Thursday, November 26, 2009

Eliopsomo: Olive Bread


In Greek: ελιόψωμο, say: eh-lee-OHP-so-moh

Olives and bread... what could be a more basic combination in a Greek bread? This recipe for Greek olive bread can be made with black or green Greek olives.

Prep Time: 1 hours, 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Friday, November 20, 2009

Fasolatha: Bean Soup



In Greek: φασσολάδα, say: fah-so-LAH-thah

According to food historians, fassolatha has been around since ancient Greek times. It is the national dish of Greece, representing the best of the Greek way of cooking: legumes, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil.

It can be made with tomato (red version) or lemon juice (white version), and whichever way you choose, culinary tradition dictates that fassolatha be served with crusty bread, feta cheese (except during Lent and periods of fasting when eating cheese is restricted), and black olives.

Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Spanakotyropita: Easy Spinach Pie with Cheese


In Greek: σπανακοτυρόπιτα, pronounced (take a deep breath) spah-nah-ko-tee-ROH-pee-tah

This is a family favorite because it's quick, and easier to make than some other versions. The spinach needs to be cooked the day before, but once the pita gets started, it takes a few minutes to get it ready, and about 30 minutes to bake.

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Htapothi Stifatho: Octopus & Onion Stew (Stifatho - Stifado)



In Greek: χταπόδι στιφάδο, pronounced khtah-PO-thee stee-FAH-tho

A delightful stew made with a large quantity of onions - but the dish wouldn't be the same without them. Use small pearl stewing onions if you can find them. In case you can't find them use medium-sized onions and slice them.

Cook Time: 1 hour

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Omeleta me Aginares: Artichoke Omelet

In Greek: ομελέτα με αγκινάρες, pronounced oh-meh-LEH-tah meh ahg-ee-NAH-ress

April is peak season for fresh artichokes, making this a springtime favorite, but this omelet is delicious with frozen artichoke hearts as well. This is a Greek country omelet, which means that it's a hearty pie-type omelet, packed with vegetables, and makes a filling main dish. So give it a try now that is fall with frozen hearts.

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Monday, November 2, 2009

Hoirino me Selino: Lemon Pork with Celery



This stew is a favorite combination of tastes... meat, in this case pork, stewed with a green vegetable (celery), doused with lemon juice before serving. It's easy and delicious.

This is one of the few Greek recipes that calls for thick-stemmed celery, and not wild celery.

Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes