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 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 […]

Chicken with Spices “Politika” A fragrant and inviting blend of spices infuses this chicken dish with very warm flavors. The Greeks call this blend of spices politika meaning “of the city” a reference to the city of Constantinople or modern day Istanbul. This dish is absolutely delicious served over rice or orzo pilaf and will fill the kitchen […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο ριγανάτο, say: koh-TOH-poo-loh ree-ghah-NAH-toh This is my favorite recipe for oregano chicken. It involves three steps: brining, browning, and boiling, and is worth every minute of prep time. The resulting chicken – stewed with onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and plenty of oregano, is delicious and falling-off-the-bone tender. Prep Time: 4 hours Cook Time: 1 hour, […]

In Greek: γεμιστά με αμυγδαλώψηχα, pronounced yeh-mee-STAH meh ah-meegh-thah-LOHP-see-hah This recipe for Stuffed Vegetables (yemista) uses crushed roasted almonds in the filling, which give a wonderful flavor to the vegetables – and a wonderful aroma while cooking! Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 large green bell peppers 5 medium zucchini + 1 small […]

In Greek: στιφάδο με μανιτάρια, say: stee-FAH-thoh meh mah-nee-TAH-reeyah Greek stifatho dishes are known as stews made with a lot of onions, a tomato-based sauce, and often with the taste of cinnamon for good measure. While the best known stifatho dishes may include meat, poultry, or seafood, this mushroom stew recipe is a favorite as well, especially during periods […]

Yigandes me Spanaki In Greek: γίγαντες με σπανάκι, pronounced YEE-ghan-des meh spah-NAH-kee This is a delicious meatless oven casserole that combines the classic tastes of spinach with green onion, leeks, dill, and feta cheese, combined with giant beans (yigandes) or lima beans. It can also be made with frozen spinach and, when fresh tomatoes may […]

Fava Beans or Broad beans are known as Koukia(koo-KYAH) in Greek. They are delicious preparedyahnista (yach-nee-STAH) or yahni (yach-NEE) which means they are stewed with tomatoes and onions and spices. Prep Time: 1 hour Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 2 hours Yield: 6 – 8 servings Ingredients: 1 lb. dried Fava beans, soaked overnight (see Note) 1/2 cup olive oil 1 large or 2 medium […]

There were many foods and beverages consumed in ancient Greece that we might not be anxious to try today, like cheese and garlic added to wine, but no more unusual than at least one of the foods that were considered to be aphrodisiacs. When we think of bulbs, the first thing that comes to mind […]

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 […]