In Greek: χταπόδι στη σχάρα, pronounce khtah-PO-thee stee SKHAH-rah It’s a classic image that comes to mind when many think of Greece: sitting under an umbrella by the seaside, with ouzo or wine and a plate of freshly grilled octopus. It’s delicious, and you can create the same atmosphere at home. Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Total […]

In Greek: καλαμαράκια τηγανητά, pronounced kah-lah-mah-RAHK-yah tee-ghah-nee-TAH Feel comfortable buying frozen whole squid or squid rings at the market to make this dish. If you love it, serve it as a main dish. Ingredients: 2 pounds of small squid flour for dredging olive oil or peanut oil for frying lemon wedges sea salt pepper 1 […]

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: μπιφτέκια χοιρινά, pronounced beef-TEHK-yah hee-ree-NAH Before the “mad cow” scare, Bobby Bounakis made his burgers with a combination of ground beef and pork; then he changed the recipe. The new recipe, using just the ground pork, was so fabulous, he left it alone and has become famous in my little village and surrounding […]

Preparation and cooking time: Soaking overnight + 55 minutes Serves 4 Ingredients: 175 g (6 oz) haricot or cannellini beans, picked clean For the dressing: 5 tablespoons olive oil ½ a lemon 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Salt and black pepper For garnish:  Black olives Hard-boiled eggs, peeled, and quartered lengthways Preparation: Soak the beans […]

Extremely appetising and refreshing, this can be served with hot pitta or bread to be dipped in. It is a very Cypriot dish which is also offered along with kebabs, or with mezze. Preparation time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 5 tablespoons Tahini paste 150 ml (1/4 pint) warm water 1-2 cloves of garlic 6 […]

In Greek: πιπεριές τηγανητές, say: pee-peh-ree-YES tee-ghah-nee-TES Easy, quick, and delicious as an appetizer, meze, or side dish, these fried peppers are often eaten at room temperature and can be refrigerated for several days. Ingredients: 1 pound of sweet peppers (bull’s horn, Anaheim, Cubanelle) oil for frying red wine vinegar sea salt thinly sliced garlic […]

In Greek: κουνουπίδι τηγανητό;, pronounced koo-noo-PEE-thee tee-ghah-nee-TOH Use fresh or frozen cauliflower florets for this delicious side dish that goes wonderfully with fish dishes, or as an appetizer. The batter is very light, and it’s quick and easy to prepare. Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 1 pound of fresh or frozen cauliflower florets 1 cup […]

A fabulous presentation dish that’s easy to make, and perfect for the holidays or other special occasion, this Grape Leaf Wreath salad looks as good as it tastes. The filling is a classic combination of rice and lentils with a vinaigrette dressing and feta cheese, and the grape leaves can be used straight from the […]

PASCHALIATIKO ARNI ME ANGINARES STO FOURNO Ingredients: 3 to 4 fresh rosemary sprigs, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil One 3- to 4-pound leg of spring lamb, bone in, trimmed of fat 2 pounds all-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, peeled and quartered Juice of 4 to 6 […]