INGREDIENTS: 2 plucks (lamb or goat) 2kgr intestines (lamb or goat) some extra sweetbreads salt, pepper, oregano METHOD: Wash the intestines (inside) and place them in a bowl with enough vinegar for about 1h, then drain them and place them in a covered bowl in the refrigerator. Wash the plucks, cut into a square size […]

 This is a popular mezé, or appetizer, in Greek cuisine, usually enjoyed with a slowly sipped drink before dinner. Ingredients: 10 peppers, cut in half, stem and seeds removed (have a combination of colors, such as red, green, yellow or orange) 1 head garlic, split in half horizontally, no need to peel it, but remove the excess skin […]

Loukanika (village sausages) are made from selected fresh pork meat, wine, salt and spices. The pork meat is minced, marinated with coriander seeds, black pepper and salt and then left to mature in dry red wine for 7-15 days so that the meat, spices and wine are perfectly blended. Filling the well-washed pork intestines requires skill […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Thymari, θυμάρι, pronounced thee-MAH-ree (soft th sound) At the market: Thyme is available both fresh and dried, and fresh thyme is much preferred in cooking. Dried thyme leaves are sold in disposable containers, and fresh thyme is sold in bundles. Thyme is also a good choice for a kitchen herb garden. […]

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, […]

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 […]

They enhance taste, and are responsible for the most delicious smells that come from a traditional Greek kitchen. Learn about the individual herbs that are perennial favorites of the best Greek cooks. Arugula – Roka Basil – Vasilikos Bay Leaf – Dafni Dill – Anithos Fennel – Marathos Marjoram – Mantzourana Mint – Dyosmos Nutmeg – Moschokarido Oregano – Rigani Parsley – Maidanos Purslane – Glistrida Rosemary – Dentrolivano Sage – Faskomilo […]

This is a nice way to serve olives. The marinade is a delicious and colorful combination. It’s served as a “mezé,” which in Greek means something to nibble on: An appetizer to be served with an aperitif before dinner. Ingredients:  1 cup Kalamata olives 1/2 cup oil cured olives 1/2 cup green olives Zest of 2 lemons 1 tablespoon […]

Another difference that distinguishes the ancient Greek diet from that of Northern Europeans was the consumption of vegetables and fruit in vast quantities. In fact, certain ancient Greeks, such as Plato, Callimachus and the Pythagoreans, strongly advocated vegetarianism. Certainly, the fruit and vegetables consumed by the ancient Greeks were not the same as those avialable […]

Now, when you entertain people to a Greek meal, you can impress them with your knowledge of Greek! The letters in bold italics show where the accent should go when you pronounce it. almond – ameegdalo (soft d) aniseed – anitho apple – meelo apricot – vereekoko artichoke – aggeenara (hard g) asparagus – sparangee (hard […]