Greek Recipes

Greek and Cypriot recipes

Rosemary – Dentrolivano Herb

Greek name and pronunciation: Thendrolivano, δεντρολίβανο, pronounced then-droh-LEE-vah-no (hard th sound) At the market: Dried rosemary is usually packaged in disposable containers or sprinkle-pour bottles. Fresh bunches of rosemary may be available during its growing season, when the weather is warm. Rosemary does well in a kitchen herb garden. Physical characteristics: Rosemary is a member […]

Purslane – Glistrida Herb

Greek name and pronunciation: Glistritha, γλιστρίδα, pronounced ghlee-STREE-thah (hard “th” sound) At the market: At the grocery store, you might find purslane leaves sold as a fresh herb packaged in disposable containers. It is sometimes available as a live plant sold in potting containers ready for transfer to your garden. Physical characteristics: Purslane leaves are […]

Parsley – Maidanos Herb

Greek name and pronunciation: maïdanos, μαϊντανός, pronounced my-ee-dah-NOHSS At the market: Bundles of freshly cut parsley or disposable containers of dried parsley leaves and dried parsley seeds are available at the market. Fresh is always preferable since dried parsley quickly loses taste and aroma. Physical characteristics: Parsley has a light, fresh scent and flavor. It […]

Nutmeg – Moschokarido Herb

Greek name and pronunciation: Moschokaritho, μοσχοκάρυδο, pronounced mos-ho-KAH-ree-thoh (hard th, rhymes with “dough”) At the market: Both “whole nut” and ground powdered nutmeg are readily available commercially. Physical characteristics: The nut is a shiny dark brown in color, oval in shape, and about an inch long by 1/2-inch diameter. The nut’s interior is a lighter […]

Mint – Dyosmos Herb

Greek name and pronunciation: Dyosmos, δυόσμος, pronounced thee-OHZ-mohs (hard th sound) At the market: Spearmint is the most common mint found in markets, and the most commonly used in Greek cooking. It is sold in both dried and fresh form, and if fresh is available, it is preferred. It is also a good choice for […]

Marjoram – Mantzourana Herb

Greek name and pronunciation: Mantzourana, μαντζουράνα, pronounced mahnd-zoo-RAH-nah, also spelled matzourana (ματζουράνα), and pronounced mahd-zoo-RAH-nah At the market: Marjoram is usually available as whole dried leaves and floral parts, and in powdered form. Fresh marjoram is sometimes available at green grocers. If you have space in your kitchen, in your garden, on a window sill, […]

Fennel – Marathos Leaves

Greek name and pronunciation: Maratho, μάραθο, pronounced MAH-rah-thoh (soft th sound)Wild fennel is also known as malathro (μάλαθρο, say: MAH-lah-throh) At the market: The most commonly used fennel leaves in Greek cooking are fresh, sold in bunches or attached to the root. It is sometimes sold under the name “anise” because of the similarity in tastes, but […]

Dill – anithos Herb

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. […]

Basil – Vasilikos herb

Greek name and pronunciation: Vasilikos, βασιλικός, pronounced vah-see-lee-KOHS (rhymes with “dose”) At the market: Expect to find at least one variety of basil at your green grocer or supermarket. Green basil is the most comonly used variety for cooking. Fresh basil leaves are packaged in 2- to 4-ounce disposable containers. Dried basil is available in […]

Arugula – Roka herb

Greek name and pronunciation Roka, ρόκα, pronounced RO-kah At the market: Arugula, also known as rocket, is sold either loose-leaf or banded in bunches, in the green grocer section. Physical description: Arugula leaves are a rich, dark green color. It has a peppery, mustard-like flavor,is a rich source of iron, and is high in vitamins […]