In Greek: συκομαϊδα, pronounced see-koh-ma-EE-thah (hard “th”) Traditionally, these little bundles of spiced figs wrapped in fig leaves are dried in the sun, but a slow oven does a great job. Once cooked, these will stay fresh and edible up to a year. Although the list of ingredients is slightly long, they are easy to […]

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 […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Mahlepi, μαχλέπι, pronounced mah-LEH-pee At the market: In the U.S., mahlab kernels or powder may be available in larger markets, or in specialty groceries catering to Mediterranean and/or Middle Eastern cuisines. Mahlab may also be marketed as “St. Lucie Cherry Kernels,” or “ground cherry stones.” Physical characteristics: Mahlab kernels are 5 […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Glykaniso, γλυκάνισο, pronounced glee-KAH-nee-so At the market: Dried and ground anise seed are usually available in small disposable bags or in sprinkle-pour bottles. Physical characteristics: Originally from Asia and North Africa, the anise plant grows to between 19.5 and 31.5 inches tall, with leaves that originate at the base of the […]

Greeks eat a lot of octopus, and a cold octopus salad is a common meze (appetizer) served with raki or ouzo, the local anise-flavored liqueurs. This is my take on the classic, which uses olive oil infused with fresh oregano as well as green olives steeped in bitter Seville orange juice. Prep Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes Total […]

Saligkaria me Fasolia Gigantes kai Agkinares Ingredients:  500 gr. of Gigantes (dry butter beans) 8 small artichokes (halved), trimmed/cleaned approx. 1 1/2 cups of snails, washed & cleaned thoroughly 1/2 cup of olive oil 1 large onion, finely diced 1 bay leaf 2 cloves of garlic, smashed 1 cup of fennel bulb, diced 1 carrot, diced […]

Snails with crushed wheat pilaf – Cretan Orzo Pilaf with Snails and Chios Mastiha Oil – Rhodes Snails With Gigantes Beans and Artichokes Snails stew – Saligkaria stifado Popping Fried Snails – Kohli Bourbouristi Potatoes with snails and fennel (Cretan)   How To Eat a Greek Snail How to Clean and Prepare Snails for Cooking […]

A traditional soup made of natural ingredients Trachanas is a food directly related to the Cypriot culture and rural life. Trachanas is a true national dish such that no visitor should have been left without tasting this authentic soup of Cyprus, made only with a few simple natural ingredients, exactly as it was made decades […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Estragon, εστραγκόν, pronounced es-trah-GON At the market: Tarragon is sold fresh and dried. Physical characteristics: Fresh (French) tarragon leaves are bright green and approximately 1″ long and 1/4″-1/2″ wide. The leaves have a tendency to curl when dried. This 2-3 foot perennial has light golden ball-shaped flowers, approximately 1/2″ in diameter, […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Anithos, άνιθος, pronounced AH-nee-thohs (soft th sound, rhymes with “dose”) At the market: Dill is sold as fresh cuttings (sprigs) bundled into convenient amounts, in sprinkle-pour bottles of dill weed (dried leaves), and in sprinkle-pour bottles of dill seeds. Physical characteristics: The dill plant grows to a height of 8-30 inches. […]