an italian cook around the world
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!
Melitzanosalata is a tasty Greek appetizer traditionally served aside meats, pita bread, and other sauces. This eggplant salad is a delicious and healthy starter, but it also a perfect ingredient for a sandwich or a Pita Gyro. I love preparing this vegan small plate along with Tzatziki sauce, Souvlaki, and Greek salad. This kind of meal remembers me my days in Greece: closing my eyes, and breathing deeply, I can still feel the flavors of the olive groves and Mediterranean sea!
The Skordalia recipe made with mashed potatoes is one of my preferred Greek side dishes; it’s so simple to make and flavorful! Traditionally, Skordalia is served along with fried salt cod, but it is delicious also with grilled lamb, fried zucchini and eggplants, or beet salad!
Greek lamb stew marinated into a fresh in taste mint Salmoriglio is a perfect recipe to survive the winter and let you feel immersed in a Mediterranean summer! Whole baby potatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese donate a delicious flavor to the meat; try it on and let me know what you think!
This dish remind me of my days in Greece: The white-washed houses, the deep blue of the sea and the pale and spiced yellow of Retsina wine. when I returned I brought home the colors and flavors of the Peloponnese and I created a variant of the veal scaloppine with what I had left in my suitcase : Kalamata olives, fresh tomatoes, oregano, capers, feta cheese. The result was great, and I toasted to the many ingredients that are common to Italy and Greece!