PASTITSIO VENETSIANIKO Ingredients: Makes 10 to 12 servings For the pastry: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) cold unsalted butter 1/3 to 1/2 cup ice water, as needed For the filling: 1 pound thick tubular spaghetti, like bucatini 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, […]

GALOPOULA AVGOLEMONO Sometime after the sixteenth century, turkey arrived in Corfu from the West. There is some disagreement as to who first brought it. If its name is any indication, then the turkey came with the French, since its name in Greek, galopoula, translates literally as “French bird.” Regardless of its provenance, today it is still the Christmas meal in Corfu. […]

PRETZA ME PSOMI Pretza is a local feta cheese product made in Zakynthos and Cephalonia, something akin to cream cheese but pungent and peppery. You can find it in several cheese shops in Athens, but it is nowhere to be found in America. You can make an ersatz version by mixing crumbled feta with a little ricotta or fresh Greek myzithra […]

Feta cheese can range from soft to hard, and trying to crumble it for salads and toppings can result in mashing it instead. Here’s the easiest way to crumble it. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: none Here’s How: If you have a block of feta, cut a slice in the amount you want to crumble. Otherwise, just start […]

There are many versions of these little pumpkin filled pastries. In Cyprus, they are called kolokotes (koh-loh-koh-TES). Other parts of Greece call thembourekia (boo-REH-kyah). The traditional dough for this recipe is made with olive oil and would be appropriate to eat during fasting periods. I have adapted the recipe and use a sweeter dough that includes butter and […]

Bobota (bo-BOH-tah) is a rustic country cornbread that can be served on the sweet or savory side. The sweet version often has a honey-orange syrup. This version incorporates delicious Kasseri, Kefalotyri, and Feta cheese and can be served alone as a quick breakfast or as a savory side dish to dinner. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes […]

In Greek: τάρτα μαραθόριζα, say: TAR-tah mah-rah-THOH-ree-zah Fennel root, often sold as “anise” is a fabulous winter vegetable with a light licorice taste and smell. Often used in salads, and as a complementary taste with fish, it has been well known and loved in Greek cooking since ancient times, where both the root and leaves […]

In Greek: μουσακάς πατάτες, say: moo-sah-KAS pah-TAH-tes Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Ingredients: 5-6 pounds of potatoes, peeled, cut in 1/2 inch slices 2 tablespoons of olive oil 4 medium onions, chopped 2 1/2 pounds of ground beef (or lamb) 3 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes with juice (or canned tomatoes) 1 cup […]

In Greek: μουσακάς κολοκυθάκια, say: moo-sah-KAS koh-loh-kee-THAK-yah Layers of zucchini, meat sauce, cheese, and a creamy béchamel create a fabulous oven-to-table casserole. Select mature zucchini or Italian squash (they look like large zucchini) for best results. Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Ingredients: 5-6 pounds of mature zucchini, trimmed, cut in 1/2 inch slices […]

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 […]