Greek Pumpkin Pie For Halloween

We don't celebrate Halloween in Greece, but if you're in a country where they do, these small pumpkin pies (Kolokithopita) will make a delicious addition to your celebrations! Kids love them too! Just click on the link below to go to the recipe.

Greek Pumpkin Pie

 

Eat and Enjoy!

 

Greek Beetroot And Yoghurt Salad

This is a very easily prepared recipe. It's simple, light and delicious and we're sure you'll love it!

Ingredients

½ kg beetroot

250g Greek strained yoghurt

2 cloves garlic crushed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp vinegar

2 tbsp quartered walnuts

1 tbsp finely chopped chives

Salt to taste

Preparation

Remove the leaves and clean the beetroots without removing the skins and boil in salted water for approx. 1 hr or until they are tender.

Put in a colander under cold water and remove the skins.

Slice the beetroot and arrange on a dish.

Beat the yoghurt well in a bowl with the oil, vinegar, garlic and salt.

Spread the yoghurt mixture over the beetroot.

Garnish with the walnuts and chives.

Eat and Enjoy!

 

Greek Herbs And Spices - Marjoram (Mantzourana)

 Image: Wikipedia Commons

Marjoram - called Mantzourana in Greek - is a shrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. Indigenous to the Mediterranean area, it can be used fresh or dry. It is similar to oregano, but milder and slightly sweeter.

It can be used with most meat dishes as well as fish and tomato dishes and salad dressings.

Although not certain, it is most probable that marjoram originated in Greece. In Ancient Greece it was planted on the graves of beloved ones in order that they would enjoy eternal peace and happiness. Hippocrates also used it medicinally.

Ancient Greeks also made head wreaths from marjoram for wedding couples, symbolising love, honour and happiness.

7 Greek Recipes With Eggplants (Melitzanes)

Image: Wikipedia Commons

Eggplants - Melitzanes - are very popular in Greece, so I've put together a list of 7 popular recipes using them. To go to the recipes, just click on the names.

EGGPLANT DIP (MELITZANOSALATA)

This is one of my favourites! Smooth and tangy. It's traditionally made with Greek strained yoghurt but can also be made with mayonnaise instead. Try both ways and see which you prefer - with mayonnaise it has a slightly thicker, richer taste.

A side dish which can be served with any meat, fish or vegetable dish.

 

EGGPLANT ROLLS (BOOREKAKIA)

These are delicious little rolls that you can have as a side dish or as part of a buffet.

 

 

EGGPLANT FRITTERS (MELITZANOKEFTEDES)

 

 

This is a delicious meze! You can have it as an accompaniment to a meal, as a meze - which tastes wonderful with Tzatziki - or as part of a buffet.

 

 

 VEGETARIAN MOUSSAKA

Delicious! Many people who are not vegetarian have said that they actually prefer it to the "normal" moussaka, which is made with meat and not mushrooms.

 

 

 BRIAM

 

 

This can be eaten hot or cold and is delicious when accompanied by a large slice of Feta cheese!

 POLITIKO BRIAM

This recipe is called 'Politiko' Briam from the name 'Poli' which is what Greeks call Constantinopolis, and 'Politiko' recipes are from the Greeks who used to live there. The basic difference between this and ordinary Briam is the addition of Bechamel sauce on top.

EGGPLANT PAPOUTSAKIA

 

These are called Papoutsakia - which means 'little shoes' in Greek - because they are shaped like little shoes.

Eat and Enjoy!