Stuffed peppers and tomatoes, better known as “yemista” in Greek, is a hugely popular dish and best enjoyed in the summer. The quality of the tomatoes significantly influences the dish and winter grown hot house tomatoes pale by comparison to those ripened in the sun. The secret weapon in this recipe is the mint – when combined with onion, olive oil, and tomato, a particular flavor profile is created that is delicious and addictive. Fresh mint is best for this recipe but dried mint works as well in a pinch. Enjoy these stuffed peppers and tomatoes as is or serve with a generous slice…
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Continue ReadingThis Greek chicken and potatoes recipe yields a juicy and tender bird with crispy skin and heavenly potatoes. In fact, I sometimes make this dish just to enjoy the potatoes. So, what makes them so great? The olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, garlic, water, oregano, and drippings the potatoes are baked in. While I have come across other recipes that call for similar ingredients, the amount of water and olive oil used in this one is where it differs from others. The larger amount of liquid surrounding the chicken and potatoes during the baking process produces a flavorful and…
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Continue ReadingThese fried meatballs known as “keftedes” in Greece are particularly popular with children. They have a crunchy exterior with a moist and “fluffy” interior and can be served as is or added to tomato sauce to create a version of spaghetti and meatballs. Consider making a big batch and freezing the leftovers. Place the extra meatballs on a baking tray and place them in the freezer overnight. This will prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, store them in a zip lock bag back in the freezer. Ingredients 1 pound ground beef 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint or 1 teaspoon of…
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Continue ReadingA wonderful attribute of Greek cuisine is its approach to vegetables. They are frequently given center stage and prepared as an entrée rather than a side dish. One of the technics used to achieve this is by stewing the vegetables in an olive oil based tomato sauce. Paired with a thick slice of feta and piece of chunky bread, a notoriously bland vegetable becomes a flavor powerhouse. Ingredients 2 pounds peas 1 medium onion 2 medium carrots 2 potatoes 2-3 tablespoon fresh chopped dill 6 cups water 5 teaspoons tomato paste 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons salt Preparation…
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Continue ReadingPepper and onion tomato sauce is one of my favorite dishes to prepare when entertaining. The flavors are appealing to most and this particular dish is easy to adapt when catering to various dietary restrictions. What do you cook when you are hosting a dinner party for a combination of vegetarian, meat lover, and gluten intolerant friends? I am always excited when I find a dish that caters to everyone’s preferences. While this specific recipe does not contain meat or seafood, it serves as an excellent vegan base to which you can add chicken or shrimp, in turn creating a vegan and…