A simple and rustic vegetarian stew made from chickpeas that is the specialty of the island of Sifnos, Greece. This rustic chickpea stew is a wonderful vegetarian selection that is perfect with a simple salad. Allow yourself plenty of time to slow cook the chickpeas for best results. Prep Time: 1 hour Cook Time: 3 hours Total Time: 4 hours Yield: 6 […]

A simple but elegant dessert featuring the sweet yet tart flavor of the quince. This relatively unknown fruit holds up especially well to cooking and takes on a lovely rose hue when it is cooked. Note: If you decide to substitute apples or pears for the quince, you will need to monitor your cooking time because […]

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 […]

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 […]

Chicken with Spices “Politika” A fragrant and inviting blend of spices infuses this chicken dish with very warm flavors. The Greeks call this blend of spices politika meaning “of the city” a reference to the city of Constantinople or modern day Istanbul. This dish is absolutely delicious served over rice or orzo pilaf and will fill the kitchen […]

This recipe is made with a type of pasta called Trahana (trah-hah-NAH) that is made from semolina together with either milk (sweet trahana) or yogurt (sour trahana). It’s dried and then crumbled into tiny little grains that are much like couscous in their appearance. Note: While Trahana can be found in most ethnic grocery stores, […]

A traditional favorite that is known the world over, Greek Chicken or Kota Riganati features the quintessential Greek flavors of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano. Cook Time: 50 minutes Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes Yield: 4 -6 servings Ingredients: 4 lbs. chicken – whole fryer cut up or pieces (bone in) 1/2 cup olive oil juice of 4 lemons […]