Yigandes me Spanaki In Greek: γίγαντες με σπανάκι, pronounced YEE-ghan-des meh spah-NAH-kee This is a delicious meatless oven casserole that combines the classic tastes of spinach with green onion, leeks, dill, and feta cheese, combined with giant beans (yigandes) or lima beans. It can also be made with frozen spinach and, when fresh tomatoes may […]

In Greek: ντομάτες γεμιστές με αρακά, say: doh-MAH-tes yeh-mee-STES meh ah-rah-KAH This recipe for stuffed tomatoes with peas may sound like an unusual combination, but it’s delicious. The tomatoes are scooped out and baked until soft, then the filling is added and they’re browned to perfection. A delightful meatless main dish, or a side dish, […]

In Greek: ταχινόμελο, pronounced tah-hee-NO-meh-loh Who needs peanut butter when tahini and honey are available? This combination was frequently eaten separately – dipping a piece of bread into tahini, then following with a forkful of thick honey. Today, it’s being commercially produced, but it’s simple and easy to make at home. With fewer calories than […]

Out of the Greek recipes I’ve researched and cooked, this greek recipe is one of my favourites. This traditional Greek recipe is from Crete originally, although is has been adapted throughout the Greek islands. This soup has a slightly sweet flavour, because of the browning of the onions and it’s fabulously warming on a wet or cloudy […]

Phyllo (in Greek: φύλλο, pronounced FEE-lo), also spelled “filo,” is most often used to describe wafer-thin sheets of dough that are used to make some of the most delicious pastries and savory pies in the world. However, phyllo has gotten a reputation as being hard to use, or too delicate, with the result that many […]

PASTA PHYLLO APO TO LEVITHI – PELOPONISOS Ingredients: For the syrup 4 cups sugar 3 cups water 1 medium cinnamon stick 5 whole cloves Juice of 1⁄2 lemon 1 strip lemon zest   11⁄2 to 2 cups well-drained Greek citrus fruit spoon sweets (bitter orange, lemon, bergamot), to taste 6 large eggs, separated 1 cup […]

There were many foods and beverages consumed in ancient Greece that we might not be anxious to try today, like cheese and garlic added to wine, but no more unusual than at least one of the foods that were considered to be aphrodisiacs. When we think of bulbs, the first thing that comes to mind […]

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: kymino, κύμινο, pronounced KEE-mee-no At the market: Ground cumin is the form most widely used, and is available in sprinkle-pour spice containers. Physical characterisitcs: Ground cumin is a yellowish-brown color with a strong (not hot) taste and aroma. The cumin plant prefers a warm and humid climate, and grows 6 to […]

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 […]