FAQ: The Different Types of Greek Meats

Greek cuisine is renowned for its use of flavorful and unique meats. There is something for everyone, from lamb to beef, pork, and chicken! But what do you know about the different types of Greek roots? Read on and discover a world of traditional recipes sure to tantalize your taste buds.

 

Lamb

Lamb is one of the most popular types of meat in Greece and is used in various recipes. Souvlaki skewers, roasted leg of lamb, and pastitsio are all popular dishes that feature this delicious meat. Lamb can also be found in traditional dishes such as moussaka or pasticcio.

 

Seafood

The sea surrounds Greece, so seafood is essential to its cuisine. From classic dishes such as taramosalata (a fish roe dip) and grilled octopus to modern creations like shrimp skewers and fried calamari. Seafood is incredibly versatile and can be found in almost any Greek restaurant.

Beef

Beef also plays a vital role in Greek cuisine. It can be used to make dishes like yiouvetsi (a baked casserole dish) or gyros (a popular food item served with pita bread). Beef is also used in other traditional words such as kokoretsi (stuffed intestines) and pastichio (a pasta bake dish).

 

Pork

Pork has been a staple in Greek cooking for centuries, and it’s no surprise why! This tasty meat can be found in various dishes such as lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza), bifteki (meat patties), and kreatopita (meat pie). Pork is often served alongside potatoes, making it both flavorful and filling. 

 

Chicken

Greek cuisine offers plenty of delicious options when it comes to chicken dishes! Try classic favorites like spetsofai – sausages cooked with onions, tomatoes, red peppers, feta cheese, and oregano – or tavas – chicken baked with potatoes and vegetables. You can even experiment with modern recipes such as lemon-roasted chicken or grilled kebabs if you want to go beyond the classics.

 

No matter what type of Greek meat you are looking for, there is something to suit every taste. The possibilities are endless, from lamb and beef dishes to pork and chicken recipes!

Cozy Up With These Greek Comfort Foods

As the days grow colder and daylight fades, nothing sounds better than cozying up with some mouth-watering Greek comfort food. After all, what’s more, comforting and homey than a steaming dish of moussaka or a bowl of avgolemono soup? From classic to contemporary, here are five iconic Greek words sure to bring warmth to your winter nights.

 

Moussaka

This layered eggplant dish is the jewel in the crown of Greek cuisine. Combining layers of eggplant, ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy béchamel topping creates an unrivaled flavor experience. No matter where you try it, you will surely be delighted by this comfort meal.

 

Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables)

Another famous Greek comfort food is genista – tomatoes and bell peppers filled with rice and herbs and baked until tender perfection. This tasty dish is surprisingly easy to make yet offers plenty of fragrant aromas from its mix of spices such as oregano, thyme, mint, or basil.

Pasticcio

This hearty pasta bake consists of layers of macaroni smothered in ground beef and tomato sauce, then topped with white béchamel sauce for that extra velvety texture. Za’atar or grated kefalotiri cheese often added on top, adds another layer of flavor, making this casserole one filling meal.

Avgolemono Soup

A cold winter night calls for something warm like Avgolemono soup, a traditional lemony chicken broth served with chunks of chicken breast and short grain rice (orzo). This classic has been around since Ancient Greece due to its simple yet unforgettable taste, which blends sweet lemon juice into a rich, brothy base made from chicken stock and eggs.

 

Bougatsa

The perfect way to end your cozy night is with Bougatsa – a dessert pastry made from phyllo dough rolled up around creamy custard or ricotta cheese filling, sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon on top. This delicious treat can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference, but either way, it will have you wanting more after that first bite. 

Activities For a Fall Day in Boston, MA

As the days get warmer, Boston starts buzzing with activity and things for you to do during your time here – whether you are vacationing or want to do something different. The options for how to spend your fall day in Boston will consist of beautiful parks, fun dining venues, and spectacular weather. Continue reading to learn about the countless ways to spend your day in Boston!

