In Greek: χταπόδι μακαρονάδα, pronounced khtah-POH-thee mah-kah-roh-NAH-thah A favorite in fishing villages throughout Greece and the islands, this dish can be made with fresh or frozen (defrosted) octopus. Ditalini (“little thimble”) is the traditional pasta used. Ingredients: 2 pounds of fresh or frozen octopus 1 cup of olive oil 1 large onion, diced 1 tablespoon […]

In Greek: χταπόδι στιφάδο, pronounced khtah-PO-thee stee-FAH-tho A delightful stew made with a large quantity of onions – but the dish wouldn’t be the same without them. Use small pearl stewing onions if you can find them. I couldn’t when I was making this, as you can see in the photo, so I used medium-sized […]

In Greek: χταπόδι πιλάφι, pronounced khtah-PO-thee pee-LAH-fee This can be made without the tomato; I add it so the dish isn’t quite so bland looking. Either way, it doesn’t taste bland and is a great entree, side dish, or first course. Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients: 4 1/2 pounds of octopus, fresh or frozen (defrosted) […]

In Greek: χταπόδι στη σχάρα, pronounce khtah-PO-thee stee SKHAH-rah It’s a classic image that comes to mind when many think of Greece: sitting under an umbrella by the seaside, with ouzo or wine and a plate of freshly grilled octopus. It’s delicious, and you can create the same atmosphere at home. Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Total […]

In Greek: ψάρι στα κάρβουνα, pronounced PSAH-ree stah KAR-voo-nah Greece has always been famous for its seafood, and for the simplicity of recipes that showcase the natural taste, rather than mask it. Grilled fish is a favorite all over the country and a specialty of the islands and coastal areas. Favorite fish (and seafood) for […]

In Greek: μαρίδες, pronounced mah-REE-thess The smaller the better as far as I’m concerned! If the fish are less than 2 inches long, they don’t need to be gutted; from 2-3 inches long, they do, and anything over that is too big if it’s a picarel! Whitebait smelt (the smallest smelt) is an acceptable substitute, […]

No matter how you plan to cook the squid, they will have to be cleaned. Don’t be squeamish… remember – you’re bigger than they are! Difficulty: Average Time Required: 5 minutes Here’s How: Holding the body firmly, grasp the head and pull gently, twisting if necessary, to pull the head away from the body without breaking the […]

In Greek: καλαμαράκια τηγανητά, pronounced kah-lah-mah-RAHK-yah tee-ghah-nee-TAH Feel comfortable buying frozen whole squid or squid rings at the market to make this dish. If you love it, serve it as a main dish. Ingredients: 2 pounds of small squid flour for dredging olive oil or peanut oil for frying lemon wedges sea salt pepper 1 […]

In Greek: ψαροκεφτέδες, pronounced psah-roh-kef-TEH-thes A bit of modern Greek, this recipe calls for a batter made with beer. A combination of swordfish and desalinated salt cod, combined with onion and parsley make a fabulous dish. The batter calls for beer and self-rising flour. Serve as a meze, appetizer, or as a main dish. Note: […]

In Greek: γαρίδες με ούζο, pronounced ghah-REE-thes meh OO-zo Flambé dishes are always fun and this is no exception. When shopping for prawns, look for those that are sold 5 to the pound. These may also sold as “extra colossal” shrimp. Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Ingredients: 5 prawns, 1/4 pound each 1 cup of carrots, […]