Source: Timolina, AdobeStockThe main advantage of Greek cuisine is that it is incredibly healthy. All Greek dishes use plenty of vegetables, cheese, and meat – following the best traditions of the Mediterranean region. We've compiled a selection of 15 magnificent recipes for you!
1. Greek Salad
Source: salat-legko.ruOf course, this classic recipe is a must-have.
You will need: 2 tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, 1/2 red onion, 50 g olives, 200 g feta cheese, 4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp oregano, salt, ground black pepper.
Preparation: Roughly chop all the vegetables, add olives, and dress the salad with olive oil, spices, and aromatic herbs. Top with coarsely crumbled feta cheese.
2. Souvlaki Skewers
Source: dzen.ruWe suggest preparing aromatic Greek chicken skewers.
You will need: 700 g chicken fillet, 5 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp oregano, 60 ml olive oil, 45 ml lemon juice, spices.
Preparation: Mince the garlic, cut the chicken into skewer-sized pieces, place all ingredients in an airtight bag, and mix. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for several hours or even overnight. Then cook the souvlaki like regular skewers – grill them on a barbecue or bake them in the oven until golden brown on a rack, turning occasionally.
3. Greek Hummus
Source: pinterest.comA light and healthy appetizer for all occasions. Absolutely delicious!
You will need: 2 cups cooked chickpeas, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 0.5 tsp salt, 1 tbsp olive oil.
Preparation: To cook chickpeas faster, soak them overnight. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Season to taste.
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4. Greek Tzatziki Sauce
Source: 1000.menuA white yogurt-based sauce that pairs well with any meat, side dishes, and flatbreads.
You will need: 250 g Greek yogurt, 1 cucumber, 20 g dill, 2 cloves garlic, salt, ground black pepper.
Preparation: Grate the cucumber, sprinkle with salt, let it sit for 5 minutes, and squeeze out excess juice. Chop the dill, press the garlic, add all ingredients to the Greek yogurt, and mix the resulting sauce.
5. Avgolemono Soup
Source: megamarket.ruAn unusual soup with egg and lemon juice that definitely deserves your attention.
You will need: 1 chicken thigh, 1 carrot, 2 egg yolks, 1/4 celery root, juice of 1 lemon, 1.5 L water, spices.
Preparation: Remove the skin from the chicken thigh, cover it with water, add spices for broth, and bring to a boil. Add grated carrot and celery, and cook for half an hour. Remove the thigh, chop it, and return the meat to the pot.
Whisk the egg yolks with lemon juice, add a little broth, and whisk again. While constantly stirring, pour the egg mixture into the soup in a thin stream. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let the soup steep for 15 minutes, covered.
6. Greek Scrambled Eggs with Feta
Source: pinterest.comIn its homeland, it's known as Strapatsada, and it's the perfect quick breakfast.
You will need: 2 eggs, 1 tomato, 2 tbsp olive oil, 60 g feta cheese, spices, herbs.
Preparation: Peel the tomato, grate it coarsely, and lightly fry it in olive oil. Season to taste and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add crumbled feta and cook for another 1 minute. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring, until set. Sprinkle the scrambled eggs with herbs.
7. Rizogalo
Source: postila.ruThis Greek rice pudding will surely appeal to all lovers of delicate and airy desserts.
You will need: 150 g rice, 200 ml water, 500 ml milk, 1.5 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp sugar, 3 drops vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon.
Preparation: Rinse the rice, cover it with water, bring to a boil, and cook until the water is absorbed. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, stir, and bring to a boil. Cook the porridge until done over low heat, stirring occasionally. Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water or milk, pour it into the porridge, bring to a boil again, and cook for a couple of minutes. Divide the pudding into dessert bowls, chill, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
8. Moussaka with Eggplant and Zucchini
Source: vk.comThis hearty casserole with vegetables and meat can confidently be called one of the most famous Greek dishes.
You will need: 1 eggplant, 3 potatoes, 1 zucchini, 300 g minced meat, 1 tomato, 2 cloves garlic, 1 onion, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 50 g butter, 50 g Parmesan cheese, 500 ml milk, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 4 sprigs thyme, 50 g flour, spices.
Preparation: Chop the onion with thyme and fry in vegetable oil until soft. Add tomato paste, minced meat, and spices. Continue frying until the minced meat is cooked, stirring occasionally. Separately, fry the flour in butter and pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Reduce the béchamel sauce slightly until thick and season.
Slice all vegetables into rounds. Layer them in a baking dish, pour half of the sauce over them, and top with the minced meat. Pour the remaining sauce over everything, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and bake the moussaka in the oven for half an hour at 180 degrees Celsius.
9. Lemon Halvas
Source: cookpad.comAnother original Greek sweet treat made from semolina.
