This Greek green beans recipe is very easy to make, is delicious, and wonderfully healthy. It can be prepared using fresh or frozen green beans and can serve as a vegetarian entrée or a side dish. If served as the main course, Greek green beans a generous portion of feta usually accompanies the meal. The creaminess and saltiness from the feta deliciously complements the green beans and tomato sauce. Ingredients 1.5 pounds green beans 1 onion 2 potatoes 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1/4 extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon dried dill 2 teaspoons salt 6 cups water Preparation Wash and…
Vegetarian
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Continue ReadingDonuts, churros, beignets, every culture has some version of fried dough and Greeks are no exception. True to most mediterranean fare, even these decadently loukoumades are somewhat nutritious with the addition of copious amounts of honey and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. The first time I tried these crispy donut balls, my mother-in-law had prepared a hefty batch, which she placed in a large bowl in the center of the table. As we each ate a dozen, we shared stories and laughs, instilling a sense of communal celebration and indulgence. The spirit of celebration and whimsey remains today, and I…
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Continue ReadingBiscuits are the mascot of Southern cuisine and one of my cherished childhood memories. Every Sunday, my father would rise before the rest of us, and prepare a fresh batch. Staying true to my mother’s Appalachian upbringing, he always used buttermilk and shortening. After spending 15 years in the Northeast, I had forgotten about biscuits, until relocating to North Carolina a few years ago. By then, I had become weary of shortening, and developed a deep appreciation for extra virgin olive oil. Not only did I value its health benefits, I was also learning from my Greek mother-in-law how to use…
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Continue ReadingWe all know and love Greece’s iconic Greek salad. But what about the middle of winter when tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers aren’t in season? During colder months, Greeks enjoy white cabbage salad as an accompaniment to a meal. One might call it a Mediterranean coleslaw with olive oil and lemon juice replacing mayo, vinegar, and sugar. The salad is healthy, easy to prepare and pairs well with grilled meats and fish. Ingredients Half a head of cabbage (approximately 12 ounces) 1 carrot Juice from 1 lemon 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt to taste Preparation Wash the cabbage and…
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Continue ReadingThis baked pasta dish, known as “Souffle” in Greece, is essentially a mac and cheese casserole. Slightly more elegant than its stove top counterpart, it is just as easy to make and more versatile. Combine different cheeses and meats, skip the meat altogether, add some sliced bell pepper or portobellos, either way the meat and vegetables add depth of flavor. A pretty baking dish makes a nice presentation at a potluck or large family gathering. You’ll be earning rave reviews with your grown up version of a childhood classic. Ingredients 1 pound pasta 1 tablespoon salt Pot of water for boiling pasta…
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Continue ReadingGreek honey cookies or “melomakarona” are a staple in Greek homes during the holidays. The flavors of cinnamon, clove, orange, nuts, and honey suit the season perfectly. They’re wonderful in the morning or afternoon with a cup of coffee and can keep for weeks stored in a cookie tin or tupperware. Ingredients For the cookies 7.5 cups unbleached flour 1 cup orange juice 2.5 cups extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup whiskey or brandy 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon A pinch of ground clove Half an orange For the crumbled nuts 1 cup…
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Continue ReadingStewed okra in tomatoes sauce known as “bamia ladera” in Greek, which refers to the vegetable being stewed in a rich tomato and olive oil base. While this recipe is depicted as a vegetable side dish, you can add chicken to the recipe, turning it into a delicious main course. Ingredients 1.5 pounds baby okra 1 red onion 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 cups water 3/4 cups extra virgin olive oil (divided) Salt to taste Preparation In addition to rinsing the okra, you may need to remove some of the exterior “fuzz”. This will depend on the variety and the age…
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Continue ReadingSkordalia is a traditional Greek dish that resembles garlic mashed potatoes and is typically served with fried cod. This recipe is very straightforward and allows for a great degree of flexibility. Some Greeks use bread instead of potatoes and vinegar instead of lemon juice. If you prefer a thicker skordalia, use less fish stock and olive oil. Want to make it vegan? Opt for water instead of fish stock. Don’t want to overwhelm everyone with garlic breath? Cut back on the number of cloves. The ingredient list below is intended as a guideline and reflects our own family’s preferences. Ingredients 4…
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Continue ReadingThese refrigerator pickled peppers have a hint of garlic which makes them addictive. They are traditionally made with Florina peppers, which are grown in Northern Greece. However, you won’t find fresh Florina peppers in the United States. Instead, you can use regular bell peppers or red Cubanelle peppers, which have a thiner flesh than traditional bell peppers. This recipe for refrigerator pickled peppers shows you how to roast and pickle fresh peppers. A time saving tip is to buy jared roasted peppers, in which case you can skip straight to the pickling process. Enjoy these pickled peppers as an appetizer or cut up in salads.…
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Continue ReadingThis simple boiled cabbage is perfect on a hot summer’s day. It tastes great cold or at room temperature and can be enjoyed over several days. Rather than serving the cabbage as a main or side dish, our family typically enjoys it with other small plates such as beets, spinach pie, cheese pie, Greek meatballs, and other foods that can be shared. Before you know it, you have a summer’s feast! Ingredients 1 head of cabbage 1 tablespoon salt 12 cups water 2 lemons 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Preparation Fill a large pot with approximately 12 cups of water. Add the salt to…