In Greek: πατσαβούρα γλυκό, say: paht-sah-VOO-rah ghlee-KOH This sweet phyllo pie with yogurt takes its common name (patsavoura) from the Greek word for “rag” because of the way the phyllo sheets are bunched up. Also called tsalakoto (wrinkled) and “lazy cook’s pie,” this version with syrup is a delicious sweet treat to make as an appetizer, snack, […]

In Greek: κολοκυθόπιτα, pronounced koh-loh-kee-THOH-pee-tah This can also be made with other orange squash. This is a variation of a recipe from Ileia, a province on the west coast of the Peloponnese peninsula of Greece. Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients: 16-18 large sheets of phyllo dough 3 to 3 1/2 pounds of fresh pumpkin or […]

In Greek: κρεμμυδόπιτα, say: kreh-mee-THOH-pee-tah Egg, onion, bacon, cream… it almost sounds like a breakfast dish fixed in countries outside of Greece, but this traditional pan pie made with phyllo sheets is all Greek. Serve as an appetizer, at brunch, as a snack, a side, or even a light meal. The recipe makes about 12-20 […]

If you are bored with the same old chicken recipes, then you need to try Kotopita (koh-TOH-pee-tah). This is a savory pie made with a moist and flavorful chicken filling topped with flaky phyllo dough sheets and baked to a lovely golden brown. You can serve this as a lunch or dinner entree in larger wedges, […]

In Greek, a “pita” is a pie. Filled with sweet or savory fillings as well as meats and poultry, “pites” (plural) are pan sized and can be made with thin phyllo sheets, dough similar to a pie crust, or puff pastry dough. Spinach Pie with Feta – Spanakopita A delicious phyllo pie made with spinach […]

In Greek: φύλλο, pronounced FEE-lo Freshly made phyllo dough (also spelled “filo”) isalways preferable, and it isn’t difficult. Use a pasta machine to make sheets of thin to thick dough to use for pitas and pastries. The alternative, rolling it out with a rolling pin, takes time and experience to master (see below for special instructions). […]

In our house, Dad is known as the “cheese triangle wizard.” Growing up, I would marvel at how quickly and efficiently he could butter and fold the phyllo (FEE-loh) sheets into neat little triangle packets. This is the recipe that I have adapted from my Dad. There are many, many different variations, however this is our family […]

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 […]

MARITHOPITA TIS LEFKADAS Makes 8 to 10 servings Ingredients: 4 pounds small picarel, gutted and washed 2 medium onions, finely chopped 1 cup short-grain rice Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons tomato paste diluted with 1?4 cupwater (optional) 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing 1 recipe Basic Homemade […]

BAKALIAROPITA TIS ITHAKIS Makes 8 to 10 servings Codfish pies are found throughout the Ionian Islands. The Ithacan version includes both rice and cubed potatoes, testimony to the fact that this originated as poor man’s food, a dish that needed to be as filling as possible. Cod pie is a classic Lenten dish not only in Ithaca but in Cephalonia […]