 

Public Garden

Enjoy a beautiful day in Boston by taking a stroll or having a picnic in Boston’s Public Garden! This is known as the first botanical garden in America. Grab some takeout at Greco Truly Greek at any of our locations, and pick your spot at the Public Garden. The fall season is the perfect time to visit the public garden so you can see the beautiful foliage. While you’re in the public garden you can take a ride in a swan boat, and see the garden while being pedaled around the lagoon. This is definitely something to do while visiting Boston in the fall! 

Historic Options

When in Boston, you are surrounded by plenty of historic landmarks that are embedded throughout the city. A great way to spend your day in Boston is by visiting historic sites all around the city! Great places to visit include The Freedom Trail, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, and more! You can visit these historic sites through a tour group company or do the touring on your own.

Dine out

Boston is well-known for its delicious food options. When visiting Boston there is countless food stop you should make depending on what you like. Whether you’re heading into Seaport for seafood, or North End for delicious Italian food, food in Boston is a must! While in Boston, get a taste of authentic Greek food at Greco Boston at any of our locations. Visit one of their three locations around the city while sightseeing! You will not regret making a stop at Greco, the Greek cuisine is not something to miss out on.

Visit Greco Boston

if you’re wondering how to spend a fall day in Boston, after sightseeing all day, head into a Greco Boston location for delicious Greek cuisine. Our team is serving up must-try Gyros all day for you to try. Give us a call at (617) 572-3300 or place your order online to pick it up! We look forward to serving you.

Favorite Greek Desserts to Try This Fall

Fall is almost upon us, and with a new season comes many new delicacies to try. In this sense, Greece has a lot of dessert ideas you can try this fall, each with its twist. Traditionally, walnuts and apples are associated with fall dessert recipes in Greece.

 

Here is a look at some of our favorite Greek desserts, some of which you can find right here in Boston MA. 

Milpitas

As discussed earlier, apples are a very important part of fall, so adding an apple-based dessert to this list was a given. Milpitas, also known as the “Greek Apple Cake,” is a famous dessert in Greece.

This is because this dessert is easy to put together compared to the other items on the list, with no need for special equipment. In addition, this dessert screams fall, with ingredients like cinnamon and cloves also used and walnuts added.

Baklava

It is impossible for baklava not to come up when discussing Greek desserts. This Phyllo and nut dessert is considered the cream of the crop in traditional desserts, and almost all of Greece knows that.

This dessert is an old classic known for its sweet and nutty flavor. The nuts used in baklava are freshly picked, and the prepared dessert is also sold in many stores.

Karidopita

As previously discussed, fall means nuts and walnuts, which is why this walnut cake is a surefire addition to the list. This cake dessert is made from finely ground walnuts which are transformed into a sort of floury texture.

The Karidopita is known for its unique texture, and it is normally topped with honey for a sweet taste as well.

Pasta Flora

Pasta Flora is a jam-based dessert that is a must-have for anyone who likes jam. This jam tart dessert is considerably easy to make, with no need to use any special equipment.

 In addition to that, this dessert has a very sweet flavor, which is enjoyed immensely by the Greek locals, along with a nice hot cup of tea to compliment that sweet-tart flavor.

Greek Style Baked Apples

Considering apples are a recurring theme for fall, it is safe to say that there will be more than one mention of an apple-based dessert on this list. Greek-style baked apples, also known as Mila Psita, are considered to be a common way to eat apples in Greece, and many traditional, earthy Greek flavors go into this dessert.

Visit Greco Today

These were just a few Greek-inspired dessert ideas you could implement to your menu this fall. There are many more desserts available that are as interesting as these and can be as easy as whisking and baking. Visit Greco at one of our locations across Boston MA today to try some of our favorites. 

Celebrate Labor Day with Greco Catering

Labor Day Weekend is approaching, and what better way to celebrate with parties and cookouts amongst friends and family? To make your weekend party a bit easier, consider ordering catering through Greco in Boston, MA. Deciding to cater your Labor Day Weekend party is a great choice as it takes the pressure of cooking away so you can simply enjoy your time and indulge in food you didn’t have to make!

 

Continue reading this blog to learn about catering options for Labor Day Weekend from Greco Boston.

