In Greek: πετιμεζόπιτα, say: peh-tee-meh-ZOH-peetah The recipe for petimezi, a molasses-like syrup made with grapes, dates back to the Bronze Age. Petimezican also be made from grape must, and may also be available in Greek markets. It gives a unique flavor to this spice cake which tastes like a cross between carrot cake and gingerbread. Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook […]

Stuffed grape leaves (dolmades, dolmathakia) are a favorite appetizer and meze, and one of the most traditional of all Greek dishes. They can also be served as a side dish or main dish. Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice and Herbs – Dolmathakia Tender grape leaves are used to wrap little parcels stuffed with rice, pine […]

Cool and creamy, this tangy cucumber dip flavored with garlic is the perfect compliment to grilled meats and vegetables. It’s served on the side with warm pita bread triangles for dipping, and is also used as a condiment for souvlaki. Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. vinegar 2 cloves garlic, […]

In Greek: πιπεριές με τυρί, pronounced pee-peh-reeYES meh tee-REE This recipe is a specialty in the shadows of Mount Olympos, where it is served as a meze with a locally made spirit. Serve it as an appetizer, meze, or side dish. The recipe calls for bull’s horn (or Anaheim or Cubanelle) peppers (long and tapered, light green […]

In Greek: πάστα ελιάς, pronounced PAH-stah el-YAHS This blend of olives, garlic, oil, and vinegar is a sharp and tangy spread for breads, breadsticks, and vegetables, and the perfect meze to bring out the best in Ouzo or wine. Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 3 cups of pitted black (Kalamata) or green olives 3 teaspoons extra virgin […]

In Greek: ντάκος, pronounced DAH-kohss A traditional meze or light meal on the island of Crete,dakos (also called “koukouvayia”) is often called “Greek bruschetta,” and is easy to make with few ingredients and no cooking. You can find rusks atonline Greek food shops, make your own, or use a thick slice of grilled or toasted crusty country bread(without the water). […]

Small dishes of foods are always served with ouzo and can range from simple to elaborate. Here are a few suggestions: Cold No-Cook Mezethes Nuts and dried fruit Lathovrekto (Greek Bruschetta) Olive Paste Taramosalata Tomato and feta salad Chunks of Greek cheese(graviera and feta, especially) Cucumber slices Olives Tomato slices Crusty bread, breadsticks, pita wedges Hot Mezethes Baked potatoes […]

In Greek: σουβλάκι αρνίσιο, pronounced soov-LAH-kee ahr-NEE-see-yoh The key to tender lamb souvlaki is the marinade, so don’t skimp on the timing. The longer they marinate, the better they will taste… and they will disappear as fast as you can make them! Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 8-10 pound leg of lamb, trimmed […]

In Greek: μπουρεκάκια μελιτζάνας, pronounced boo-reh-KAHK-yah meh-leed-ZAH-nahs A mixture of three delicious cheeses marks the filling for thin slices of eggplant that are rolled, dipped in flour, breadcrumbs, and egg, then fried to perfection. Make these in large batches because they will disappear very quickly! Ingredients: FOR THE FILLING 1 egg 1 cup of cold […]

Cool and creamy, this tangy cucumber dip flavored with garlic is the perfect compliment to grilled meats and vegetables. It’s served on the side with warm pita bread triangles for dipping, and is also used as a condiment for souvlaki. Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. vinegar 2 cloves […]