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)
Fakes soupa (lentil soup) or simply fakes (pronounced fah-kess) is a staple in the Greek diet. It’s definitely a favorite in my diet. Better, as a nutrition minor with a master of googling information, I know just how incredibly healthy lentils are. If I woke up tomorrow and suddenly stopped liking fakes (not possible), I … Continue reading Fakes (Greek Lentil Soup)
Dolmades are a bite-sized Greek dish made from either grape or cabbage leaves and stuffed with an assortment of mixtures. What makes dolmades so wonderful is their versatility. Stuff dolmades with ground meat (lamb, beef or pork), or go the vegetarian route and create a flavorful rice and herb combination for the filling. Top dolmades … Continue reading Vegetarian Dolmades
Revithia (garbanzo bean soup) is a hearty and flavorsome dish that’s easy to prepare and makes a perfect meal for wintery nights. My dad discovered this recipe on one of our visits to the island of Sifnos many years ago. Before that, he was not a fan of Garbanzo beans, but just one bite changed … Continue reading Revithia (Garbanzo Bean Soup)
Spanakopita (spanaki meaning spinach, and pita meaning pie) is a rustic Greek pie made with spinach and phyllo. Until I was 20, the only green vegetable I ate was spinach, and only then because it was used as a filling in my yiayia’ spanakopita. Her recipe calls for feta (and lots of it), which is … Continue reading Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)
Olives are standard in Greek homes and make their way on to tables in a variety of ways. A simple drizzle of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of oregano on top of a bowlful of green or black olives make for an easy table finger food. Olives are must haves in the popular xoriatiki … Continue reading Pan-fried olives
These are a few of my favorite things: raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles, and warm woolen mittens. In fact, while I’m actually not much of kitten or mitten enthusiast, I do enjoy simple pleasures like peeling an orange in one long piece, finding a missing match to my favorite socks, … Continue reading Bouyiourdi (Spicy Baked Feta)
It doesn’t matter where I eat, whenever I look at a menu my eyes are immediately drawn to any mention of something spicy. Spicy curry? Yes please, with a side of Naan. Buffalo chicken wings? My hands and face will definitely be a hot mess after, but I’ll take a basket full of those. Bahn … Continue reading Tyrokafteri (Spicy cheese dip)
There are hundreds of saints in the Greek Orthodox Church that can be called upon for special purposes or during times of need. For example, the three Hierarchs, St. Basil the Great, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Gregory the Theologian are called upon for help in studies. I wish I knew that during my anatomy … Continue reading Fanouropita (St. Fanourios Cake)
