Greek cuisine is known as fresh and simple, using easily sourced and prepared ingredients. Here are five traditional Greek dishes: Moussaka, a layered casserole with lamb, eggplant and potatoes; Spanakopita, a savory pastry with spinach and feta cheese; souvlaki, a dish made with marinated grilled meat on a skewer; Greek salad, a classic dish with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives; and Baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo pastry, nuts, and honey syrup. Each recipe includes all the ingredients and instructions to make them.

5 Traditional Greek Dishes You Need to Try

Introduction

Greek cuisine is known for its freshness and simplicity, using ingredients that are easily sourced and prepared. From fresh seafood to delicious phyllo pastries, Greek dishes are wholesome and full of flavor. Here are five traditional Greek dishes you need to try.

1. Moussaka

Moussaka is a classic Greek dish that’s enjoyed around the world. It’s a layered casserole made with eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat (usually beef or lamb) with a creamy béchamel sauce on top. Here’s a recipe for homemade moussaka:

Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 3 medium potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 lb. ground lamb or beef
– 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
– 1/4 cup red wine
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 3 eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup flour
– 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place eggplant rounds on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes until they’re tender and slightly browned.
3. While the eggplant is baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they’re soft and translucent.
4. Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
5. Add the tomato paste, red wine, and parsley, and stir until everything is combined. Sauté for 5-7 minutes.
6. Add the breadcrumbs to the skillet and stir.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth.
8. Layer half the cooked eggplant slices into a baking dish. Add a layer of potatoes on top of the eggplant. Add the meat mixture on top of the potatoes.
9. Add another layer of eggplant and another layer of potatoes.
10. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the dish.
11. Bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling.

2. Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a delicious Greek savory pastry made with spinach and feta cheese. It’s a perfect appetizer or snack and is usually served in small, triangular pieces. Here’s the recipe for homemade spanakopita:

Ingredients:
– 2 lbs. fresh spinach
– 1 lb. feta cheese, crumbled
– 3 large eggs
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/2 tsp. salt
– 1/4 tsp. black pepper
– 1 lb. phyllo pastry
– Olive oil

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, cook the spinach for 5-7 minutes until it’s wilted. Drain the spinach and squeeze out any excess water.
3. In a large bowl, mix the spinach, feta cheese, eggs, onion, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Roll out the phyllo pastry and cut it into strips, about 3 inches wide.
5. Brush each strip with olive oil and place a spoonful of the spinach mixture on top.
6. Fold the phyllo over the filling into a triangle shape. Repeat with the remaining strips of pastry.
7. Place the triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush the tops of the triangles with olive oil.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

3. Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made with marinated meat that’s grilled on a skewer. It’s usually served with pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce. Here’s how to make homemade souvlaki:

Ingredients:
– 2 lbs. boneless chicken or pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
– 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp. dried oregano
– 1 tsp. dried thyme
– 1 tsp. onion powder
– 1 tsp. garlic powder
– Salt and pepper
– Wooden skewers

Instructions:
1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
3. Add the chicken or pork to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
5. Thread the meat onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

4. Greek Salad

Greek salad is a classic dish made with fresh Mediterranean ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and olives. Here’s how to make a homemade Greek salad:

Ingredients:
– 2 large tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cucumber, chopped
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
– 2 Tbsp. olive oil
– 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp. dried oregano
– Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Add the crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives to the bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

5. Baklava

Baklava is a traditional sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo pastry, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. Here’s how to make homemade baklava:

Ingredients:
– 1 lb. phyllo pastry
– 1 lb. chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
– 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
– 1/2 lb. unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup white sugar
– 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped nuts and ground cinnamon.
3. Brush the bottom of a baking dish with melted butter.
4. Layer nine sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each layer with melted butter.
5. Sprinkle 1/3 of the nut mixture over the phyllo pastry.
6. Repeat the layering process with nine more sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each layer with melted butter, and sprinkling with 1/3 of the nut mixture.
7. Add a final layer of nine sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each layer with melted butter.
8. Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into small diamond-shaped pieces.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
10. While the baklava is baking, combine water, honey, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
11. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until the syrup thickens.
12. Pour the hot syrup over the baked baklava, letting it soak into the layers.
13. Allow the baklava to cool for at least an hour before serving.

Conclusion

These five traditional Greek dishes are just a few of the many delicious and wholesome meals that Greek cuisine has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a savory pastry or a sweet dessert, these dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Try them out in your own kitchen and enjoy a taste of Greece.