Like most of us, I’ve made countless fried potatoes (french fries) over the years, but every time I’ve eaten them in a Greek home, they’ve been crispy and delightful. Here’s the secret, whether you use a deep fryer or frying pan. Note: Greeks enjoy fried potatoes as a meze, side dish, and as a main dish […]

It’s often said that the best potatoes are cooked right along with the meat so that they absorb the flavors. They do absorb great flavor, but they can also taste a bit greasy. I have found that you can achieve a tasty and tender potato that is packed with flavor but not greasy. Try these […]

In Greek: φασολάκια με κολοκυθάκια, pronounced fah-so-LAHK-yah meh koh-loh-kee-THAHK-yah This recipe combines simple tastes to create a delicious side dish or meatless main dish. Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 pound of fresh green beans (string, pole, snap) 3/4 pound of small zucchini 1 medium onion, diced 1 large tomato, puréeed 1/3 […]

In Greek: λάχανο κατσαρόλας, say: LAH-hah-no kat-sah-ROHL-lahs The word katsarolas means cooked in a pot, and for this dish of Stewed Cabbage with Mint, a soup or stew pot or a dutch oven works well. The interesting taste combination is a delight as a side dish or meatless main dish. The recipe serves 4. Cook Time: 55 minutes Total […]

In Greek: χορταρικά στο φούρνο, say: hor-tah-ree-KAH stoh FOOR-no This mixed vegetable stew is ideally cooked in a fired clay pot in a beehive oven, but has been adapted for modern indoor ovens. The dish creates a lot of liquid which is delicious served with potatoes, rice, or – more traditionally – a large quantity […]

In Greek: χόρτα με κολοκυθάκια, pronounced HOR-tah meh koh-loh-kee-THAHK-yah Care is required when cooking two vegetables together to make sure the tastes complement each other. Always add the leafy greens well after the zucchini since they require different cooking times. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Ingredients: 2 pounds of tender chicory greens, dandelion greens, […]

In Greek: αρακάς με πατάτες, pronounced ah-rah-KAS meh pah-TAH-tes Peas with dill are a fabulous taste combination, and this recipe adds potatoes and a touch of lemon for a light main dish or vegetable side. Fresh peas can be substituted for the frozen, but not canned. Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 large bunch of […]

In Greek: αρακάς με άνιθο, pronounced ah-rah-KAHS meh AH-nee-thoh Dilled peas with red and green peppers falls into thelathera group of foods, which means “cooked with oil.” The tastes of the dill, peas, and peppers are wonderfully enhanced by the taste of the oil. I fix this dish with Stewed Chicken with Wine and Peppersbecause the tastes […]

In Greek: αρακάς με αγκινάρες, pronounced ah-rah-KAS meh ah-gkee-NAH-res This recipe is quick and easy to make with frozen peas, frozen artichoke hearts, fresh herbs… and that final touch of lemon juice. It calls for a lot of fresh dill, but if it’s too much for your taste, substitute with 2 tablespoons of fresh or the […]

This is a delightful side dish or topping for lathovrekta(Greek bruschetta) made with sweet leafy greens. I like to use a mix of spinach, chard, and sow-thistle (known to many gardeners as a weed), but it works well with any mix of the sweeter greens. Serves 5-6. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil 3 thick slices […]