Baked giant beans with tomato (“gigantes plaki” or “gigantes sto fournou”) are considered one of the most important dishes in all of Greek gastronomy. Because of their large size, these legumes offer a pleasant creamy texture in every bite. They are also an important source of protein and fiber, which is why it is worth adding them to our nutritional plan.
Tag: greece
Soutzoukakia, the famous Greek meatballs in tomato sauce
“Soutzoukakia” is the Greek name of a very traditional recipe, always present in restaurants all along in Greece. These are long, very aromatic meatballs that are cooked in tomato sauce. They can be accompanied with potatoes or rice, thus resulting in an extremely comforting dish.
Healthy zucchini fritters recipe
This zucchini (sometimes called courgette) based recipe is an adaptation of a very popular starter called “kolokithokeftedes” in Greece (which translates as “zucchini meatballs”), which is also known in Turkey as “mucver.” The main difference with the classic recipe is that it will not be necessary to deep-fry the fritters in a huge amount of oil, which is much healthier.
Greek beef and tomato stew (“moskhari kokkinisto”)
This recipe is a traditional Greek stew, and its translation means “reddened beef”. This name is due to the color that the tomato sauce gives to the dish. The meat is cooked for a long time over low heat with vegetables and tomato, until a bite is so tender that it can be cut with a spoon.
How to cook snails
For many people, snails surely seem exotic or even intimidating. However, they are highly appreciated in many Mediterranean countries, especially in Spain, France and Greece. If we buy already clean snails, their preparation is very simple and quick. Otherwise, we must observe certain previous steps, which are indicated here.
Bake “Koulouri Thessalonikis” or “Simit” at home
“Koulouri” (plural “koulouria”) is the name of a type of bagel very popular throughout Greece, originally from Thessaloniki. Its Turkish equivalent, equally popular in its country, is called “simit.” They are ring-shaped and covered with sesame seeds. Their charm lies in the fact that they are crispy and golden on the outside, while spongy and tender on the inside.
Greek Easter bread “tsoureki”
“Tsoureki” is the name of a spicy Greek bread, also known in Turkey as “Paskalya Çöreği” (literally “Easter bread”) and in Armenia as “Choreg”. It is a tradition to bake it in every home for Easter and its typical braided shape represents the Holy Trinity. However, as it is a very tasty and appreciated bread, it is common to find it throughout the year in bakeries.
Greek-style meatballs with rice soup (Youvarlakia)
This is a traditional recipe that, however, is not usually present on the menu of Greek taverns, since it’s prepared primarily in winter. Youvarlakia (or Giuvarlakia) is the name of these very aromatic meatballs with rice, which are served in a soup usually thickened with yogurt, or with a lemon and egg sauce called “avgolémono”.
Cod with garlic and potato dip (Bakaliaros skordaliá)
“Bakaliaros skordaliá” is a typical recipe from Greek taverns, comparable to the famous English “fish and chips”. In this case, the battered cod is served along with a delicious mashed potato with crushed garlic, which is an unbeatable accompaniment.
Octopus with Greek fava recipe
Octopus with Greek fava, Greek fava with octopus. Separately, two very common dishes in Greek taverns. But both together in the same recipe? It was enough for me to try it just once to understand that it’s a very tasty combination that pairs perfectly.