Souvlaki (soo-vlah-kee) is the term used to describe “little skewers” of meat that are marinated in a wonderful red wine marinade and then grilled. Souvlakia are traditionally wrapped in pita bread and then topped with a variety of condiments – lettuce, tomato, onion, and of course, the famed tzatzikisauce. They are also quite delicious without the pita […]

In Greek: ντολμαδάκια με κιμά, pronounced dohl-mah-THAHK-yah meh kee-MAH The combination of ground beef and pork is a Greek favorite, and this recipe is one of the easier and quicker variations to make. Stuffing and rolling the leaves takes time, but the recipe is made in large quantities and can be refrigerated for several days […]

KEFALONITIKO LAGOTO This dish is traditionally made with wild hare in Cephalonia, but in its absence rabbit is often used. The name lagoto (lago means “hare” in Greek) is also found in parts of the Peloponnesos, where it refers either to a dish of hare or rabbit thickened with skordalia or, oddly, to pork stewed with skordalia. The Cephalonian version of […]

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 […]

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, […]

MOSTARDA DOLCE Zakynthos and Corfu both make sweet mustards, vestiges of English and Venetian rule. The mustards, made either with quince, as in this recipe, or with dried fruits, are eaten at Christmas with roast turkey, game, pork, or other meats. Makes about 4 cups Ingredients: 3 quinces, peeled and cored 1 quart Mavrodaphne wine or sweet port 1 […]

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 […]

In Greek: galopoula yemisti, γαλοπούλα γεμιστή (pronounced ghah-loh-POO-lah yeh-mee-STEE) Although the oldest traditions of Greece call for lamb, goat, or pork at the holidays, all roasted meats and poultry are commonly served. This stuffed turkey (or capon) has become a favorite with modern-day Greek cooks. Prep Time: 40 minutes Cook Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes Ingredients: 8-9 […]

In Greek: συκωτάκια τηγανητά, pronounced see-ko-TAHK-yah tee-ghah-nee-TAH This delicious meze goes especially well with wine. For lamb and kid liver, add a squeeze of lemon juice. For pork and calf liver, sprinkle with vinegar. Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 1 pound of liver (lamb, kid, calf, or pork) flour for dredging olive oil […]

Greek name and pronunciation: moustartha skoni, μουστάρδα σκόνη, pronounced moo-STAR-thah skoh-nee At the market: Powdered mustard is usually available in small sprinkle-pour spice containers. Physical characteristics: When first milled or ground, mustard flour looks and tastes as bland and white as cornstarch. Ground mustard has no aroma or flavor until liquid is added. In powdered […]