Greek Recipes

Greek and Cypriot recipes

Arni Kleftiko (Oven Baked Lamb)

Kleftiko is usually made out of mature Lamb or Goats meat. It must be cooked in a clay sealed pot wrapped in aluminum foil individual pieces. In the old days and even now, in the villages of Cyprus, one can find in almost every house an outdoor oven made out of clay or bricks called […]

Skewered Lamb Kebabs: Souvlaki Arnisio

In Greek: σουβλάκι αρνίσιο, pronounced soov-LAH-kee ahr-NEE-see-yoh The key to tender lamb souvlaki is the marinade, so don’t skimp on the timing. The longer they marinate, the better they will taste… and they will disappear as fast as you can make them! Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 8-10 pound leg of lamb, trimmed and boned, […]

Skewered Lamb Kebabs: Souvlaki Arnisio

In Greek: σουβλάκι αρνίσιο, pronounced soov-LAH-kee ahr-NEE-see-yoh The key to tender lamb souvlaki is the marinade, so don’t skimp on the timing. The longer they marinate, the better they will taste… and they will disappear as fast as you can make them! Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 8-10 pound leg of lamb, trimmed […]

Meat Pie from Cephalonia

KEFALONITIKI KREATOPITA This recipe, from native Cephalonian Roussa Meleti, originally appeared in my first book, The Food and Wine of Greece. Makes 8 to 10 servings Ingredients: 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing 1/2 pound boneless lamb, trimmed of fat and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 pound lean boneless pork, cut into 1/2-inch pieces […]

What Did the Ancient Greeks Eat

Question: What Did the Ancient Greeks Eat? Answer:The foods of ancient Greece were similar to foods we eat today, but did not include many that have become important parts of modern Greek cooking. For example, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and bananas didn’t arrive in Greece until after the discovery of the Americas in the 15th century, because […]

Greek – style Nachos

This is a fun party recipe that I’ve adapted from food writer Mark Bittman. If you were expecting scary orange cheese slathered over lackluster tortilla chips, then I’m sorry but you’ll be disappointed. Perfect for the casual get together or even as a light meal, these “nachos” are sure to be a favorite. Prep Time: 30 minutes […]

Moussaka with Potatoes – Mousakas Patates

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 […]

Moussaka with Zucchini – Mousakas Kolokythakia

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 […]