Moussaka is a casserole made by layering eggplant with a spiced meat filling then topping it off with a creamy bechamel sauce that is baked to golden perfection. It is perhaps the most widely recognized of all Greek dishes and was made famous by the legendary Greek chef, Nicholas Tselementes. This eggplant version is the traditional […]

In Greek: κοτόπουλο στιφάδο, say: koh-TOH-poo-loh stee-FAH-thoh Stifatho dishes are generally known for including boiler and/or pearl onions, wine, and a tomato sauce, and this recipe is no exception. The wonderful combination of spices (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves) makes this a vibrant stew. The optional addition of cheese adds even more depth. Chicken stifatho is commonly served with […]

This wonderful cinnamon-spiced chicken stew calledKapama (kah-pah-MAH) needs to simmer for at least an hour for the flavors to really develop. Serve it over pasta or orzo with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese and prepare to receive the compliments! As an added bonus, it will also fill your home with the most delightful cooking aromas. […]

In Greek: παστιτσάδα, pronounced pah-steet-SAH-thah At every celebration and festival, and in every restaurant on the island of Corfu, some version ofpastitsatha is served. It can be made with meat, poultry, and seafood, and this version is a true specialty, made with farm-raised rooster. It’s delicious made with whole chicken or chicken pieces. The sauce is […]

In Greek: μακαρόνια ογκρατέν, pronounced mah-kah-ROHN-yah oh-grah-TEN Macaroni and cheese is a favorite with all families, and this oven casserole is the reason why Greeks love it. It’s made a bit differently than the familiar “mac n cheese” and it’s delicious! If you’ve been looking for a meatless version of the famous Greek Pastitsio, this […]

A hearty and satisfying orzo pilaf with chicken and chickpeas that’s great for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Yield: 4 servings Ingredients: 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. butter 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts, pounded slightly to be even thickness 1 onion, finely minced 2 cloves garlic, finely minced […]

When teaching others to make this dish, I have often joked that the word pastitsio (pa-STEE-tsee-oh) translates to “messy kitchen” in Greek. I was only kidding, but there is a hint of truth to that statement. The Greek word pastitsio derives from the Italianpasticcio, which loosely translates to a mess or a hodgepodge. Three essential components make […]

Meat sauce in Greece is referred to as Kima (kee-MAH), which is also the word for ground beef. It’s thicker and more like chili in its consistency than a typical Italian Bolognese sauce. There are so many variations of this sauce and every Greek cook puts their own personal spin on the traditional favorite. The beauty of […]

Youvetsi (yoo-VEH-tsee) is a traditional Greek stew that can be made with beef or lamb. The meat is cooked in a rich tomato sauce together with orzo pasta and finished with a heap of grated Kefalotyri cheese on top. If you don’t happen to have a covered ceramic baker, don’t worry. The dish can also be […]

In Greek: αρνάκι κλέφτικο, pronounced ahr-NAH-kee KLEF-tee-koh This recipe is an adaptation of a dish fixed in the mountains by guerillas (bandits) who needed to cook without being seen. They placed the meat on coals in a hole, covered it up, and let it cook for up to 24 hours. No trace of any stolen […]