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: πιπερόριζα, say pee-peh-ROH-ree-zah At the market: Fresh ginger root is usually available at the green grocer. Dried ginger is usually sold in powder form, and minced or pureed ginger can often be found in jars. Physical characteristics: Ginger root is said to resemble fat stubby hands. They are a light tan […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Kari, κάρι, pronounced KAH-ree At the market: Curry powder is available in small resealable containers. Curry leaves are available only in countries in which the curry tree grows. Fresh curry leaves quickly lose their fragrance after harvesting, and for that reason are not suitable for long-distance transportation and international marketing. Physical […]

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 […]

Domates Liastes In Greek: λιαστές ντομάτες, say: lee-ah-STES doh-MAH-tes Sun-dried tomatoes can be pretty pricey at the market, but they’re easy to make at home. The way they are made in many traditional Greek homes takes some time, but the result is fabulous. Don’t use big meaty tomatoes for this process – instead, look for […]

In Greek: φύλλο, pronounced FEE-lo Freshly made phyllo dough (also spelled “filo”) isalways preferable, and it isn’t difficult. Use a pasta machine to make sheets of thin to thick dough to use for pitas and pastries. The alternative, rolling it out with a rolling pin, takes time and experience to master (see below for special instructions). […]

In Greek: μουσταλευριά, pronounced moo-stah-lev-ree-AH Grape must is the juice from pressed grapes before fermentation, and is often used as a sweetener in traditional bread recipes, as well as in the preparation of desserts and candy. This grape must pie is a favorite, especially popular at grape harvest season when the must is fresh. You […]

In Greek: μούστος, pronounced MOO-stohs Moustos is made using the juice squeezed from fresh grapes. In Greece, we make large quantities during the September grape harvest, and it’s a great project for kids. It freezes well, and can be used throughout the year. Moustos is used to make petimezi, a grape syrup known since ancient times that is […]

With the exception of Throubes (an olive from the island of Thassos that’s picked when fully mature), olives straight off the tree are hard and bitter. Curing is what removes the bitterness. Once cured, olives can be stored with flavorings (lemon, oregano, garlic, and others), but the first step is the curing. Ancient Greeks cured olives by […]

Kasseri cheese is a medium texture, slightly tart, table cheese that is popular in Greek cuisine. Its color ranges from off white to slightly yellow, depending on how long it has been aged and the type of milk that is used. Kasseri is usually aged for at least four months, until it develops a hard consistency like Parmesan or Romano cheese. A […]