Halva is a semolina pudding that is sweetened with syrup and studded with nuts and raisins. It is a dessert that has Arabic origins but has been adopted into the Greek culture and is widely served during fasting periods because there are no eggs or dairy in the recipe. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes […]

A simple but elegant dessert featuring the sweet yet tart flavor of the quince. This relatively unknown fruit holds up especially well to cooking and takes on a lovely rose hue when it is cooked. Note: If you decide to substitute apples or pears for the quince, you will need to monitor your cooking time because […]

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: μουσακάς πατάτες, say: moo-sah-KAS pah-TAH-tes Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Ingredients: 5-6 pounds of potatoes, peeled, cut in 1/2 inch slices 2 tablespoons of olive oil 4 medium onions, chopped 2 1/2 pounds of ground beef (or lamb) 3 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes with juice (or canned tomatoes) 1 cup […]

In Greek: μουσακάς κολοκυθάκια, say: moo-sah-KAS koh-loh-kee-THAK-yah Layers of zucchini, meat sauce, cheese, and a creamy béchamel create a fabulous oven-to-table casserole. Select mature zucchini or Italian squash (they look like large zucchini) for best results. Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Ingredients: 5-6 pounds of mature zucchini, trimmed, cut in 1/2 inch slices […]

In Greek: μπεσαμέλ με τυρί (pronounced behs-sah-MEL meh tee-REE) It’s made with evaporated milk and contains cheese, and is just one variation of this popular sauce used with meats and vegetables. It isn’t hard to make, and doesn’t take long, but it has to be stirred the entire time. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes […]

This recipe is made with a type of pasta called Trahana (trah-hah-NAH) that is made from semolina together with either milk (sweet trahana) or yogurt (sour trahana). It’s dried and then crumbled into tiny little grains that are much like couscous in their appearance. Note: While Trahana can be found in most ethnic grocery stores, […]

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: galopoula yemisti, γαλοπούλα γεμιστή (pronounced ghah-loh-POO-lah yeh-mee-STEE) Although the oldest traditions of Greece call for lamb, goat, or pork at the holidays, all roasted meats and poultry are commonly served. This stuffed turkey (or capon) has become a favorite with modern-day Greek cooks. Prep Time: 40 minutes Cook Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes Ingredients: 8-9 […]

This is an easy dish to make, using a whole cut up chicken or selected pieces. The recipe calls for chicken, carrots, capers, white wine, rosemary, kalamata olives, salt, and olive oil. Serve over rice for a great meal. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes Ingredients: 3 1/4 to 3 3/4 pound chicken, […]