 

Catering

Make menu planning for your event easy! Cater with Greco Boston for your Labor Day Weekend cookout, party, tailgate, or more. We will serve you with our fresh ingredients and authentic Greek flavors! When catering, there are packages available for you to choose from to fit your event perfectly. Greco Boston offers Alpha and Beta packages which consist of different size meals for each person! When deciding on your catering options, think about how many people, how much food, etc. you will need.

 

Salads

Greco Boston also offers catering salads for you to have at your event! Bring some fresh flavors to your Labor Day Weekend gathering with our delicious Greek-flavored salads. The catering salads can feed up to 12 people, it is important to keep how many guests you’re having in mind when ordering catering! Three salad options to choose from are Horiatiki, Crete, and Santorini. View our catering menu online to learn more!

 

Sides

Everyone loves good side dishes! Greco Boston offers a large portion of sides when ordering catering. The sides we offer are Greco fries, zucchini chips, Greek slaw, and mixed beans. Find the perfect sides to cater to at your Labor Day Weekend event!

 

Sauces

When ordering fresh, delicious Greek food, you of course need mouth-watering homemade sauces! Greco Boston caters our homemade sauces in trays and is served with fresh pita. The homemade sauces available to cater are Tzatziki, spicy feta, and charred eggplant! Indulge in the delicious sauces at your Labor Day Weekend party!

 

Contact Greco Boston

Considering catering for your Labor Day Weekend event? Greco Boston has you covered with our catering options! Contact our team today at one of our three locations to order your catering. You can view our catering menu online at any time to plan ahead or give us a call at (617) 572-3300. We look forward to serving you!

FAQ: The Different Types of Greek Sauces

Greek food is simple, but it is far from boring. This cuisine is set apart from its competitors due to its artful use of sauces. Greek chefs subtly use spices, and it can be easy to forget that they are even there. But many of them are the foundation of the dish – such as avgolemono sauce, and others are used as dips, such as tzatziki. 

Many Greek dishes have multiple different versions depending on where they are cooked. The island of Santorini is known for its tomato sauces, and Corfu uses tomato sauce due to its proximity to Italy. Using spices, Greek cooks can use sauces in unexpected ways. Here’s a review of some of our favorite sauces used in Greek cooking.

 

Avgolemono

One of the unique sauces in Greek cooking is avgolemono, made from egg and lemon. Greek chicken soup is one of the most common uses. Avgolemono is often used as a sauce in dishes such as dolmades, stuffed grape leaves, and stuffed cabbage. It’s made by beating eggs until they are frothy and then adding broth and lemon juice until it creates a sauce.

 

Tzatziki 

Tzatziki is mainly used as a dip, but it’s also a famous dipping sauce that accompanies meat dishes, crackers, pita, and other meze dishes. It is also most famously known for its place in gyros. In Greece, restaurants often bring homemade tzatziki to your table with bread as an appetizer. This is a prime example of a sauce used as both a dip and a sauce – the variety of Greek foods is genuinely endless.

 

Pepper Paprika

Pepper paprika is a Greek-style sauce made with Florina peppers and smoked paprika. It comes on pitas, salads, or plates – or even just as a dip on the side; you won’t regret it. Many paprika sauce recipes don’t contain ground paprika, but they will add color and flavor to the dish. Paprika sauce is versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

 

Visit Greco in Boston MA 

Greco proudly supports and works with the best local farms to offer authentic, genuinely fresh, and truly greek cuisine. With so many different Greek dips and sauces, Greek food can’t be beaten. If you are in the Greater Boston area, visit us at Greco for a truly authentic Greek experience. 

Hire GRECO Catering For Your Next Boston, MA Event

Here in Boston, MA, you can indulge in the American version of Greek food or choose Greco truly Greek. You’ll experience authentic street fare at our modern eatery, made with Greek love. Start with a classic gyro with your choice of fillings and sauces. Add a delicious side of Greek salad or zucchini crisps. And finish off your meal with legendary loukoumades.

 

Our Catering Options

At Greco in Boston, MA, we offer different types of catering packages depending on your event, dietary needs, number of guests, and other essential details. Our most popular options include boxed lunches that come individually wrapped with protein, sauce, and a side—served with pita.

