There are many versions of these little pumpkin filled pastries. In Cyprus, they are called kolokotes (koh-loh-koh-TES). Other parts of Greece call thembourekia (boo-REH-kyah). The traditional dough for this recipe is made with olive oil and would be appropriate to eat during fasting periods. I have adapted the recipe and use a sweeter dough that includes butter and […]

In Greek: μπομπότα, pronounced bo-BOH-tah Depending on the region of Greece and local customs, the word bobota can mean anything from cornmeal to any bread or polenta-type dish made with cornmeal. Cornmeal recipes were very popular during times of hardship, and bobota is considered by many to be a “peasant” dish. This basic recipe has a little sugar, but […]

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. […]

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 […]

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: 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, […]

Anyone familiar with Cajun cooking may recognize the term “dirty rice.” It’s essentially a pilaf flavored with chicken livers or giblets and it is so named because it takes on a brown or “dirty” color. In this recipe, boneless chicken fillets are stuffed with a combination of chicken livers and rice and flavored with plenty […]

In Greek: γεμιστά με αμυγδαλώψηχα, pronounced yeh-mee-STAH meh ah-meegh-thah-LOHP-see-hah This recipe for Stuffed Vegetables (yemista) uses crushed roasted almonds in the filling, which give a wonderful flavor to the vegetables – and a wonderful aroma while cooking! Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 large green bell peppers 5 medium zucchini + 1 small […]

Moussaka (moo-sah-KAH) is perhaps the most widely recognized Greek dish. This recipe is a result of tinkering with the traditional ingredients to make a lighter, vegetarian moussaka recipe. I wouldn’t recommend trying to whip this up on a busy weeknight as it is still quite time consuming. When you have the time to devote to prepping […]

In Greek: γίγαντες τηγανητοί, say: YEE-ghan-des tee-ghah-nee-TEE Yigandes (also spelled “gigantes”) are giant dried beans and are favorites in all areas of Greece. If you can’t find them, use the largest dried lima beans you can find. This delightful dish is a favorite with Greeks during periods of fasting and Lent, and is often served with taramosalata (a delicioius dip […]