: Saffron is sold in small packs of threads or in powdered form. Physical characteristics: Dried saffron threads range from orange-red to yellow, are between 1″ – 1.5″ long, and are shaped like pieces of very thin and cooked […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Piperi, πιπέρι, pronounced pee-PEH-ree At the market: Black and white peppercorns and ground pepper are usually readily available at the market. Green peppercorns, packed in brine or freeze-dried, are generally available as well. Physical characteristics: Pepper is a vine that produces clusters of berries which look like a foot-long length of […]

Greek name and pronunciation: moustartha skoni, μουστάρδα σκόνη, pronounced moo-STAR-thah skoh-nee At the market: Powdered mustard is usually available in small sprinkle-pour spice containers. Physical characteristics: When first milled or ground, mustard flour looks and tastes as bland and white as cornstarch. Ground mustard has no aroma or flavor until liquid is added. In powdered […]

Greek name and pronunciation: πιπερόριζα, say pee-peh-ROH-ree-zah At the market: Fresh ginger root is usually available at the green grocer. Dried ginger is usually sold in powder form, and minced or pureed ginger can often be found in jars. Physical characteristics: Ginger root is said to resemble fat stubby hands. They are a light tan […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Kari, κάρι, pronounced KAH-ree At the market: Curry powder is available in small resealable containers. Curry leaves are available only in countries in which the curry tree grows. Fresh curry leaves quickly lose their fragrance after harvesting, and for that reason are not suitable for long-distance transportation and international marketing. Physical […]

Greek name and pronunciation: kymino, κύμινο, pronounced KEE-mee-no At the market: Ground cumin is the form most widely used, and is available in sprinkle-pour spice containers. Physical characterisitcs: Ground cumin is a yellowish-brown color with a strong (not hot) taste and aroma. The cumin plant prefers a warm and humid climate, and grows 6 to […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Colianthro, κολίανδρο, pronounced koh-LEE-ahn-throh (hard th, rhymes with “dough”) At the market: Coriander seeds are available in sealed packs. Pour-and-shake containers of ground coriander are sometimes available, but it is recommended to buy the seeds and grind them yourself. Physical characteristics: When these rounded seeds are crushed with a mortar and […]