4 Traditional Greek Recipes to Leave You Craving the Sunshine
Transport your tastebuds to the shores of Greece with these 4 traditional Greek recipes. Read more now!
Beloved for its laidback culture, its infinite stretches of coastline, and, of course, for its unique cuisine, the Greek islands sit firmly at the top of many bucket lists. This southern European country is made up of thousands of islands scattered across the crisp blue of the Aegean Sea, each one with its own rich history and tradition; what unites them, however, is their appreciation for delicious flavours and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Greek food is characterised by herbs and spices, juicy olives, and freshly-caught fish, among other dishes. Drawing inspiration from neighbouring Mediterranean, Balkan, and Middle Eastern cultures, Greek cuisine is a unique amalgamation of the three.
Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the world of Greek cooking, or are a long-standing fan, these 4 mouth-watering dishes are guaranteed to leave you craving sunshine and lapping waves. Read on for a handful of our favourite traditional Greek recipes!
1. Tzatziki
Although technically not a dish in itself, tzatziki is one of Greece’s most well-loved recipes around the world, offering a cool, refreshing relief from the herbs and spices often used in meat-based dishes. It’s also incredibly easy to create! Simply take Greek yoghurt and mix in a bowl with finely-chopped and peeled cucumber, a squeeze of lime or lemon, a handful of chopped mint, and a crushed raw garlic clove. Serve your tzatziki alongside a delicious meat dish, or enjoy with a slice of warm pita bread.
Top tip: remember to scrape out the cucumber seeds before adding to the mixture, or it will become too watery.
2. Spanakopita
Another favourite vegetarian recipe, spanakopita is a delicious savoury pastry filled with spinach and feta. Although somewhat tricky to make (and to pronounce!) this flavoursome snack is well worth the effort. For the filling, combine finely-chopped spinach, parsley, onion, and garlic with a splash of olive oil, some eggs, and crumbled feta in a bowl with a pinch of ground black pepper. Spread this between layers of flaky filo pastry and bake for an hour or so. Enjoy as a delicious lunch, or as part of a meze platter!
3. Souvlaki
The perfect dish for a summer BBQ or a light lunch, souvlaki is a meat-based recipe consisting of grilled pork and vegetables on a skewer. If pork isn’t your preferred meat, you can also find chicken, beef, and lamb souvlaki across Greece. Serve with a refreshing bowl of tzatziki.
4. Gyro
Possibly one of Greece’s most well-known recipes, the gyro is similar in concept to the Turkish kebab, but is often a healthier option. Consisting of a soft, doughy pita filled with different ingredients and sauces, a gyro makes the perfect beachside lunch. Pork is marinated in spices and cooked on a spit, before then being sliced and inserted into the pita, alongside tzatziki, fresh tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and – the optional pièce de resistance – chips.
Aim for a Greek lamb gyros with healthy and delicious grass fed lamb from our meat section. Our range also includes lamb racks and lamb chops for grilling and roasting. Simply add Greek spices and flavourings, served with fresh salad on the side.
