What’s so wonderful about Greek cuisine? Well, it’s heavy on the olive oil—Greece being in the Mediterranean and all—so you can tell yourself that “heart-healthy” makes up for “bathed in delicious, fragrant oil.” It may not be a huge country, but Greece is ooooold, and its amazingly varied and deep culinary traditions reflect the wisdom of the ages. (If anyone at the table complains about the food, tell them to stuff it like a grape leaf: Greek cuisine forms the basis of almost every other cuisine.)

But really, who could complain about tangy feta cheese stuffed into almost everything—including chicken? Whether you like your appetizers easy or jaw-droppingly impressive, you can find your bliss in the Aegean Sea. Oh, and don’t you dare be intimidated by the baklava recipe. Time-consuming doesn’t mean difficult—it just means you make it a family activity.

You might be tempted to put on a show with Greek food; you know, try to take on saganaki—baked Kasseri cheese that you light on fire and then yell “Opa!” But with all these great options to choose from, you should be spared that dubious home-kitchen activity.

Feta Cheese Appetizers

Pressed for time? These are cheese. On toast. But superfancy, because it’s feta cheese and pita toast (plus Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers). Couldn’t be easier or more out of the ordinary!

Grilled Scallop Sandwiches

No Greek recipe collection would be complete without fresh seafood—Greece being a bunch of islands, after all. These gorgeous apps—with grilled plums and scallops, prosciutto and tiny pea tendrils, and topped with Greek yogurt—are worth the effort.

Kalamata Lemon Chicken

This citrus-y main course, studded with olives, is easy to throw together and allow to bake. Orzo pasta adds an exotic touch, too.

Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts:

What if you made grilled cheese sandwiches with chicken as the bread? Ooh. Cheesy, delicious, and remarkably good for you.
 

Mini-Greek Meat Loaves with Tzatziki Sauce

Mini meat loaves are a busy cook’s best friend. They take a fraction of the time and have extra crust. This Greeked-up version features a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce, with cool chunks of cucumber.
 

Baklava

This classic dessert is deceptively easy, once you get the hang of it. Just have a friend (or a kid!) paint each layer of phyllo as you plop the next one down over the ground walnuts and honey filling.

Greek Chocolate Nut Cake

Studded with nuts, drizzled with sugar water and brandy, this hearty chocolate cake will stand up to the strongest coffee.

take a trip to Greece with these recipes

You might also like:

Herbed Lamb Chops with Greek Couscous Salad: 30-Minute Meal

Greek Moussaka: Make the Takeout

Bringing Exotic Meals Home

Great Goulash! Five Easy Recipes

Categories: Dinner Tonight | Tags: Greek Chicken Dishes, Greek Cuisine, Greek Desserts
No Comments | Post Your Comment