ALIATHA TIS KEFALONIAS This is nothing more than the island’s own skordalia, the pungent dipping sauce made with potatoes and lots of garlic. Two things define the Cephalonian version: Aliatha is always made with potatoes and always with fish broth, preferably made from cod bones. It has a strong, acidic flavor since Greeks are not shy about using either garlic or […]

PRETZA ME PSOMI Pretza is a local feta cheese product made in Zakynthos and Cephalonia, something akin to cream cheese but pungent and peppery. You can find it in several cheese shops in Athens, but it is nowhere to be found in America. You can make an ersatz version by mixing crumbled feta with a little ricotta or fresh Greek myzithra […]

In Greek: λαδολέμονο, pronounced lah-tho-LEH-mo-no A classic Greek topping for grilled fish, this sauce is used in many ways to enhance the flavors of all kinds of seafoods, but if your family is like mine, you’ll find many other uses for it as well. We use it on vegetables and anywhere we want a light […]

Freshly made dips taste great, but sometimes, after they’ve been refrigerated to chill or stored for a short while, the taste seems to change. Whether you’re making dips ahead of time or storing some leftovers, here are some tips to make sure your dips always taste their best. Aerate Dips and spreads made with sharp […]

In Greek: χούμους με ταχίνι (pronounced HOO-mooss meh tah-HEE-nee) This dip is quick and easy to make, delicious, and healthy. No cooking involved. Just grab the blender and go. Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) and tahini (a paste made from roasted sesame seeds) combine to make a tasty appetizer to serve with wedges of […]

Stuffed vegetables are a staple of the summer season and this version of Kolokithia Yemista (koh-loh-KEETH-yah yeh-mee-STAH) or Stuffed Zucchini is a great way to enjoy the bounty. The zucchini are hollowed and stuffed with a savory meat filling and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce that bakes up to a nice golden crust. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook […]

Traditionally, one is offered something sweet upon arrival in a Greek home. Greek hosts keep a supply of spoon sweets or preserves on hand that are made from almost any fruit or nut you can imagine. If there is an abundance of fruit on the trees, you can be sure that the bounty will be […]

This is a fun party recipe that I’ve adapted from food writer Mark Bittman. If you were expecting scary orange cheese slathered over lackluster tortilla chips, then I’m sorry but you’ll be disappointed. Perfect for the casual get together or even as a light meal, these “nachos” are sure to be a favorite. Prep Time: 30 minutes […]

Karidopita (kah-ree-THOH-pee-tah) is a traditional Greek cake made from ground walnuts and spices that is usually finished with sweet syrup. You won’t miss the syrup in this moist and rich chocolate version. Finish it off with a bit of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy. Prep Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 3 hours, […]

A simple and rustic vegetarian stew made from chickpeas that is the specialty of the island of Sifnos, Greece. This rustic chickpea stew is a wonderful vegetarian selection that is perfect with a simple salad. Allow yourself plenty of time to slow cook the chickpeas for best results. Prep Time: 1 hour Cook Time: 3 hours Total Time: 4 hours Yield: 6 […]