Mandolato is the Greek version of Italian nougat, made with honey, almonds, and pistachios.
Mandolato is mainly found on the Ionian islands, which is understandable since the Ionian Islands were once under Venetian rule.
Mandolato
Olive Oil Fried Potatoes
There is nothing like the taste of olive oil fried potatoes. They are served all over Greece at every taverna, and are easy to make at home.
You don’t need a deep fryer – a regular frying pan will do.
Karithopita
Walnuts (karithia) are plentiful in Greece and are incorporated in many dessert recipes. Karithopita is a very popular dessert, especially in Kefalonia, which is one of the beautiful Ionian Islands. Like the more traditional versions of karithopita, or walnut cake, this recipe uses mostly semolina for its base.
Chicken with Peppers
This chicken with peppers recipe uses butter instead of olive oil. This is because in the region of Epirus (where this recipe comes from), olive trees do not thrive therefore butter is used more.
Feel free to substitute olive oil or half butter/half olive oil. Either way, the cinnamon, allspice, and cloves will make your house smell wonderful.
Souvlaki
The word souvlaki, taken from the medieval Greek word ‘souvla’, means skewer. Traditional souvlaki calls for pork marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. This marinade also works beautifully with chicken, lamb, or beef.
Soutzoukakia in Tomato Sauce
Soutzoukakia are football shaped meatballs covered with a tasty tomato sauce. Like every Greek dish, it’s the spices that set these apart from other meatballs.
Alevropita (Feta Flatbread)
Alevropita is a specialty of the Epirus region in Greece. This easy to make flatbread is dotted with salty feta, and uses ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry. Pair this flatbread with a greek salad and you’ve got a great lunch or a light supper.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a yogurt and cucumber dip that accompanies many greek dishes. The great thing about tzatziki is that it’s super easy to prepare. Just make sure you leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavours come together.
Koulourakia
There are hundreds of recipes for koulourakia, or Easter Greek cookies, out there. However, this particular recipe is hands down my favorite, because of the bright citrus flavors and the almost shortbread-like texture.
Fava
Fava is a wonderful creamy dip or spread made with yellow split peas (not fava beans) and onions. Santorini is famous for its amazing fava! Serve it with chopped red onion, parsley, olive oil, and lots of bread.
Baklava
Baklava is probably THE most popular Greek dessert, made with nuts, cinnamon, and phyllo. It is found at every Greek restaurant, and every Greek household. It is made for special occasions as well as for family dinners.
Homemade Phyllo Pastry
Making pita with homemade phyllo pastry is very satisfying. I use this recipe to make savoury pies like our ground meat pie. This traditional recipe makes enough for 20 sheets of phyllo for a 10″ (25cm) round pan.
Rice and Lentil Pilaf
Rice and lentil pilaf is a simple but hearty dish that can be eaten as a main meal with a dollop of greek yogurt or tzatziki, or as a side dish. I personally love it with a couple of fried eggs.
Revani Orange Cake
Revani, or orange cake, is incredibly popular and served all over Greece. Enjoy it with ice cream, whipped cream, or simply with a cup of Greek coffee. This particular version is very traditional, made with the whole orange and semolina.