Greek food is among the most enjoyable and delicious types of food you can cook. Packed with fresh ingredients, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to cook, this cuisine is usually forgiving and can be an amazing first instructor, especially if you’re not conversant with the kitchen. In this recipe guide, we are going to look at some of the most iconic and easiest Greek foods. From favorite main cuisines with pork and lamb to delicious butter cookies and spinach pies, there is always a recipe for any taste and occasion.
1. Spinach Pie (Spanakopita)
Spanakopita is a spinach pie that uses a feta-spinach mix and layers phyllo to create a light main dish or a delicious snack. The filling you will put between the buttery phyllo layers consists of fresh herbs, onions, spices, feta cheese, and spinach. You’ll bake it between 25 and 45 minutes depending on whether you had it frozen in the freezer or are baking it fresh.
2. Greek Butter Cookies (Koulourakia)
Koulourakia refers to semi-sweet butter cookies with some gentle flavors of vanilla and butter twisted up into different shapes and are great with milk or coffee. You will need butter, eggs, flour, vanilla, a touch of Ouzo, and sugar to make the dough. You can shape the cookies in a knot or make some double twists using tubes of dough. Brush the cookies with egg and then bake them until golden brown or for 20 minutes.
3. Lamb Stew with some Green Beans (Arni me Fassolakia)
Lamb is one of the popular meats in Greek cuisine, and you can enjoy it best in a tasty stew. Brown, the onions and lamb steak add tomatoes and some water and then simmer for 45 minutes. Add all the other ingredients like potatoes, beans, and herbs and then cook for 30 minutes. Allow the meat to rest for 15 minutes and then serve.
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4. Pan-Seared Greek Cheese (Saganaki)
Saganaki is an incredibly easy-to-make and tasty little appetizer. You can make this cuisine by buying a firm cheese, flour, olive oil, and lemons. Dip some medium-to-thick slices of cheese in some cold water, flour, and then pan-fry them in some olive oil until they turn golden brown. Serve immediately along with a squeeze of some lemon on top.
5. Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki)
Tzatziki is one of the most important condiments in Greek cuisine, and it’s pretty easy to make. Peel, seed, and then dice cucumbers and then add olive oil, sour cream, greek yogurt, seasonings, and fresh herbs. Mix the ingredients and serve.
6. Spicy Stuffed Peppers (Piperies me Tyri)
This spicy pepper recipe is a healthy and more filling appetizer that is fast and fun to make. You only need to put the spice of feta cheese filling into Cubanelle or Anaheim peppers, and roast for approximately 20 minutes. You can grill instead with a lot of care to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
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7. Baked Eggplant and Feta (Melitzanes me Feta)
Melitzanes me feta recipe is one of the easiest and is an ideal use for the eggplants. Cover your eggplants in a pan dish using a flavorful and savory mixture of sweet basil, salty feta, aromatic garlic, and juicy and ripe tomatoes. Use quality olive oil to boost the natural flavors of your vegetables. You can use this vegetarian dish as a meatless main or great appetizer.
8. Pork Skewers (Souvlaki)
One of the fastest ways to enjoy your pork in Greek-style is Souvlaki, meaning little skewers. Apply a herby marinade of olive oil, red wine, garlic, and dry herbs on the meat for two to three hours. Grill your meat for around 10 minutes, and keep turning it to cook it evenly. You can enjoy it on its own or even toss it into some pita with tomato, tzatziki, and lettuce for a simple sandwich.
9. Beef Stew With Orzo (Youvetsi)
Youvetsi is among the most delicious stews there is. You can use some cheap cuts of lamb or beef to make this flavorful dish. Orzo and tomatoes add flavor and volume to the meat stew, and the leeks and carrots add texture and sweetness. Gently simmer and allow the tiny orzo to soak up all the cooking liquids of wine, tomatoes, and water. Allow the stew to sit for 15 minutes and then serve.
10. Lemon Garlic Chicken (Kotopoulo Skorthato)
Garlic and lemon are common ingredients in most Greek recipes. Use them on your chicken in this great one-pot main dish. This slow-roasted recipe will need around1 hour and a half in your oven, after a rapid preparation where you put chicken, herbs, seasonings, and potatoes in the pot. You can also use Greek oregano when you want a true Greek flavor.
How to Cook Greek Steak in Oven
One of the most important steps in cooking a tasty steak is to purchase a great steak from a reliable The best way to do that is to find a local store that sources humanely and sustainably raised meat, or look for a local butcher who either raises all the animals himself or gets them from some local farms.
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Apart from being a more ethical purchasing choice, this meat comes with better quality and also tastes much better. When you want to cook a mouth-watering cut ofd steak, you do not need a grill because your oven is equally valuable. Here are some tips to help you cook a delicious steak in your oven for your family or get them from meal delivery service. There are a few services which are listed here. Generally, cold steak easily seizes in hot temperatures. Bring your meat to room temperature by hanging outside your fridge for around 30 minutes as you preheat the oven. If you are using thicker cuts of meat such as filet mignon or ribeye, then you should use 450°. For thinner steaks such as flank and skirt, you will be better off using the grill.
• When using a skillet, allow it to get hot.
In most cases, this rule applies to thick steak and is important if you want a beautifully caramelized and seared crust. If you are beginning with a cold pan, then your meat will give an unappetizing brownish-grey shade and will be completely one note in texture. To avoid that, you can either heat it on your cooker over a flame or stick your skillet in the oven when it’s preheating. When you are cooking something like cuts of skirt meat under the broiler, the direct and super-hot heat will be enough to get the same charred effect without the risk of overheating the steak.
• Season your steak generously.
The best way to season your steak is by using more salt than you need. You can start by rubbing a small amount of olive oil onto the meat, and then use some more salt. Generally, salt brings out the flavor in a great way. Besides, you can also utilize freshly ground black pepper and feel the big difference it brings.
• Sear the steak on one side.
If you are working with a huge hunk of meat, sear one of the sides in a hot skillet until it turns dark and the bottom begins to pull away, which makes it easy to flip. Take it to the oven once you turn it.
• Finish cooking in the oven.
If you are using thicker cuts of steak when cooking at 450° in the oven, your steak will be ready in about 10 minutes. But when you are cooking thinner cuts of steak under the broiler, each side will take about 6 minutes. However, you should flip it on your sheet pan when it is halfway through.
• Allow it to rest.
If you want your meat to be juicy and nice, you should let it sit for a couple of minutes. If you slice it too early, you will waste the flavor on your cutting board.
• Slice the steak against the grain.
The most common reason for chewy and tough steak is slicing it incorrectly. Slicing against the grain means cutting perpendicularly to the meat’s grain.
