Meze / Starters Recipes
Greek dips are one of the most important aspects of the Greek diet and an important component of the whole Mediterranean diet as well because they represent both seasonal and regional flavors as well as the convivial aspects of the cuisine. A dip is meant to be shared. A Greek dip is by default also […]
HOW TO BOIL EGGS TO GET A SOFT, CREAMY YOLK: Bring the water up to a boil, then lower it to a rapid simmer. Add the eggs to the pot, and start your timer. If you’re just cooking a couple of eggs, five minutes is perfect for a runny yolk. Cool the eggs slightly by […]
Zucchini is one of the most popular vegetables in the Greek diet and in the Mediterranean diet overall. This garden classic is very versatile. In Greek cooking, it is prepared in countless ways: grated and as a filling for many different regional savory pies, cut into rounds or fingers and pan-fried as a classic meze, stuffed, and also turned into delicious patties. This recipe is a variation of one that I do at my cooking school on the Blue Zone Greek island of Ikaria. It’s packed with Mediterranean diet ingredients and is gorgeous, delicious and nutritious!
Greek meatballs, aka keftedes, are an all-time Greek classic! This Greek recipe for meatballs goes a step or two further, with a cloak of avgolemono, the tangy Greek egg-lemon sauce, and a few tablespoons of Santorini capers to perk up the whole dish. It also calls for lamb, so makes for a whole new take […]
Greek summer recipes for peppers abound, from simple roasted peppers garnished with extra virgin Greek olive oil and Greek oregano to stuffed peppers, pepper and sausage stews and more. This simple meze or side dish is a great and easy way to cook summer peppers. Favorite varieties include Anaheim peppers, banana peppers or just plain […]
Chipotle peppers aren’t a traditional variety in the Mediterannean, but this dish was born out of my work in the kitchen at New York’s Pylos, where the chef, Juan Tzitzimititla, sometimes throws together what I like to call Med-Med treats for himself and his Mexican cooks. Munch on this simple sandwich at lunchtime with a […]
Eggplants with feta are found in tavernas and prepared at home with equal gusto. You don’t even have to follow through the last step -broiling the dish so that the cheese melts. Once the eggplants are softened in the skillet, you can serve them, warm or at room temperature, with feta crumbled on top.
BEETROOT NUTRITION: Beets – both the greens and the bulbs – are an important part of the Ikaria diet and an important ingredient in the Greek and Mediterranean diets. The greens are nutritionally comparable to iron-rich spinach but the bulbs are also very healthy, although they contain natural sugars and carbs. Overall, beets are a […]
SERVING TIP: You can serve these shrimp as is, or over brown rice or quinoa.