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: ψαρόσουπα, pronounced psah-ROH-soo-pah Red snapper is a great fish to choose for soup because it doesn’t fall apart and has a wonderful taste to impart to the vegetables. This recipe uses a traditional Greek oil-and-lemon sauce (latholemono) for the vegetables and fish, and rice is added to the soup. It’s a delicious and […]

In Greek: μπουρδέτο, pronounced boor-THEH-toh (hard “th”) Bourthetto (bourdetto, bourdeto) is delicious made with tope (shark), cod or haddock, or scorpion fish (red or black), but those in the know say black is best. So here it is. Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 5 black scorpion fish 4 medium onions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of […]

In Greek: σουπιές κρασάτες, pronounced soop-YES krah-SAH-tes The ingredients for this sauce are more commonly found in recipes for beef and rabbit stews, but they combine with the taste of cuttlefish to produce a delightful dish that’s a favorite in spring, when fresh cuttlefish abound in the Greek market. It can also be made with […]

In Greek: καλαμαράκια γεμιστά, pronounced kah-lah-mah-RAHK-yah yeh-mee-STAH If you like squid, give this recipe a try. There are many variations on the stuffing, and this one adds the delightful taste of raisins. It is a great choice for Sundays during the Greek Orthodox Great Lent when squid, olive oil, and wine are permitted. Cook Time: 50 minutes […]

In Greek: καλαμαράκια γεμιστά με αγκινάρες, say: kah-lah-mah-RAHK-yah yeh- mee-STAH meh ah-gkee-NAH-res Artichoke hearts, rice, and a fabulous range of herbs make up the stuffing for small squid (calamari). Served with a lovely garlicky skorthalia on the side, crisp salad, and plenty of Greek olives, it makes a delightful meal. Ingredients: 3 to 3 1/2 pounds of small squid […]

The term plaki (plah-KEE) in Greek is used to describe a dish that is usually cooked with olive oil, tomatoes, and vegetables in the oven. For example you can have beans “plaki” style or in this case a baked fish plaki.The recipe works well with any firm white fish – cod, tilapia, halibut, haddock, or whatever type you […]

This is a classic Greek shrimp dish, marrying the flavors of sauteed shrimp with tomatoes, Feta cheese, and a hint of Ouzo to awaken the palate. You can make the sauce ahead and simply add and cook the shrimp when you are ready to serve.I like to serve this on a bed of sauteed spinach with a simple […]

In Greek: μοσχάρι κοκκινιστό, pronounced mohs-HAH-ree koh-kee-nee-STOH Kokkinisto is a way of cooking, and translates as “reddened.” It means that the meat is browned before adding to a stew made with a tomato-base sauce, and almost all types of meat can be cooked this way. Favorites are beef, lamb, and rooster. Cook Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours Ingredients: […]

In Greek: στιφάδο, pronounced stee-FAH-thoh The key to this recipe is the long cooking time, which brings together the tastes of the beef, onions, garlic, bay leaf, and rosemary. (I’m told that by adjusting the amount of water, this works well in a slow cooker or crockpot – see note below the recipe.) Serve with […]