This garlic roasted pork shoulder recipe is so easy, it’s my go-to pork recipe. Not only is the preparation a breeze, it can be cooked in the oven or the slow-cooker, which is a huge perk when you’re looking for a homecooked meal but have a busy day ahead. While my mother-in-law typically uses a pork leg, for this recipe, I like to use pork shoulder, which is a popular cut in North Carolina, the home of pork barbecue. There are numerous pairing possibilities for this garlic roasted pork shoulder. From Greek salad, to tzatziki, rice, mashed potatoes, cooked greens,…
Gluten-Free
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Continue ReadingMmm… french fries, who doesn’t love french fries! Top them with feta and oregano and you’ve got addictively delicious Greek fries! If my kids could eat Greek meatballs and fries every day of the week, they would. And my mother-in-law gladly enables this excess during our summer visits. If you prefer to bake your Greek fries rather than fry them, that works just as well. What really matters with this recipe is the toppings. The illustrated process steps below will show you how to fry them, if baking, simply skip to the topping section. Ingredients About 4 cups oil for…
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Continue ReadingGreek roasted vegetables known as “briam” is a delicious way to enjoy summer vegetables. As the zucchinis, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, bake, they caramelize, creating depth of flavor. Depending on the water content of the vegetables, the zucchinis in particular, you may need to bake the briam for more time than listed in this recipe. Don’t hesitate to do so. Adding the extra time will ensure that your vegetables achieve sufficient “caramelization”. These roasted vegetables can be eaten hot or at room temperature and do well as an entrée served with bread , a side with meat or fish, or…
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Continue ReadingStuffed 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 ReadingEveryone loves a good Greek salad. A true Greek salad doesn’t call for lettuce or vinegar. The two key ingredients are a high quality Greek extra virgin olive oil and fragrant Greek oregano. On a hot summer’s day, consider storing the salad in the refrigerator for an hour or two. This will make it especially refreshing. Just be sure to wait until you’re ready to serve the salad to add the salt and olive oil. Ingredients 2 large ripe tomatoes 1 large cucumber 1 green bell pepper 3 ounces feta 2 slices red onion 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon…
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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 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…