It may sound like a no-brainer but boiling water to make various dishes isn’t always as simple as it may seem. Here are tips to make sure that boiling water is perfect for that Greek recipe you’re planning to cook. The two basic “boils” Although water boils at 212°F and only then is it a […]

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 […]

Like other ancient civilizations, the basic ancient Greek foods were cereals, legumes, oil, and wine. Many ancient Greeks lived in Magna Graecia (Megale Hellas), so the food of the Romans overlaps that of the Greeks. There were, of course, other influences on ancient Greek foods, especially from Asia. We know the Greeks had a wide variety of […]

Kota me Aginares Plaki In Greek cooking, the term plaki (plah-KEE) is used to describe a dish that is baked in the oven with olive oil and vegetables. Spring is peak time for fresh artichokes. Wonderful steamed, stuffed, baked, or grilled, those spiny little charmers take a bit of prep work to clean and cook. Feel free to […]

Stuffed vegetables are a staple of the summer season and this version of Kolokithia Yemista (koh-loh-KEETH-yah yeh-mee-STAH) or Stuffed Zucchini is a great way to enjoy the bounty. The zucchini are hollowed and stuffed with a savory meat filling and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce that bakes up to a nice golden crust. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook […]

Greeks refer to the former Constantinople as “The City” (polis) and to the style and flavors of the cooking that emerged from there as “of the city” or “city-style.” (a la polita). Aginares a la Polita or Artichokes City-Style is a vegetarian stew with artichokes, carrots, and potatoes highlighted by the flavors of lemon and dill. […]

This recipe for Lentil and Rice Pilaf features the versatile brown lentil and pairs it with savory herbs, spices, and densely nutritious Kale. If Kale is unavailable, you can substitute another leafy green such as Swiss Chard. This recipe also meets the strictest fasting restrictions because it does not contain any oil, meat, or dairy. […]

In Greek: μπεσαμέλ με τυρί (pronounced behs-sah-MEL meh tee-REE) It’s made with evaporated milk and contains cheese, and is just one variation of this popular sauce used with meats and vegetables. It isn’t hard to make, and doesn’t take long, but it has to be stirred the entire time. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes […]

Avga Tyligmena me Kima In Greek: αυγά τυλιγμένα με κιμά, say: ahv-GHAH tee-leeg-MEH-nah me kee-MAH This recipe has two steps: first, make and fry the mini meatloaves, then cook in tomato sauce. The end result is a delightful small main dish portion or large appetizer. These mini loaves go well with potatoes – fried, mashed, […]

In Greek: αρνί γεμιστό, pronounced ahr-NEE yeh-mee-STOH Versions of this stuffed leg of lamb are often first choice for Greek families at Easter, but this is such a beautiful dish that it’s perfect for special occasions and family meals. Stuffing the butterflied leg of lamb with layers of peppers (red and green) and cheeses is […]