an italian cook around the world
Santorini Fava, also called Greek Fava, is a simple, healthy, and delicious Greek appetizer. This dish is not famous outside Greece, but it is incredibly popular in Greece, and an essential part of Meze: the famous selection of small plates shared during the traditional Greek meal. The yellow peas are cooked along with onions, garlic, and fresh herbs, then mashed until smooth and silky: so tasty!
Greek Fasolakia is a typical peasant dish rich in vegetables, and traditionally vegan! These stir-fried vegetables are part of the ancient tradition of Greek braised vegetables called Lathera, and served as the main dish of a light lunch, or among other small plates during the Greek Mezes. Here the recipe of Fasolakia!
Gemista, or Yemista, is one of the most popular Greek recipes, traditionally vegan and healthy, that recalls the richness of the Mediterranean vegetable gardens. Various vegetables are filled with rice seasoned with herbs, then baked until soft and nicely brown: delicious!
Probably, the Greek dolmades are the most worldwide famous stuffed grape leaves rolls! These delicious roulades filled with a traditionally vegan mix of rice, onions, and herbs, are popular, with some variations, not only in Greece, but also in several other regions of the Middle Eastern, Turkic, and Balkans areas. I love to serve Dolmades as an appetizer, or into a selection of small plates for my parties. Here the recipe and the history of Dolmades!
Loukoumades is a typical Greek street food dessert, very popular both in and outside Greece. Its history comes from the age of the Ancient Greece: the legend tells that this recipe had been offered as a winner’s reward during the first Olympic Games!
These simple pastry balls are deep-fried, then garnished with honey, sesame seeds, and dried fruit. Here the history and the recipe!
Spanakopita is a tasty Greek savory pie filled with spinach, eggs, and feta, daily served as snack, appetizer or light lunch, and particularly appreciated by the kids! This spinach and feta pie has ancient root and probably has been influenced by the Ottoman cuisine. Here the Spanakopita recipe and history!
Saganaki cheese is a typical Greek appetizer served alone or paired with stir-fried vegetables. The cheese is floured, then pan-fried and served hot and partially melted: easy and tasty!
Spanakorizo is the traditional Greek version of spinach rice. This simple recipe has three main features that make it a perfect choice to detox your body without renouncing to the taste: it’s vegan, it’s rich in vegetables, and it’s delicious!
Tzatziki sauce is an easy and tasty recipe, typical in Greece, and very popular in the neighboring countries. Make a good Tzatziki is simple, but it requires prime quality ingredients and whole Greek yogurt. Commonly this sauce is flavored with fresh dill and vinegar, but lemon juice, and other fresh herbs are traditional and tasty as well. Here the recipe and history of Tzatziki!
Greek Pita bread is an ingredient always present in my fridge or my freezer. This recipe is very simple to prepare and easy to store and reheat. I love to pair Pita with my preferred appetizers and salads, or filling it with roasted meats, or simply seasoning with olive oil, oregano and sea salt! Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, every time is Pita time!
