Cooking foods from the Mediterranean diet is my go to. I love lean proteins, olives, olive oil, whole grains, cheeses, and herbs. I like to keep my meals simple, fresh, flavorful and good for you. Here are some aspects that people tend to like most about Greek cuisine:
Fresh and Wholesome Ingredients: Greek cuisine is known for using fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fruits, vegetables, olive oil, grains, and a variety of herbs and spices play a central role in Greek dishes.
Mediterranean Diet: Greek cuisine is often associated with the Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. It includes a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (particularly fish and legumes), and olive oil.
Research has suggested that following the Mediterranean Diet may be associated with various health benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Improved weight management.
- Lower risk of certain cancers.
- Better control of blood sugar levels.
- Enhanced cognitive function and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
It is not just a specific set of foods but rather a lifestyle that emphasizes certain food choices, cooking methods, and overall habits. However there are some commonalities in the cuisines that use aspects of this diet. These can include: lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, lean proteins, moderate consumption of dairy, lower salt/more herbs and spices (most common herbs are dill, basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme), and limited sweets.
The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes the importance of enjoying meals with family and friends. Meals are meant to be a social and pleasurable experience. I think it’s why I like it so much!
Some food items to keep in your house if you want to make Greek meals:
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a fundamental ingredient in Greek cooking and is used for sautéing, dressing salads, and marinating. It not only adds a rich flavor but also contributes to the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet.
- Meats for Grilling and Roasting: Greek cuisine features a variety of grilled and roasted meats, such as gyros. These dishes are often seasoned with herbs and spices, providing a flavorful and aromatic experience. Souvlaki consists of skewers of grilled meat, often marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. It’s commonly made with chicken, pork, or lamb.
- Feta Cheese: Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is widely loved for its tangy flavor and crumbly texture. It is used in salads, pastries, and as a topping for various dishes.
I highlight common Greek dishes that you can make at home below with more items to pick up at the store as well!
But first here is a really quick weeknight meal I recently made. This took about 30 minutes. It’s chicken and rice with veggies. I also had a simple green salad with romaine and green pepper. I used a lemon vinaigrette dressing to compliment the main meal.
Greek cuisine offers a variety of delicious dishes that are not only flavorful but also relatively simple to make at home. Here are some popular Greek foods that you can try making in your kitchen:
- Greek Salads: Greek salads are renowned for their simplicity and freshness. They typically include tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and olive oil, creating a colorful and delicious combination. If you are making salad you should try your hand at Tzatziki. It is a refreshing yogurt-based dip made with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. It is not only used as a salad dressing but also commonly served with grilled meats or as a dip with pita bread.
- Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves): Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs. They are often served as appetizers and are appreciated for their unique taste and texture. I buy them in the can. I have tried making these over the years and have never succeeded.
- Moussaka: Moussaka is a popular Greek casserole dish that typically includes layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. It’s a comforting and hearty dish loved for its rich flavors. Eggplant is not my favorite vegetable. It tends to be very watery even if I salt and squish it. This is a great dish to order if you are out at a nice Greek restaurant.
- Seafood: Given Greece’s extensive coastline, seafood is a significant part of Greek cuisine. Fresh fish and seafood are prepared in various ways, such as grilled, fried, or baked.
- Desserts: Greek desserts, such as baklava (layered pastry with nuts and honey) and loukoumades (fried dough balls drizzled with honey), are sweet treats that people enjoy for their rich and indulgent flavors. Baklava is Greece’s gift to the world.
- Spanakopita (Spinach Pie): Spanakopita is a savory pie made with layers of phyllo dough and a filling of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. It’s a delicious vegetarian option. Absolutely delicious if you like spinach. Phyllo dough comes in thin sheets and can be found in the freezer section of your supermarket. It takes some getting used to but it’s worth trying it at least once in your life.
- Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono): Avgolemono is a comforting chicken soup made with a broth of chicken, rice, or orzo, and thickened with a lemony egg mixture. Orzo is a rice shaped pasta.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts: A simple and delicious dessert or breakfast option, Greek yogurt is topped with honey and chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. I love the Greek yogurt has become so easy to find now! It really is a great thing to keep in your fridge. And get the plain version. You can use it as a healthy substitute in a lot of recipes!
- Fasolada: Fasolada is a traditional Greek bean soup made with tomatoes, olive oil, vegetables, and various herbs. It’s often considered the national dish of Greece.
- Hummus: While hummus is not exclusively Greek, it is popular in Greek cuisine. It’s a chickpea-based dip blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Hummus is so good with pita chips or raw veggies. We often add chick peas to salad as well.
- Greek Roasted Lemon Potatoes (Patates Lemonates): Roasted lemon potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, resulting in crispy and flavorful potatoes.
- Kolokythokeftedes (Zucchini Fritters): These are zucchini fritters made with grated zucchini, feta cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. They are fried until golden brown and served as appetizers or a side dish. Zucchini is very easy to get in summer and fall and this is a great use for it.
Experimenting with these dishes at home allows you to experience the flavors and traditions of Greek cooking.
