Traditional Greek Cooking

If you are interested in exploring Greek cooking, here is where you will learn about some of the cooking techniques, ingredients, and spices of the Mediterranean. When preparing traditional Greek dishes, you will find that olive oil is quite popular, as it has been a characteristic feature since ancient times. Additionally, you will find yourself using tomatoes, eggplant, green beans, green peppers, onions, potatoes, and wheat.

Sea Salt - When following a traditional Greek recipe, you may find sea salt a common ingredient, including the less-expensive kosher sea salt. It is important not to substitute table salt for Greek sea salt when making a dish because it really does make a difference in the taste.

Cucumbers - In Greece, recipes call for the use of cucumbers that typically have fewer or smaller seeds than other selections. In the United States, these varieties are known as "Kirby" or "English." These cucumbers are also less bitter and have a duller skin.

Lentils - Often seen in soups, lentils are popular ingredients in many traditional Greek dishes. Green lentils are available in both small and larger varieties. Large chickpeas are also commonly used in recipes.

Rice - A variety of rice selections are used in Greek recipes, which offer a range of color and taste. The yellow parboiled rice variety provides a unique quality and experience, as it never fails to stay granular. Additional options include Karolina (milky-white) and long grain (white).

Legumes - Beans are the most popular form of legumes found in Greek cooking. Joining the popular Greek white kidney beans (elephant and giant variety), a cook may also use white beans (large or medium), cranberry beans, and blackeye beans. In Florina, (Northern Greece), the Greek white kidney beans are quite famous.

Pumpkin Seeds - As an unlikely Greek cuisine ingredient, you will find that roasted and salted pumpkin seeds are not only seen as a popular snack, but are also used in many different dishes. The pumpkin seed kernels appear in baked goods (like bread and pies), cereals, salads and other sweet treats.

Tomato - Greek cuisine utilizes the tomato, as it is crushed, diced, or thinly sliced in recipes. For example, when preparing Greek Salad, this ingredient is combined with cucumbers, green peppers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, oregano, olive oil, and red onion to create a tasty side dish for dinner. Here are a few of the Greek recipes on this site:

Greek Chicken and Spaghetti
Chicken and Grapes Salad in a Pita
Garlicky Lentil Soup
Minted Cucumber Relish

• Souvlaki Dressing