 

Gyro

At Greco, we have plenty of Gyro catering options that will match your taste and style for your event. We have pork, lamb, or chicken gyro options filled with tomato, onion, and tzatziki.

Did you know that the Gyro originated in Greece and is a trademark of Greek fast food? A Gyro is packed with thinly sliced meat, tomatoes, raw red onions, lettuce, tzatziki, and fried potatoes. Try it a Greco today!

 

Bifteki

Bifteki is a delicious take on Greek meatballs. A combination of oregano, mint, and onion comes together to create a traditional Greek flavor. This dish can also be considered a Greek burger. Here at Greco in Boston, MA, we offer Bifteki with ground beef, Greek herbs, onions, tomatoes, and spicy feta. Try it today – it can’t be beaten.

 

Loukaniko

Loukaniko is a Greek sausage made from pork or lamb, flavored with various other dried herbs and seeds, and sometimes smoked over wood for a smoky aroma. Loukaniko is typically served as a mezze, often sliced and fried. It can also be cooked into any number of dishes. The name comes from ancient Roman cuisine Lucania, also used in Greece. At Greco, we offer Loukaniko with pork and leek sausage, onion, tomato, and a delicious dipping mustard sauce.

 

At Greco in Boston, we have plenty of authentic Greek food options for you to cater your next event throughout Boston, MA. Visit our website to view our menu and learn more about our Greco story. View our locations to visit us today.

Popular Activities in Boston MA This Summer!

As the days get warmer, Boston starts buzzing with activity and things for you to do while here – whether you are vacationing or want to do something different. The options for spending your summer day in Boston will consist of beautiful parks, fun dining venues, and spectacular weather. Keep reading to explore countless ways to spend your day in Boston!

 

Enjoy The Boston Public Garden

Enjoy a beautiful day in Boston by taking a stroll or having a picnic in Boston’s Public Garden! This is known as the first botanical garden in America! Grab some takeout at Greco Truly Greek at any of our locations, and find a comfortable spot at the Public Garden. The summer season is the perfect time to visit the public garden to see the beautiful foliage. While you’re in the public park, you can ride in a swan boat and see the garden while pedaling around the lagoon. This is something to do while visiting Boston in the spring!

 

Historical Sight-Seeing Options

When in Boston, you are surrounded by plenty of historical landmarks embedded throughout the city. A great way to spend your day in Boston is by visiting the historic sites all around the city! Popular options for you to consider include The Freedom Trail, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, and more! You can see these historic sites through a tour group company or do the touring yourself.

 

Dine Out in Boston, MA

Boston is well-known for its delicious food options. When visiting Boston, there is countless food stop you should make depending on what you like. Whether you’re heading into Seaport for seafood or North End for delicious Italian food, food in Boston is a must! While in Boston, get a taste of authentic Greek food at Greco Truly Greek at any of our locations. Visit one of our locations around the city while sightseeing! You will not regret making a stop in Greco; Greek cuisine is not something to miss out on.

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek Today

If you’re wondering how to spend a spring day in Boston, head to a Greco Boston location for delicious Greek cuisine after sightseeing all day. Our team is serving up must-try Gyros all day for you to try. Give us a call or visit our website to place your order online to pick up! We look forward to serving you.

Your Guide to Greek Cuisine This Summer

If you want to try something new this summer, either to cook or eat out, look to explore other cultures and regions! For example, try out Greek cuisine this summer – it is delicious, healthy, and fresh. Here are some of our favorite options for Greek cuisine this summer.

 

Summer Mezze

There’s no better way to experience Greek cuisine than a delicious shareable mezze platter. This is a perfect option for friends and family filled with small bites that burst with flavor. Combining textures, colors, and temperatures is the foundation of making a mezze plate. Typical components of a Greek mezze plate consist of spreads, vegetables, cheese, and other small bites – imagine a Greek take on a charcuterie board. 

 

This summer, try spicing up the mezze platter with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers with Greek Kalamata olives for those traditional flavors. Add some marinated eggplant and feta cheese, and you’ll have the perfect Greek platter! If you don’t feel like preparing it yourself, explore our side dish options at Greco Truly Greek here in Boston, MA! We do catering, takeout, and more. 

