Ikaria Longevity Tea!

Grek sage

People from Ikaria, famed for their longevity, drink herbal infusions, one secret thought to help promote a long, healthy life.

Getting Ready for Greek Easter: Kokkoretsi

Greek Easter Kokkoretsi

Greeks have been doing nose-to-tail cooking long before it became fashionable. Kokkoretsi, a spit-roasted sauasage made with organ meats, is one delicious Greek Easter example.

Penne with Pine Nuts, Spinach, Anchovies & Raisins

Penne with Pine Nuts, Spinach, Anchovies & Raisins

The combination of sweet and salty or sweet and sour is a common one throughout the Mediterranean. Greeks love the marriage of honey, vinegar and herbs, for example. Elsewhere, anchovies, pine nuts and raisins are a beloved sweet-sour trio. This is my quick and easy adaptation on a Sicilian classic.

Mediterranean Diet Greek Style: A Northern Greek Spinach-Potato Stew

Bonamatsi is one of many main-course vegetable stews in the Greek kitchen.

Bonamatsi This dish is the whole Mediterranean in a pot. It’s a classic village dish, homey and healthy. In the original version there is typically no nutmeg and no lemon garnish, but both add depth and balance to the final dish. It is a traditional dish from Halkidiki in Northern Greece. It’s perfect for meatless […]

Lazy Pie / Tembelopita Zagoriou

“Lazy” Pie from Zagori The notion of a savory pie isn’t limited to the Greek pies that call for phyllo pastry. Indeed, there is a whole range of savory pies that are based on a batter. They typically contain cheese. Some also call for zucchini or onions and herbs. Some call for cornmeal instead of […]

Love, Greek Style

Love Food

On a recent jaunt through the Athens airport, I heard the best sales pitch ever between an English-speaking male tourist and a stout, blond saleswoman at the Hellenic Gourmet Shop (which btw has some of the best Greek gourmet products in town). While examining a jar of walnuts afloat in thick Greek honey, the saleswoman […]

Cretan Bean Soup with Orange Zest / Haniotiki Fasolada

Fasolatha

There is nothing quite as comforting as Greek fasolada, one of the best-known, if humble, recipes that comes in many regional variations. To find the authentic Greek olive oil that gives this dish its velvety, sating texture, go to my online store here.

Leeks, A Winter Staple in Greek Cooking

Leek & Metsovone Tart

Leeks are cousins of asparagus, both part of the lilly family, and they are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables. The vegetable is mentioned many times in Athenaeus’ Deipnosophists,  and Theophrastos gives a detailed account of their proper cultivation. Among other things, the ancient Greeks believed them to be an antidote to nosebleeds. They were […]

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