Greek Cuisine

1. Keftedes

Greek meatballs are everybody’s favourite Greek traditional food, whether it’s on a meze platter
at a kids party or at a friends & family gathering at a Greek taverna. The name comes from
Persia, where “kufte” -meaning ground meat- travelled all around the Middle East, Turkey and
the Balkans. One of its forerunners in ancient Greece was called “myma”, made with minced
meat or fish combined with many herbs and spices.

Each home has its own recipe but usually pork is mixed with beef, onions, stale bread, eggs
and parsley. Different variations call for spearmint, ouzo and even feta filling!

In Turkey and the Balkan countries it is estimated that there are more than 400 different ways of
making “kefte” (so the exact recipe for keftedes can vary depending on the region of Greece
and personal preferences), two of them are the most beloved Greek dishes; “soutzoukakia” and
“youvarlakia”, a Greek meatballs soup with rice in rich egg-lemon sauce, our absolute winter
comfort food!

In Greece, keftedes are not made with meat only. In every region, there are numerous plant-
based keftedes, like Santorini’s tomatokeftedes (Greek tomato fritters), kolokythokeftedes
(zucchini fritters) and favokeftedes (made with fava – yellow split peas).

2. Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a beloved Greek dish that has become popular around the world for its delicious
flavor. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a full meal, souvlaki is sure to satisfy your
cravings and leave you feeling satisfied.

It is a type of meat skewer that is typically made with pork, although it can also be made with
chicken, beef, or lamb. The meat is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and
herbs, which it it a delicious flavor and tender texture.

To make souvlaki, the marinated meat is threaded onto skewers and grilled over an open flame
until it is cooked through and slightly charred. The skewers are then served with pita bread,
tzatziki sauce, and a variety of toppings, such as tomatoes, onions, and lettuce.

Souvlaki is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick snack or a full meal. It is often sold by
street vendors in Greece and other Mediterranean countries, making it a popular choice for
people on the go. It is also a common menu item at Greek restaurants and can be found on
menus around the world.

In addition to its delicious taste, souvlaki is also a relatively healthy food choice. It is high in
protein and low in fat, making it a great option for people who are watching their weight or trying
to maintain a healthy diet.

3. Tiropita

Tiropita is a popular Greek pastry that is made with a flaky phyllo dough and a filling of feta
cheese, eggs, and herbs. It’s a popular dish in Greek cuisine and can be found on menus in
Greek restaurants around the world. It is also easy to make at home and is a great option for
entertaining guests or bringing to a potluck. With its delicious flavor and flaky texture, tiropita is
sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Tiropita is a savory dish that is typically served as an
appetizer or snack, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course or side dish.
The word "tiropita" comes from the Greek words "tiro," which means cheese, and "pita," which
means pie. The pastry is made by layering sheets of phyllo dough and brushing each layer with
melted butter or olive oil. The filling is then added to the center of the pastry and the edges are
folded over to create a triangular shape.

The filling for tiropita is typically made with feta cheese, which is a salty and tangy cheese that is
commonly used in Greek cuisine. The cheese is mixed with eggs, herbs such as dill and
parsley, and sometimes other ingredients such as spinach or onions. The filling is then spooned
onto the phyllo dough and baked until golden brown and crispy.

The dish can be served hot or cold and is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. It can also be
served as a main course with a side salad or vegetables. In Greece, it is often eaten for
breakfast or as a mid-morning snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

4. Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a favorite appetizer, meal, and snack not only in Greece but
around the globe.

The traditional filling comprises chopped spinach, feta cheese, onions or scallions, egg, and
seasoning. Other white, preferably salted cheeses such as kefalotiri may also be mixed with the
feta cheese, and some may be used as a substitute for feta cheese. Herbs such as dill, mint
and parsley may be used as flavouring. The filling is wrapped or layered in phyllo (filo) pastry
with butter or olive oil, either in a large pan from which individual servings are cut, or rolled into
individual triangular servings. While the filo-dough recipe is most common, some recipes use a
village-style pastry horiatiko, which has a thicker crust. It can also be made with puff pastry. The
pastry is golden in colour when baked, the colour often enhanced by butter and egg yolk. It can
be served straight from the oven or at room temperature.

There is also a vegan version of spanakopita. This version has spinach, onions or green onions,
other green herbs as filling and uses olive oil and a little wheat flour but no eggs or dairy
products. The mixture is oven-baked until crisp. Non-traditional vegan versions are available
that typically use tofu instead of cheese.

5. Moussaka

Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish that is believed to have originated in the Middle East. It’s
also a dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its rich history and delicious flavor make it a
favorite among food lovers around the world. Moussaka typically consists of layers of sliced
eggplant, ground meat (usually lamb or beef), and a creamy sauce. It is then baked in the oven
until the top layer is golden brown.

The origins of moussaka are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been brought to
Greece by the Ottoman Turks during their occupation of the country in the 16th century. Over
time, the dish has become a staple of Greek cuisine and is now enjoyed by people all over the
world.

There are many variations of moussaka, with different regions and families having their own
unique recipes. Some versions include potatoes in addition to the eggplant.

Regardless of the specific recipe, moussaka is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for
feeding a crowd. It is often served as a main course, accompanied by a salad or other side
dishes.
In addition to its delicious taste, moussaka is also a nutritious meal. The eggplant provides fiber
and antioxidants, while the meat offers protein and iron. The béchamel sauce adds richness
and creaminess to the dish, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.