Greece is known for its enthralling beauty, postcard-perfect islands, and crystal-clear waters. But there’s another reason why millions of travelers visit this glorious country every year: its delicious food. Traditional Greek recipes encapsulate the perfect blend of flavor and fresh ingredients, making practically every local dish irresistible!
In this article, we will share with you the top 10 traditional Greek recipes with a modern twist you must try to bring the mouth-watering flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate. Let’s dig in!
2. Gemista (Stuffed vegetables)
4. Giouvetsi – Beef Meat with Orzo Pasta
8. Dolmas (stuffed vine leaves with rice & herbs)
9. Fava with grilled vegetables
Bonus traditional Greek recipe: Bean Soup
The Greeks adore moussaka; no wonder it is one of the most popular Greek foods! The main ingredients of this dish are eggplants, minced meat, and potatoes, which are put on layers and covered with a rich and creamy bechamel sauce. It’s the perfect meal to prepare for family gatherings!
One of the healthiest and yummiest Greek delicacies, gemista (oven-roasted stuffed vegetables) comes in countless variations across Greek regions with tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplants being the most commonly used vegetables. They are cooked with herbs, spices, and extra virgin olive oil and served with a side of bread and feta cheese. Yum!
Similarly to moussaka, pastitsio is arguably another Greek favorite! Consisting of pasta, tomato sauce, minced meat, a rich bechamel sauce, and grated kefalotiri cheese on top, this dish is not for the faint of heart. Enjoy it warm or cold with a glass of Greek red wine!
Yummy and hearty, giouvetsi is one of the most beloved Greek recipes! The secret behind its rich flavor lies in the slowly cooked tender veal, warm spices, and tomato sauce. As the food is cooked, orzo pasta gets the flavor of all the ingredients, making giouvetsi even more delicious. This dish is the perfect comfort food for those cold days and can be easily made in a slow cooker!
Legumes are a staple in Greek cuisine! Rich in nutrients and delicious, they can be cooked in countless ways. In this drool-worthy recipe, giant beans are baked with tomato sauce and herbs, striking a perfect balance between sweet and sour. If you’re looking for the best way to cook giant beans, this recipe is perfect!
The Greeks are big on meat, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that traditional Greek cuisine bursts with meat dishes! One of the most popular and beloved ones is meat rolls (soutzoukakia) with orzo pasta. Although the type of pasta used in this recipe varies, the meat rolls are always slow-cooked in the same way with a mild tomato sauce and herbs. This dish makes a hearty lunch with a side of feta cheese!
Country okra is one of the most popular vegan dishes in Greece! Cooked with onion, herbs, olive oil, spices, and tomato sauce, country okra delivers comfort while being healthy. Either way, it is a delicious Greek recipe idea for meal preparation!
Extra tip: If you want to add some protein to your meal, you can add some chicken to this recipe.
Zesty, filling, and delicious, dolma is a quintessential traditional Greek food. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dish to pair with wine or a quick snack, this delicacy is always a good idea! For extra flavor, you can prepare a simple sauce with yogurt, dill, and lemon and dip dolmades in it. Enjoy!
Fava (yellow split peas) is one of the most popular dishes in Santorini and other Greek islands. What’s more, it is delicious, creamy, healthy, and easy to make! You can enjoy it as an appetizer or dip, combining it with vegetables, bread, or breadsticks. In this recipe, fava is combined with grilled vegetables, including zucchini, eggplants, yellow pepper, carrots, celery, and onion. The result is a mouth-watering dish bursting with flavor!
Peas with potatoes is a dish that the Greeks cook and eat regularly, as it is healthy and easy to make. Besides peas and potatoes, this dish also contains carrots, dill, and tomato sauce and is served with plenty of bread and feta cheese. It’s the perfect blend of flavor and nutritional value!
If you’re looking for a hearty warm dish to savor on cold days, then traditional Greek bean soup is your best bet! This recipe differs from region to region, but the most popular comprises white beans cooked with carrots, herbs, and tomato sauce. It is served hot with a slice or two of bread and olives or feta cheese.
There’s no denying that Greek cuisine is full of delicious dishes! From legumes and vegetables to seafood and pasta, there’s a wide variety of ingredients you can choose to create not only yummy but also super-healthy recipes. Are you ready to give them a go?
