History Halloumi, fresh or mature, has always been the flagship of Cyprus’ authentic cuisine. For centuries, this product is a key constituent of the Cypriot diet and has been closely associated with the culture and traditions of the local people. With an estimated annual per capita consumption of 8 kilos, Halloumi exceeds by far in […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Rigani, ρίγανη, pronounced REE-gah-nee At the market: Oregano is sold fresh and dried as cuttings of flower tops and leaves packaged in disposable containers or as dried, ground leaves packaged in sprinkle-pour bottles.Caution: Not all oreganos are equal. Greek oregano (rigani) is a subspecies with the latin name Origanum vulgare (previously Origanum […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Mantzourana, μαντζουράνα, pronounced mahnd-zoo-RAH-nah, also spelled matzourana (ματζουράνα), and pronounced mahd-zoo-RAH-nah At the market: Marjoram is usually available as whole dried leaves and floral parts, and in powdered form. Fresh marjoram is sometimes available at green grocers. If you have space in your kitchen, in your garden, on a window sill, […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Daphni, δάφνη, pronounced THAHF-nee (hard th sound) At the market: Dried bay leaves, either crushed or whole, are readily available in disposable containers. It is also sold at herb farms for a kitchen herb garden. Physical characterisitcs: Usually encountered in dried form, bay leaves are 1 1/2 – 3 inches long […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Vasilikos, βασιλικός, pronounced vah-see-lee-KOHS (rhymes with “dose”) At the market: Expect to find at least one variety of basil at your green grocer or supermarket. Green basil is the most comonly used variety for cooking. Fresh basil leaves are packaged in 2- to 4-ounce disposable containers. Dried basil is available in […]

Greek name and pronunciation Roka, ρόκα, pronounced RO-kah At the market: Arugula, also known as rocket, is sold either loose-leaf or banded in bunches, in the green grocer section. Physical description: Arugula leaves are a rich, dark green color. It has a peppery, mustard-like flavor,is a rich source of iron, and is high in vitamins […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο στιφάδο, say: koh-TOH-poo-loh stee-FAH-thoh Stifatho dishes are generally known for including boiler and/or pearl onions, wine, and a tomato sauce, and this recipe is no exception. The wonderful combination of spices (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves) makes this a vibrant stew. The optional addition of cheese adds even more depth. Chicken stifatho is commonly served with […]

In Greek, αρνί με κριθαράκια, say: ahr-NEE meh kree-thah-RAHK-yah An easy recipe, this dish is traditionally served with one piece of lamb and lots of pasta per serving. Make it a meal with a green salad, table cheese, crusty bread, and Greek olives. Cook Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes Ingredients: 3 1/2 to 4 pounds […]

Diana started with her Aunt Thekla’s recipe and changed it a bit according to taste. She writes, “As with any recipe you can alter how much more or less of any ingredient to add or subtract by taste.” While onion and cloves are part of many Greek sauce recipes, I was delighted to try the […]

Pasta (called “zymarika” in Greek) are favorites combined with all types of meats and seafood. Greek cooking makes use of many different types of pastas, from small soup pasta to large pasta tubes used to make the famous “pastitsio.” Lamb with Pasta Oven Casserole – Yiouvetsi Pasta with Zucchini & Tomatoes Pasta with Spicy Reddened […]