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 […]

In Greek: συκομαϊδα, pronounced see-koh-ma-EE-thah (hard “th”) Traditionally, these little bundles of spiced figs wrapped in fig leaves are dried in the sun, but a slow oven does a great job. Once cooked, these will stay fresh and edible up to a year. Although the list of ingredients is slightly long, they are easy to […]

In Greek: μπακλαβάς ρολό, pronounced bahk-lah-VAHSS ro-LO I encourage you to try this if you’ve been hesitant about using phyllo dough. The recipe includes expanded directions and tips, but if this is your first time working with phyllo and you haven’t read the Beginner’s Guide to Phyllo, you might want to check it out. Cook Time: 1 hour, […]

In Greek: γάστριν, pronounced GHAHS-treen Sesame seeds, pepper, and poppy seeds are only some of the unusual ingredients in this ancient recipe. Petimezi (a sweetener made from grapes), used long before sugar arrived in Greece, adds to the unique taste. If you’re hooked on the Ancients, give this recipe a try. Note that sugar is used in this syrup, […]

In Greek: μήλα ψητά στο φούρνο, pronounced MEE-lah psee-TAH stoh FOOR-no This is a favorite cold weather dessert, using red apples. Once the apple is cored, the walnut stuffing goes in. Cinnamon and cloves add traditional tastes. Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients: 14 Gala or Braeburn apples 1/2 pound of coarsely chopped walnuts 4 tablespoons […]

In Greek: μουσταλευριά, pronounced moo-stah-lev-ree-AH Grape must is the juice from pressed grapes before fermentation, and is often used as a sweetener in traditional bread recipes, as well as in the preparation of desserts and candy. This grape must pie is a favorite, especially popular at grape harvest season when the must is fresh. You […]

SAMOUSATHES Makes about 30 pieces Ingredients: For the pastry: 3⁄4 cup strained fresh orange juice 4 large eggs 31⁄2 to 41⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, as needed For the filling: 3⁄4 cup sesame seeds 3 cups finely ground walnuts or almonds (not blanched) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves For the syrup: 2 cups […]

THIPLES Thiples—sometimes called xerotygana—are not unique to the Peloponnesos, but they are very much a part of the region’s culinary life. “A wedding without thiples would be like a wedding without a bride,” one woman told me. While the sweet is made all over Greece, it is shaped differently from place to place. In Crete, for example, strips of dough about […]

Watermelon Feta Salad will give your senses a tingling buzz, instantly transporting you to a balmy Greek summer evening lazing away at a waterside taverna. The colours of the bright red melon and dazzling snow white feta, with a mix of black olives creates a beautiful contrast. You can smell summer in the rich juicy […]

Makes two 12-inch round loaves For the starter: 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 cup warm water 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour For the dough: 8 to 10 cups all-purpose flour, as needed 1 cup sugar Salt 3⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 11⁄2 cups warm water, or more if necessary 1⁄2 cup ouzo 11⁄2 cups […]