greek Recipes
71 delicious greek recipes from around the world
Imam Baildi (Greek Stuffed Eggplant)
A classic Greek dish of tender eggplants stuffed with a rich mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, then slow-braised in olive oil. The name translates to 'the imam fainted,' supposedly due to its exquisite richness.
Kalamarakia Tiganita (Greek Fried Squid)
Authentic Greek fried squid rings, known as Kalamarakia Tiganita, are a quintessential taverna dish. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and best enjoyed with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. A taste of the Greek seaside.
Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)
Authentic Greek keftedes are flavorful, herb-flecked meatballs, traditionally pan-fried to a golden crisp. This taverna classic is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, best served with a cooling tzatziki sauce.
Kleftiko (Greek Slow-Roasted Lamb)
Kleftiko, meaning 'stolen', is a traditional Greek dish where lamb shoulder is slow-cooked in parchment paper, traditionally in a pit oven by bandits. This method ensures the lamb becomes incredibly tender and infused with flavor, falling off the bone. The dramatic unsealing at the table is part of the experience.
Kokoretsi
A quintessential Greek Easter delicacy, Kokoretsi features lamb offal (heart, liver, kidneys, sweetbreads) meticulously wrapped in lamb intestines and slow-spit roasted over charcoal until golden and crispy. This dish is a cherished tradition, often prepared for Easter Sunday feasts.
Koliva
Koliva is a traditional Greek Orthodox memorial dish made from boiled wheat berries, nuts, and pomegranate seeds, symbolizing the resurrection and the seeds of life. It is often prepared for memorial services and feasts.
Kolokythakia Tiganita (Greek Fried Zucchini)
Crispy, golden-fried zucchini rounds coated in a light, airy beer batter. A quintessential Greek summer mezze, perfect for sharing.
Kolokythokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters)
Deliciously crispy and savory Greek zucchini fritters, a popular Cretan specialty. These patties are packed with fresh zucchini, salty feta cheese, and aromatic herbs like mint and dill. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Koulouri Thessalonikis
Chewy Greek bread rings generously coated in sesame seeds, a beloved street food breakfast staple across Greece and Turkey.
Kourabiedes (Greek Almond Butter Cookies)
Kourabiedes are traditional Greek butter cookies, known for their incredibly crumbly texture and rich almond flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a staple during the Christmas holidays, generously dusted with powdered sugar.
Lahanodolmades (Greek Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Avgolemono)
Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and fresh herbs, then gently simmered and finished with a rich, creamy avgolemono (egg-lemon) sauce. This is a classic Greek comfort food, perfect for a hearty meal.
Loukoumades (Greek Honey Puffs)
Loukoumades are delightful, bite-sized fried dough balls, a traditional Greek sweet, often referred to as 'honey tokens' or 'honey puffs'. They are known for their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and are generously drenched in a warm honey syrup infused with cinnamon, then sprinkled with crushed walnuts. This ancient treat was even enjoyed by athletes in the original Olympic Games.
Makaronada me Kima (Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce)
A comforting and flavorful Greek classic, Makaronada me Kima features spaghetti tossed with a rich, cinnamon-spiced meat sauce. Traditionally enjoyed as a hearty Sunday lunch.
Manitaria Scharas (Greek Grilled Mushrooms)
A simple yet flavorful Greek mezze featuring large mushrooms grilled to perfection with a zesty olive oil, garlic, and herb marinade. Ideal as an appetizer or side dish.
Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)
A classic Greek appetizer, Melitzanosalata is a smoky and flavorful roasted eggplant dip, distinct from Baba Ghanoush due to its simpler preparation and fewer ingredients. It's typically made with roasted eggplant, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, offering a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes.
Melomakarona (Greek Honey Walnut Cookies)
Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas cookies, characterized by their soft, crumbly texture, warm spice notes, and a rich soaking in honey syrup. They are typically made with olive oil, making them suitable for fasting periods.
Moschari Kokkinisto (Greek Braised Beef in Red Sauce)
A classic Greek comfort food, Moschari Kokkinisto features tender chunks of beef slow-braised in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with warm spices. This dish is deeply satisfying and perfect for a hearty meal.
Moussaka
Greece's beloved layered casserole featuring tender slices of eggplant, a rich, spiced lamb and tomato filling, and a creamy, decadent béchamel sauce, baked until golden brown and bubbling.
Ntakos (Dakos)
A classic Cretan meze, Ntakos features crunchy barley rusks (paximadia) topped with juicy grated tomatoes, creamy feta or mizithra cheese, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and fragrant oregano. It's a refreshing and simple dish perfect for a light meal or appetizer, especially during the summer months.
Paidakia (Greek Grilled Lamb Chops)
Authentic Greek lamb chops (paidakia), marinated in a simple yet flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. A quintessential taverna dish, best enjoyed with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Papoutsakia (Greek Stuffed Eggplant)
Papoutsakia, meaning 'little shoes' in Greek, are a comforting and classic dish of tender eggplant halves filled with a savory spiced ground meat and tomato mixture, then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden. A true taste of Greek home cooking.
Pastitsada (Corfiot Braised Rooster with Pasta)
A traditional Corfiot dish featuring tender rooster (or chicken) slow-braised in a rich, aromatic tomato and red wine sauce, infused with warm spices. Served over thick pasta and finished with grated Kefalotiri cheese, this dish showcases a distinct Venetian influence on the island of Corfu.
Pastitsio
A classic Greek baked pasta dish featuring layers of al dente tubular pasta, a rich, spiced ground meat sauce, and a creamy, decadent béchamel, all baked to golden perfection. Often referred to as 'Greek lasagna'.
Patsas (Greek Tripe Soup)
A hearty and comforting Greek tripe soup, traditionally enjoyed as a late-night restorative meal or a potent hangover cure. This rich broth, made tender with slow-cooked tripe and pork feet, is finished with a creamy avgolemono sauce. The pungent garlic and tangy vinegar provide a sharp contrast to the richness.