Greek Cuisine You Should Try This Summer

Some Greek cuisine is made uniquely for the summer and should be enjoyed during summer vacations or trips to Greece. Greek cuisine has a strong taste and is praised for its vibrant flavor and deep aroma. Here are some Greek dishes you should try this summer.

Yemista

Yemista or Gemista is a dish deeply linked to summer in Greece. Yemista is stuffed with tomatoes with vegetables such as peppers, zucchinis, and eggplants, which are then baked. The standard version includes pine nuts and raisins, while the modern-day version includes rice and minced meat. The variations are endless, but the underlying judgment is that the dish is one of the most delicious cuisines you can enjoy on a Greek summer morning.

Greek salad

The Greek salad is ideal for summer because it is filling, with sufficient nutrients, light and juicy, but most importantly, calm. There are many ways of preparing a Greek salad, so you should take the time to experiment and find out what works for you. It is one of the most versatile summer dishes and can be eaten for lunch, dinner parties, BBQ, and more.

Souvlaki

Souvlaki is another rich dish with a wide variety and is essentially meat on skewers. The choice of beef could vary based on preference, but the accompanying dip makes Souvlaki stand out. The ancient and authentic version included pie, dill, cheese, and broth.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a dip, but it is one of the most essential dips in Greek cuisine. It has a deep heritage and many adaptations but has surprisingly maintained its authenticity with very few changes. It is made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill or mint, and peppers (optional). The dip is a summer favorite for many though taking less spicy Tzatziki would defeat the purpose of trying to stay cool in summer.

Yiourvelakia 

Yiourvelakia is a meatball soup made with rice. The dish has an intense flavor and creamy texture and pursues refined taste to its limit. Although it is relatively simple to prepare while holding a recipe, a single mistake with heat control could ruin the real delicacy. It is loved by many and is a must-try in summer. The egg and lemon sauce is the true highlight of this dish and the key to its bold flavor profile.

Visit Greco 

There are many Greek dishes you should try over the summer. One of the most beneficial and often overlooked things about Greek cuisine is that it pursues balance, with plenty of vegetable dishes to balance out the meat dishes. Therefore, you can take a moment to indulge yourself without worrying about eating unhealthy food.

Try These Greek Salads to Cool Off This Summer

Greek salads are ideal for cooling off during the sweltering summer months. Fresh veggies, tangy feta cheese, tasty olives, and a light olive oil and lemon juice dress make up the classic Greek salad. It’s simple to locate a Greek salad that meets your tastes because there are many varieties. We’ll try some of the top Greek salad dishes in this blog post this summer.

Benefits of Eating Greek Salads

Greek salads are not only delectable but also quite nutritious. Greek salad ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are bursting with nutrients and antioxidants that support health. Healthy fats found in olives, a mainstay in Greek salads, are advantageous for heart health. Another essential ingredient in Greek salads, feta cheese, is a good source of calcium and protein.

Top 5 Greek Salad Recipes

Classic Greek Salad: This traditional Greek salad recipe has delicious feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and oregano-lemon vinaigrette.

Watermelon and Feta Salad: This variation of the traditional Greek salad includes slices of luscious watermelon, fresh mint, and a honey-lime sauce.

Grilled Chicken Greek Salad: For a heartier supper, try this recipe for grilled chicken Greek salad, which includes marinated chicken breasts, roasted red peppers, and Kalamata olives.

Greek Pasta Salad: This pasta salad recipe puts a fun spin on the traditional Greek salad by combining rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese with a zesty Greek vinaigrette.

Chickpea Greek Salad: This vegetarian-friendly Greek salad dish replaces the conventional lettuce with protein-rich chickpeas and includes diced red onions, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and the usual ingredients.

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek

If you are looking for a salad option to cool off this summer, visit Greco at one of our locations across Boston, MA. We have a variety of different fast-casual Greek dishes for you to indulge in while escaping the soon-to-come summer heat.

The Importance of Greek Hospitality

Different parts of the world have their definition of hospitality; the Greek culture, in particular, takes hospitality very seriously. They treat tourists and visitors like special guests and are always ready to welcome them with open hands. Greece being part of Europe, has great diversity, so you’re sure to avoid feeling like a stranger in their environment. There are a lot of tourist attractions available for visitors, and honestly, the fun knows no bounds.

