Greek favourites including roast lamb, moussaka and sweet, syrupy desserts such as galaktoboureko have won fans around the world, and for good reason. But there's so much more to discover when looking for the best Greek recipes to add to your must-make list. Here are some of our favourites.
This Greek recipe for a luscious meat-filled filo pie is one of the most beloved dishes of the Ionian island of Cephalonia. Three different meats, Greek cheese, and warm spices turn this into a rich, filling pie that can be served as easily as a Greek meze as it can a main course.
Cephalonia three-meat pie. Source: My Greek Table
This dish was inspired by a classic Lenten dish of tomato-braised octopus with pasta, served throughout Greece. Serve this tender octopus on top of macaroni pasta that is cooked in a light tomato sauce flavoured with mastic, oregano and saffron.
Twice-cooked octopus with macaroni kofto Source: China Squirrel
Imagine being transported to the sunny Mediterranean, listening to the crashing ocean and nibbling on a large platter with mini spanakopitas, keftedes, taramasalata, olives, pita and cucumber. Well, we can't give you the first two things, but you can definitely make your own mezze platter! Pull this one out at parties and we guarantee that it'll be a favourite.
Mezze platter favourites Source: Lottie Hedley
In the new season of The Cook Up, Adam Liaw shares his method of speeding potato cook time with the microwave rather than par-boiling, saving time in this Greek chicken and potatoes family-meal favourite.
Source: Jiwon Kim
Ella Mittas, who joined Adam Liaw on The Cook Up, says these beans remind her of lunches at her grandparents’ house: lace tablecloths covered with a sheet of thick plastic for protection; plates of feta in the middle of the table and bread straight out of the oven.
Source: Jiwon Kim
The gyro (pronounced yeero) might just be Greece’s most famous sandwich export. The meat for this pita wrap is typically lamb, though beef is frequently added. This version uses ground lamb, formed into meatballs and threaded onto a skewer. The grill gives it a touch of smoky flavor, and all you need do is pull off the cooked meatballs and place into a pita bread.
Gyro meatball kebabs with feta tzatziki sauce Source: Harvard Common Press
Oh sticky lamb ribs, how we love thee. This version uses a thyme honey ouzo, and we just can't put them down!
Slow-roasted lamb spare ribs with thyme honey and ouzo glaze. Source: Alpha
A smaller dolmade is better, or safer as there is less chance of the filling exploding. These are very easy to make, but set aside time to roll them neatly. Bonus points: master this, and you'll be a master of spring rolls, too! Double skill upgrade!
Dolmades with tzatziki Source: China Squirrel
This version of the classic Greek filo pie has such a fabulous combination of flavours – spinach, dill and spring onions with a creamy mix of cheeses. (And if you fancy making your own pastry, try this spanakopita recipe from Peter Georgakopoulos or this recipe from Diane Kochilas).
Food Safari's spanakopita Source: Sharyn Cairns
A salad with a lighter touch but hearty enough for a complete meal, with quinoa, pine nuts, craisins and marinated feta added to this Mediterranean favourite.
Source: Jiwon Kim
An easy, satisfying and kid-friendly Greek meal to make at home. And because it's so simple, it can be yours any night of the week.
Lamb pitas Source: Donna Hay
This traditional Greek soup is often referred to as the national dish of Greece and is made using a simple combination of vegetables, tomato paste and stock, with the enriching addition of cannellini beans and a dash of chilli powder.
Source: Tom Donald
These sweet pillows of crisp pastry, filled with a more-ish blend of honey, nuts, dates, seeds and spices, are a popular treat at Easter time on the Greek island of Crete. Serve them generously dusted with icing sugar, accompanied by a strong, dark, aromatic coffee.
Patouda, filled with honey, nuts, dates, seeds and spices. Source: Alan Benson
Mastiha, is made from a plant resin and is such a unique intoxicating flavour. The sweet musky notes give these shortbread stars a subtle edge, and will keep you reaching back for more.
Mastiha shortbread stars Source: Helen Tzouganatos
If you’re looking for the ultimate Greek sweet, look no further than portokalopita. This crispy, syrupy, custardy concoction makes perfect use of Greece’s famed yoghurt, which is strained to remove the whey to create a thicker, creamier result. Believed to hail from Crete, this rich pie makes use of the island’s orange bounty, resulting in a refreshingly zesty dessert that’s delicious served warm in winter or chilled with ice-cream in summer.
Orange filo pie Source: Brett Stevens
Loukoumades are a popular Greek sweet, balls of dough deep fried until golden then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. These delicious mouthfuls are impossible to resist.
Loukoumades Source: Supplied
In Greece, this crustless sesame cheesecake is traditionally made with myzithra, a fresh cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk. If you can't get it, ricotta makes a good substitute.
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Sesame cheesecake (myzithropita hyti) Source: Chris Chen
MORE GREEK FAVOURITES
Messinia-style giant beans with spinach and feta
