HTAPODOSOUPA This soup traditionally calls for dried octopus, not the easiest thing to find either in America or in urban Greece, so I have reworked it a little for fresh octopus. Makes 6 to 8 servings Ingredients: 1 medium fresh or frozen octopus (about 3 pounds), cleaned if necessary 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup dry white […]

RIGANATHA APO TIN LEFKADA This is another simple bread snack that was the traditional afternoon meal among field hands and farmers in Lefkada. Islanders will tell you proudly that riganatha isn’t made anywhere else in Greece, and they are right. Unique to this dish is its dressing—rose water vinegar. For the rose water vinegar: The traditional way of making this was […]

Question: What Did the Ancient Greeks Eat? Answer:The foods of ancient Greece were similar to foods we eat today, but did not include many that have become important parts of modern Greek cooking. For example, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and bananas didn’t arrive in Greece until after the discovery of the Americas in the 15th century, because […]

This recipe for Lentil and Rice Pilaf features the versatile brown lentil and pairs it with savory herbs, spices, and densely nutritious Kale. If Kale is unavailable, you can substitute another leafy green such as Swiss Chard. This recipe also meets the strictest fasting restrictions because it does not contain any oil, meat, or dairy. […]

A traditional favorite that is known the world over, Greek Chicken or Kota Riganati features the quintessential Greek flavors of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano. Cook Time: 50 minutes Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes Yield: 4 -6 servings Ingredients: 4 lbs. chicken – whole fryer cut up or pieces (bone in) 1/2 cup olive oil juice of 4 lemons […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο φούρνου, pronounced koh-TOH-poo-loh FOOR-noo Easy to make and delicious, the combination of oregano, garlic, and lemon juice marks this as a Greek classic. Cook Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Ingredients: 1 chicken, approx. 3 1/2 pounds, cut in half 3 1/4 pounds of potatoes, peeled, quartered juice of 2 medium lemons sea […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο γεμιστό, pronounced koh-TOH-poo-loh yeh-mee-STOH A sharp cheese, green pepper, and garlic make a terrific stuffing. This is a great one-dish meal and a pretty one as well. Cook Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, approx. 3 1/2 pounds 3 1/4 pounds of potatoes (and sweet potatoes, optional), peeled, quartered […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο στα κάρβουνα, pronounced koh-TOH-poo-loh stah KAR-voo-nah Chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Greek oregano is cooked over the coals and basted with latholemono (oil and lemon sauce) for a fabulous dish that can only taste better when eaten with the hands. In addition to basting with and oil-lemon sauce, serve with lemon […]

This is a classic Greek style rotisserie leg of lamb. A great meal for any occasion or holiday, such as Easter. This leg of lamb is so good you’ll want to celebrate Tuesday with it. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes Yield: Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients: 3 pound leg of lamb, boned and tied […]

In Greek: αρνί γεμιστό, pronounced ahr-NEE yeh-mee-STOH Versions of this stuffed leg of lamb are often first choice for Greek families at Easter, but this is such a beautiful dish that it’s perfect for special occasions and family meals. Stuffing the butterflied leg of lamb with layers of peppers (red and green) and cheeses is […]