 

Why Greeks Take Hospitality Seriously

In Greece, an ancient belief is that a visitor can be one of their gods in disguise. Everyone who identifies as Greek or represents their beliefs welcomes guests, regardless of their title and position in society, with food, drinks, and a place to lay their heads before engaging in any conversation. In the past, the ancient Greek god Zeus punished people who were found not to be hospitable.

 

It cannot be overstated that the Greek people are very kind, and in ancient times it was common for a villager to go to the home of a foreigner or visitor with a bag of fresh tomatoes. This form of hospitality is currently displayed in states, such as helping a stranger in need or buying food for a homeless person. The ancient Greeks believed that their acts of kindness and hospitality would lead to favor in the sight of Zeus and other gods. It was also discovered that the most prosperous people in the Greek culture at that time were also very hospitable and generous with their wealth; this further increased the passion for hospitality in all citizens.

 

The Laws of Xenia

The word Xenia embodies the idea of being hospitable. It forms part of the compound word “Philo-Xenia” which translates to “Friend of the stranger”. Stories have been told of the god Zeus, who was known to dress up in layman’s clothing and appear at the doors of villagers to know who would accept him and those who would turn him away. Woe to those who turn him away as unknown to them. 

 

They have just incurred Zeus’s wrath; we can imagine what that would look like. Asides from Zeus, other gods, such as the goddess of wisdom, Athena Xenia, and the set of twins, Dioscuri Castor and Pollux, were known to watch over all strangers. In ancient Greece, offering hospitality to a stranger is seen as a sign of virtue and honor. These acts have, as such, been enshrined in their DNA and passed down to their offspring; little wonder why the residents are so kind.

5 Popular Greek Desserts to Try

Greece is a country known for its diversity, further illustrated by the various sweet desserts in the country. One can try multiple desserts when visiting the country for the first time. Many desserts are made with exciting ingredients and different preparation methods. In this article, we will look at 5 of the most common Greek desserts and review them and the methods used in their preparation.

 

Baklava

This Greek treat is made up of layers consisting of Flaky Phyllo pastry filled up with crushed nuts that the customers like. The dessert is topped off with honey. Baklava is quite a unique dessert; unlike others, it can be prepared about two days before and retains its untouched nature. This is especially possible if all the ingredients used are in a new state during preparation. After making your baklava, you can store it in a freezer for up to four months. Keeping the dessert in batches is advisable, so you don’t have to thaw out a whole pan when you want a piece.

 

Loukoumades

These are tiny bite-sized honey balls which are the Greek version of donuts. When preparing this dessert, it is fried until a golden brown is obtained. This is when the dessert is at its crispiest and purest form. The traditional paper of loukoumades is dipped in honey syrup and served alongside cinnamon and chopped nuts to the customer’s liking. Chocolate lovers can also drizzle this delicacy in a chocolate sauce. The perfect loukoumades are gotten if you leave your dough to rise for a while, so patience is essential in preparing this snack.

 

Bougatsa

This is a Greek custard pie made with creamy custard, which is then placed into golden brown phyllo. Melted butter is rubbed over the phyllo, and icing sugar or cinnamon is used as toppings. Good quality fresh butter is essential in ensuring a perfect bougatsa. Butter made from cow’s milk is historically the best dessert option. An important tip to note when making this dessert is to make the phyllo crispier and flakier; the butter should be sprinkled rather than brushed on.

 

Melomakarona

These are known as Greek honey cookies. These cookies are incredibly moist and can be prepared in just a few minutes. The Ingredients used in making these cookies are common everyday items, so you can easily incorporate them into the meals you make at home. The dessert can be topped using cinnamon or icing sugar. It is a very common Christmas delicacy here in Greece, and it is common to go out in the festive season to give them out to people experiencing homelessness and others in need.

 

Visit Greco Today

The list of savory Greek desserts goes on. There is never a dull moment in any of our restaurants. We at Greco are committed to providing your taste buds with that extra wonder in every bite. Visit our website today to find out which desserts are available.