You will need: 4 cups water, 2 cups semolina, 1.5 cups sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon zest.
Preparation: Pour water into a saucepan and add sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring, then strain the syrup.
Separately, heat the oil, add the semolina, reduce the heat, and cook, stirring, until it turns caramel-colored. Gradually pour in the syrup and mix well again. When the mixture pulls away from the sides, transfer it to a mold and refrigerate the halvas for a couple of hours.
10. Greek Gyros
Source: AdobeStockFor spices, we recommend mixing thyme, oregano, coriander, hot pepper, and a little cumin.
You will need: 450 g flour, 3 tsp active dry yeast, 1/4 cup water, 2 tsp salt, olive oil, 250 g pork, 140 g onion, 300 g tomatoes, 300 g tzatziki sauce, spices.
Preparation: Cut the pork into large pieces and marinate it for several hours in 2-3 tablespoons of oil with spices to taste. Mix the sifted flour, yeast, and salt. Pour in water and another 2 tablespoons of oil, knead the dough, and leave it in a warm place for 2 hours.
Divide the dough into 10-12 portions, roll out flatbreads, and fry them on both sides in a dry pan. Slice the onion into rings, fry until golden, add the pork, and cook until done. Thinly slice the tomatoes. Fold the pita in half, add the pork with tomatoes, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
11. Lamb Leg with Greek Potatoes
Source: mykaleidoscope.ruThis dish will perfectly adorn even a festive table. And what an aroma it has!
You will need: 2 kg lamb leg, 7-8 potatoes, 1 head garlic, 250 ml dry white wine, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 lemon, 2 tbsp each oregano, thyme, and rosemary, 120 ml olive oil, spices.
Preparation: Mix wine, oil, Dijon mustard, all spices and herbs, lemon juice, and zest. Rub the lamb with this marinade and leave for 1 hour, or you can marinate it in a bag overnight. Then place the lamb on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for half an hour in the oven at 220 degrees Celsius.
Cut the potatoes into wedges, drizzle with oil, season, and add to the lamb with garlic cloves. Bake under foil for another 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 170 degrees Celsius and bake for another 1 hour. After half an hour, remove the foil.
12. Briam
Source: dzen.ruGreek vegetable stew made with seasonal vegetables and salty feta.
You will need: 3 potatoes, 1 bell pepper, 1-2 eggplants, 1 zucchini, 300 g canned tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, 150 g feta cheese, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp oregano, spices.
Preparation: Dice all vegetables into small cubes, add tomatoes, oil, spices, and garlic. Mix and bake for 45 minutes in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius, then sprinkle with crumbled feta and bake for another 10 minutes.
13. Giouvetsi with Chicken
Source: irecommend.ruThis recipe requires small orzo pasta, resembling rice.
You will need: 400 g chicken fillet, 300 ml tomato puree, 300 g orzo pasta, 250 ml water, 2 cloves garlic, 100 g onion, 3 tbsp olive oil, spices.
Preparation: Cut the chicken into small pieces, fry until golden, and season. Add chopped onion and garlic, and fry for another 4-5 minutes. Pour in tomato puree, add water, and simmer for 10-15 minutes over low heat. Pour the orzo pasta into a baking dish and cover with the prepared sauce. Sprinkle with cheese if desired and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 160 degrees Celsius.
14. Chicken Legs with Lemon and Aromatic Herbs
Source: kaminia.ruIt will be a great variety for your daily diet!
You will need: 500 g chicken legs, 1 lemon, 10 olives, 1 clove garlic, 1 onion, 2 sprigs thyme, 3 sprigs rosemary, 1 tbsp olive oil, spices and herbs.
Preparation: Zest the lemon, and slice the lemon itself into rounds. Roughly chop the onion and garlic, finely chop the rosemary and thyme. Place the chicken in a baking dish, drizzle with lemon juice, add zest and half of the herbs. Season, add oil, mix, and let marinate for half an hour. Add all remaining ingredients and bake the chicken in the oven for 50-60 minutes at 170 degrees Celsius.
15. Fakes (Lentil Soup)
Source: ohotamyasa.ruTraditionally, red lentils are used for this soup.
You will need: 200 g lentils, 2 tomatoes, 1 carrot, 2 bell peppers, 1 onion, 2 celery stalks, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp tomato paste, sugar, salt, spices, aromatic herbs.
Preparation: Dice all vegetables into small cubes. Sauté the onion and celery directly in the pot, after a few minutes add the garlic, and after another 1 minute – the carrot and bell pepper. Cook everything together for 3-5 minutes.
Add peeled and diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes. Add rinsed lentils, spices, and herbs. Mix and pour in about one and a half liters of water. Bring to a boil and cook the soup for 10-15 minutes, covered, over low heat until the lentils are tender.