Roka (arugula) is one of the most underestimated leafy greens, despite packing lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s numerous health benefits are well known. Arugula is native to the Mediterranean and is definitely a green that should be added to more plates worldwide. The Greeks eat plenty of arugula as a “Roka Salata” and … Continue reading Roka (Arugula Salad)
Say maroulosalata out loud ten times fast and you’re sure to chuckle to yourself into a wide smile as you stumble on the word begging to come out of your mouth. If you can’t get past the pronunciation, dig into the salad itself and let your taste buds do the talking. Maroulosalata is comprised of … Continue reading Maroulosalata (romaine lettuce salad)
Seafood is an important part of the Mediterranean diet, and luckily for Greece the seafood is plentiful. With so many islands and close mainland coastal waters, seafood is easily accessible for Greeks to either bake, fry, grill, or boil. The varieties of fish in any fish market is incredible. Everyone has a preference, and those … Continue reading Psari Plaki (Baked Fish)
Aside from public speaking and swimming in the ocean, there aren’t many things that intimidate me. I will talk to any stranger that will listen to me on a subway in New York City. I will kill a spider for my arachnophobic big brother. I will fall, scrape my knees, and get back up just … Continue reading Pastitsio
Twirling long strands of spaghetti around a fork is one of my guilty pleasures. Every time I eat a plate of spaghetti I get some sweet satisfaction. It’s an added bonus when the spaghetti has been prepared with a creamy garlic butter sauce and is covered with two of my favorite types of cheese, mizithra … Continue reading Greek Spaghetti
The first time I prepared a dish for a large crowd was for an event called “Taste of Greece,” a fun, food fundraiser for our Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nearly 500 attendees come to sample common Greek fare all made by home cooks. They often find food items not typically found … Continue reading Pastourma Rollups
Long before all the drive through coffee stands and the Grande caramel macchiato, there was elliniko kafe (Greek coffee). Made by boiling coffee grounds in a copper or brass briki (coffee pot) until the perfect kaimaki (foam) forms, Greek coffee is then poured into a white demitasse (small cup). It’s simple as that. The next … Continue reading Greek Coffee
To many people, mojitos represent the epitome of a refreshing cocktail. They’re light, slightly sweet, and especially enjoyable on a warm day. Better yet, it calls for the mix and shake of just a handful of ingredients: sugar, mint, lime juice, club soda, and rum. To put a Greek spin on the classic cocktail, simply … Continue reading The Ouzito: Greek Ouzo Mojito
Yemista (or Gemista) is a Greek word meaning “to be stuffed with.” You may have grown up just calling it stuffed tomatoes or peppers, or zucchini. Many chefs and amateur cooks have created their own take on this traditional Greek dish, finding that most of the variety will come from the filling. Yemista is typically served … Continue reading Yemista (Stuffed Vegetables)
My entire house has smelled like a McDonald’s deep fryer for an entire week. Fried oil has seeped into the carpets and walls, and has stubbornly clung to mine and my family’s clothes. It’s actually been a pleasant change of pace from the typical scent of a wet dog. The culprit behind the oil stench … Continue reading Bakaliaros Skordalia (Cod & Garlic Dip)
