Karidopita (kah-ree-THOH-pee-tah) is a traditional Greek cake made from ground walnuts and spices that is usually finished with sweet syrup. You won’t miss the syrup in this moist and rich chocolate version. Finish it off with a bit of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy. Prep Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 3 hours, […]

Halva is a semolina pudding that is sweetened with syrup and studded with nuts and raisins. It is a dessert that has Arabic origins but has been adopted into the Greek culture and is widely served during fasting periods because there are no eggs or dairy in the recipe. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes […]

Creamy semolina custard is baked until golden then bathed in sweet syrup. An easy custard pie that doesn’t require a pie crust or shell. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Yield: About 24 pieces Ingredients: 1 stick unsalted butter, 4 oz. 4 cups milk 1/2 cup semolina (you can substitute Farina) 1/2 cup sugar 4 eggs, […]

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 […]

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 […]

In Greek: κουλακλί μαντί, pronounced koo-lahk-LEE mahn-DEE Greek refugees during the last century brought this example of the traditional cuisine of Kappadokia to Greece, and this recipe for minced meat dumplings landed in Kavala in northeastern Greece. Bite-sized dumplings stuffed with minced meat (ground beef) are served with a delicious yogurt and garlic sauce. The […]

In Greek: κεφτεδάκια με πιπεριές, say: kef-teh-THAHK-yah meh pee-peh-ree-YES The meatballs in this recipe for Meatballs in Sauce with Peppers aren’t just made with ground beef (hamburger meat)… they include eggplant! A fabulous tomato sauce with red and green peppers adds to the delightful taste combination. Serve with rice. The recipe serves 6-8. Ingredients: FOR […]

In Greek: ρολό με λαχανικά, pronounce roh-LOH meh lah-hah-nee-KAH For many Greek cooks, preparing meat without vegetables in the same pan is an impossible task, and this recipe is a good example. The meatloaf is cooked with tomatoes, potatoes, and zucchini to create a one-dish meal. Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Ingredients: 2 1/4 […]