Flaky phyllo sheets are layered with a savory spinach and feta cheese filling. Spanakopita can be made as a “pie” or pita, or as individual phyllo triangles. I always keep trays of uncooked spanakopita in the freezer as a handy appetizer or side dish for guests. It freezes very well and heats beautifully. This recipe […]

In Greek: χορτοπιτάκια, pronounced hor-toh-pee-TAHK-yah These tasty little turnovers can be made with homemade phyllo or commercial. They can be made ahead of time up to the cooking stage, and frozen for later use. In this version, I use spinach, but it can be made with the greens of your choice. For more help, see […]

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 […]

Keftethes(keh-FTEH-thes) are savory Greek meatballs that are served as an appetizer ormeze(meh-ZEH). The traditional recipe calls for frying the meatballs, but I’ve found that this baked version is quite good and a bit healthier.For the tastiest meatballs, prepare the ground meat mixture earlier in the day and allow it to sit in the refrigerator for […]

In Greek: μπουρεκάκια μελιτζάνας, pronounced boo-reh-KAHK-yah meh-leed-ZAH-nahs A mixture of three delicious cheeses marks the filling for thin slices of eggplant that are rolled, dipped in flour, breadcrumbs, and egg, then fried to perfection. Make these in large batches because they will disappear very quickly! Ingredients: FOR THE FILLING 1 egg 1 cup of cold […]

Cool and creamy, this tangy cucumber dip flavored with garlic is the perfect compliment to grilled meats and vegetables. It’s served on the side with warm pita bread triangles for dipping, and is also used as a condiment for souvlaki. Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. vinegar 2 cloves […]

In Greek: σκορδαλιά pronounced skor-thal-YAH My older family members would fix this using a mortar and pestle to first degrade the garlic with salt, then add other ingredients to create the purée texture desired. Today, I often use a food processor or hand mixer which makes things a lot easier and takes a lot less […]

In Greek: μελιτζανοσαλάτα με καρύδια, pronounced meh-leed-zah-no-sah-LAH-tah meh kah-REETH-yah The combination of the walnuts and a little more vinegar than in other recipes for this fabulous dip give it a nice tart taste that goes wonderfully with wedges of pita bread, raw veggies, and salty cheeses. Ingredients: 4 1/2 pounds of large dark eggplant 3 […]

In Greek: μελιτζανοσαλάτα, pronounced meh-leed-zah-no-sah-LAH-tah If you are a devoted fan of the traditional, cook the eggplant over a wood fire – or add wood chips to a charcoal grill and cook it for that deep, smoky taste. This version is easier and delivers a tasty result, and includes chopped tomatoes. Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: […]

In Greek: μελιτζανοσαλάτα, pronounced meh-leed-zah-no-sah-LAH-tah I have friends who try to save time and make this in a blender or with a hand mixer, but it’s very easy as is and gives a much more authentic texture and taste when mixed by hand. The key to a great tasting result is a well-charred eggplant. If […]