Tsoureki (tsoo-REH-kee)is the traditional bread of Greek Easter. Tsoureki is a rich yeast bread flavored with orange and a delightful spice called Mahlab (also called Mahlepi) that is ground from the pits of wild cherries. You can find Mahlab online or at ethnic grocery stores specializing in Greek or Middle Eastern products. Every family has their own […]

Traditionally, one is offered something sweet upon arrival in a Greek home. Greek hosts keep a supply of spoon sweets or preserves on hand that are made from almost any fruit or nut you can imagine. If there is an abundance of fruit on the trees, you can be sure that the bounty will be […]

Bobota (bo-BOH-tah) is a rustic country cornbread that can be served on the sweet or savory side. The sweet version often has a honey-orange syrup. This version incorporates delicious Kasseri, Kefalotyri, and Feta cheese and can be served alone as a quick breakfast or as a savory side dish to dinner. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes […]

Greeks refer to the former Constantinople as “The City” (polis) and to the style and flavors of the cooking that emerged from there as “of the city” or “city-style.” (a la polita). Aginares a la Polita or Artichokes City-Style is a vegetarian stew with artichokes, carrots, and potatoes highlighted by the flavors of lemon and dill. […]

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 […]

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 […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο κρασάτο με πιππεριές, pronounced koh-TOH-poo-lo krah-SAH-toh meh pee-peh-ree-YES This is a family favorite – both for me as the cook as well as for those who are going to eat it! It’s a pretty dish – with the red and green bell peppers, and I can use parts of the chicken that […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο γεμιστό, pronounced koh-TOH-poo-loh yeh-mee-STOH A sharp cheese, green pepper, and garlic make a terrific stuffing. This is a great one-dish meal and a pretty one as well. Cook Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, approx. 3 1/2 pounds 3 1/4 pounds of potatoes (and sweet potatoes, optional), peeled, quartered […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο ριγανάτο, say: koh-TOH-poo-loh ree-ghah-NAH-toh This is my favorite recipe for oregano chicken. It involves three steps: brining, browning, and boiling, and is worth every minute of prep time. The resulting chicken – stewed with onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and plenty of oregano, is delicious and falling-off-the-bone tender. Prep Time: 4 hours Cook Time: 1 hour, […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο στα κάρβουνα, pronounced koh-TOH-poo-loh stah KAR-voo-nah This is a delicious and easy recipe for chicken on the grill, in the fireplace, or under the broiler. It can be made with a whole cut-up chicken, or just the parts of your choice. Here it’s made with chicken thighs and legs. Prep Time: 40 minutes Cook […]