Healthy Greek Meals You Should Try

Are you a big fan of Greek cuisine and want to get healthier? Fortunately, there are many healthy Greek meals for you to try! If you wish to eat more fruits and vegetables or lose a few pounds, these healthy Greek meals might help you.

 

Traditional Greek Salad

This traditional Greek salad may be the best option for a quick and healthy meal. It is low in calories while also being filling and loaded with vegetables. As a bonus, it’s delicious! This salad is super easy to make because it has so few ingredients. You can make it yourself with cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Add a dressing of olive oil, herbs, and spices, and you’ll have a new favorite lunch item!

 

Greek Chicken Bowls

This Greek chicken bowl recipe can make a filling, healthy, and tasty meal in less than an hour. The bowl includes marinaded chicken strips, rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions mixed with herbs, spices, and oil. It is a flavorful and exciting dish your family will beg you to make weekly! While the prep time takes a little longer than other healthy Greek recipes, this one is unforgettable. Even better, it is a fantastic meal to make ahead of meal prep. Consider this recipe for your lunches this week!

 

Greek Dolmades

Dolmades is a vegetarian dish with a rice mixture stuffed inside grapevine leaves. This meal can be an excellent option for those seeking a lighter dish for dinner. The rice is seasoned with lemon juice, onions, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper before being added to the leaves and rolled. 

 

Avgolemono Chicken Soup

Traditionally, avgolemono is a sauce made of chicken broth, the juice of a lemon, and egg yolks. Add broth, chicken, and rice to make it into a soup. This avgolemono chicken soup recipe brings a delicious and healthy dinner option in 30 minutes or less.

 

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

If you’ve never had souvlaki, you’re missing out! If you’ve never had tzatziki, you’re also missing out! These two Greek favorites are flavorful and may become your favorite protein-packed dish. The chicken souvlaki with tzatziki requires a garlic-heavy marinade for the best flavor. It is typically served on a skewer or in a pita with various toppings. Whether you opt for the skewer or the pita version, you won’t be disappointed with this meal. 

 

Try Greek Meals!

Are you a lover of Greek food but need more energy to cook the meals yourself? That’s okay! Greco is ready to serve you some of the most incredible healthy Greek meals you’ll ever have. Stop by Greco in Boston, MA, for a delicious bite today.

5 Popular Greek Desserts to Try This New Year

You may have heard of rice pudding or baklava and not attributed it to Greek desserts, but they are two of the more available options. Although Greek desserts are less commonly known than in other cultures, there are many delicious sweets to choose from. This new year, consider trying one of these five popular Greek desserts.

 

Loukoumades

Loukoumades are a Greek dessert made of fried dough. It is often compared to a donut or funnel cake. The dough comprises flour, yeast, sugar, and water rolled into a small ball and fried in oil. Once the frying is complete, bakers typically top loukoumades with a honey sauce.

Cinnamon and chopped nuts are often an additional topping to Greek loukoumades. Other tasty topping options include chocolate, caramel, and Nutella. These delicious treats are usually found at festivals or celebrations.

 

Portokalopita

Imagine a cake with layers of phyllo dough and custard with a custard filling. This delectable dessert brings varying flavors and textures to create a popular Greek dish. Greeks make the custard of eggs, sugar, and semolina. 

Once baked, the cake is typically soaked in a sweet syrup made from orange juice and sugar. The orange flavor is strong in this dessert!

It’s also good to note that portokalopita is famous for even those that don’t often bake, as this is one dish where you don’t have to be gentle with the phyllo dough. 

 

Kserotigana

As with many Greek desserts, kserotigana features phyllo dough. The phyllo dough is deep-fried in this decadent dish and rolled into mixed nuts and cinnamon sugar. They are served in a delicate spiral shape, drizzled with honey or syrup. 

Kserotigana can be found at nearly any bakery or sweet shop in Greece but is also a common feature at weddings, baptisms, and other special events. Most commonly, kserotigana is associated with Easter.

 

Diples

Diples are a Greek dessert somewhat similar to Kserotigana, especially in preparation. Diples is a phyllo dough pastry that is deep fried and folded. It often includes extra flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. They are served in long spirals with a honey glaze and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.  