 

Traditional Greek Seafood and Meats

Greece is well-known for its seafood due to its proximity to the ocean. Greek cuisine relies on locally sourced, fresh seafood. If you visit Greece, you will find plenty of options such as shrimp, octopus, fish, and shellfish on almost every restaurant menu. It is a big part of the cuisine year-round, especially in the summer months. Calamari is a fan favorite in Greek cuisine that has become popular worldwide and is typically served with lemon and fresh parsley. Simple Greek seafood dishes include Bourdeto, and Astakomakaronada is a pasta dish filled with lobster meat and will likely remind you of Italian dinners with a Greek flair.

 

If you prefer traditional meats over seafood, Greece has plenty of dishes with fresh meats, including chicken, beef, pork, and more. Greek meatballs made with feta cheese are one of the most common dishes. You’ve probably heard of Gyros, which come with various meats, including lamb and pork. Souvlaki is also a fan favorite for Greek cuisine lovers. Consider trying beef and lamb souvlaki at your next dinner party – or order Gyros catering from Greco! 

 

Greek Desserts

Lastly, finish off your summer Greek cuisine list with delicious Greek desserts. Most people are familiar with baklava, a phyllo pastry with pistachios and honey. There are lots of other Greek desserts, not just the favorite baklava. Kataifi is similar to baklava; it adds almonds instead of the traditional pistachios. Almond lovers will also love the conventional shortbread cookies, kourabiethes.

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek This Summer

With a plethora of options for Greek cuisine, fill your summer with fresh seafood, locally-sourced vegetables, and Greek herbs if you have a busy schedule or would prefer the professionals to visit Greco Truly Greek at one of our locations across Boston, MA. Even if you aren’t in Greece, you can still get your food pretty close by coming to Greco! 

History of Gyros and Where To Find Them in Boston, MA

When you first think of Greek food, Gyros are typically one of the foods that will come to mind. Once you eat your first gyro, one will not be enough. Have you ever wondered what the history of gyros actually is, and where they originate from? Many other cultures have a similar type of sandwich, so what makes a Gyro different? 

 

What is a Gyro?

The name “Gyro” itself comes from a Greek word meaning “round,” due to the round shape of the rotisserie the meat comes from. The slabs of meat, anything from beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, are seasoned and wrapped around a spit. The meat slowly cooks while rotating, and it is then sliced and placed into the sandwich. Traditional gyros include meat, tzatziki, chopped onion, chopped tomato, and sometimes even fries. These ingredients are all encased in a round of pita bread.

 

There are plenty of different variations out there, the uniqueness of Greek Gyros includes fries – however, these can be optional. In Athens, there is a version of this sandwich known as “Kalamaki.” All the elements of the sandwich are the same except the sliced meat is replaced with souvlaki.

 

Where can you get Gyros in Boston, MA? 

In Boston, MA, we are far away from the authentic Greek street foods that offer fresh gyros wherever you turn. However, we have a few hidden gems that may offer you a great escape right here in Boston. Here are some of our favorites in the city: 

 

Committee: This contemporary Greek restaurant is located directly at the Seaport. Cool crowds don’t just come for the food, with delicious gyros and spanakopita “grilled cheese” with feta and kasseri. They also come for the craft Greek cocktails, a kicky bunch with unique names that will always have you guessing. Visit us today to take a dive into Greece. 

 

Greco Truly Greek: There’s the American version of Greek food, then there’s the true blue GRECO experience. Indulge in our classic gyros with your choice of fillings and sauces. Add a delicious side of Greek salad or zucchini crisps. And finish off your meal with legendary loukoumades. At our modern eatery, you’ll experience authentic street fare, made with Greek love. Take a step off of the Boston, MA streets into a Greek experience. 

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek Today

Greco Truly Greek has a variety of different locations throughout the city, offering authentic Greek street fare made with fresh ingredients. We may not be around the corner from the beautiful country of Greece, but you can definitely get a good taste of the experience right here at Greco in Boston, MA. Visit us today!