 

Halvas

If you’re looking for the Greek version of fudge, it’s halvas. Halvas is created with tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds. It also includes nuts, sugar, and spices to make a delicious little sweet. A bit of honey or syrup adds to the sweetness of the dish.

This dessert is firm enough to form blocks, balls, or other shapes and is served as a standard dessert at special events and in cafes. 

3 Popular Menu Items To Try at Greco in Boston, MA

Greco is the neighborhood we grew up in, the stories we heard while growing up, the people we loved. Greco is a trip and we travel along with it. And on that trip, we carry our recipes and share all the smells and tastes of home.

 

There’s the American version of Greek food—then there’s true blue GRECO. 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. At our modern eatery, you’ll experience authentic street fare, made with Greek love.

 

Gyro

At Greco, we have plenty of different Gyro options to choose from to best match your taste. We have pork, lamb, or chicken gyro options, all filled with tomato, onion, and tzatziki. The Gyro originated in Greece and is a trademark of Greek fast food. Typically, a Gyro is typically packed with thinly sliced meat, tomatoes, raw red onions, lettuce, tzatziki, and if requested fried potatoes. It can’t be missed, try it a Greco today! 

 

Bifteki 

Bifteki is a delicious take on Greek meatballs. When you stuff this Greek meat mixture with feta cheese and grill it, the delicious result is called a Bifteki. A combination of oregano, mint, and onion all come together to create a traditional Greek taste. This delicious dish can also be considered a Greek burger. At Greco, 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 and flavored with various other dried herbs and seeds and sometimes smoked over woods 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 itself comes from ancient Roman cuisine Lucania which has also been 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 fast food for you to try throughout Boston, MA. Visit our website to view our menu and learn more about our Greco story. View our locations to visit us today.

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. 

Your Guide to Popular Greek food

Greek food has a rich history and is renowned for its variety of dishes, from fresh seafood and sugary pastries to delicate grilled meats and tangy salads. Greece is the southernmost European country, and the mainland and the islands typically enjoy a Mediterranean climate that is excellent for agriculture and viticulture. 

Fish and seafood are a prominent and regular part of the Greek diet because 70% of Greece is made up of islands, and no section of the Greek mainland is more than 90 miles from the sea. The traditional meats for celebrations and holidays are lamb and goat (kid), although there is plenty of fowl, cattle, and pork.

Furthermore, for the past 10,000 years, connectivity to fresh fish has been made possible by its location in the Aegean. Top-quality ingredients, natural herbs, and tightly kept family traditions are the hallmarks of traditional Greek cuisine. 

 

Top Greek Foods

Some of the top Greek food includes: 

 

φασoλάδα (fasoláda)

Among the ingredients are carrots, tomatoes, celery, onion, and white beans.

This is a hearty and incredibly nourishing Greek soup made with fresh veggies and nearby white beans. The beans give the soup an exceptional thickness after they have been perfectly boiled until they are soft. This Greek food is a typical dish in contemporary Greek cooking, enjoyed by many Greek families, particularly religious households, during the Great Lent.

 

γεμιστά (stuffed)

Ingredients include minced pork, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, seasonings, and glutinous rice (optional).

The word γεμιστά suggests “stuffed.” With rice, herbs, and (alternatively) minced meat, tomatoes, peppers, and occasionally even zucchini are stuffed in this classic Greek food. Frequently eaten with baked potatoes, the stuffed veggies are roasted in the oven.

 

Greek salads

Greeks enjoy their meat. However, they also recognize the importance of a balanced diet. Without a substantial, tangy salad, no authentic Greek meal is complete. The “xoriatiki Salata” or “village salad” is a traditional Greek salad. The main ingredients in this popular Greek dish are typically cucumbers, vegetables, feta cheese, onions, oregano, and olive oil. Greece features a wide variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes, while the village salad is typically the default selection.

 

Sweets

The perfect traditional Greek food will conclude with a simplistic dessert to clear the palate. Many are simple, while others are labor-intensive and call for some expertise, mainly when working with meticulous phyllo dough. Each Greek bakery has closely-kept recipes for making sumptuous pastries and traditional Greek delicacies. Desserts are typically offered by weight and presented nicely in cardboard takeout boxes.

 

Here at Greco in Boston, MA, we provide you with the top Greek dishes to give you the utmost satisfaction.